ExtraCare Community Placement Reflection

Alfie’s Placement Experience

Alongside two classmates, I attended my first placement on my Physiotherapy course; this blog explores our experiences and changing attitudes. We as students were the only physiotherapists on site and received long-arm supervision from the University. Initially, this setup felt quite daunting, I was new to clinical practice and unsure how I would contribute or develop without a qualified physio on site. I also entered the course with a strong interest in sport and performance-focused physiotherapy, so I assumed this placement wouldn’t match my goals or passions.

The First Week

The first week seemed somewhat overwhelming as I struggled to see any direction. However, as the placement progressed, I became increasingly engaged. I started to connect with residents, learn their stories, and understand how physiotherapy could impact their day-to-day lives in deeply meaningful ways. I actually found the elderly population were easier to work on as a new student because they were so patient, friendly and happy to be a part of my professional development. Their interest in myself, the profession, and general engagement made building therapeutic relationships easier.

The moment that changed everything

One particular experience involved a resident struggling with plantar fasciitis, preventing them from enjoying walks with their family. After 2-weeks of physio intervention the resident exclaimed I had “given them their life back”. This moment was a turning point in how I view physiotherapy.

For the first time, I saw how my knowledge, decisions, and interactions could directly affect someone’s quality of life. It was humbling and motivating to know that my involvement had such a meaningful impact, one which I wouldn’t experience in other placement settings, particularly sports. It challenged and expanded my professional identity.

What I associated Physiotherapy with prior to the course

Before starting the course, I associated physiotherapy with musculoskeletal recovery or sport-related injuries. However, teachings on the course and this particular experience showed me that helping someone walk to the park with their grandchildren is more powerful than helping an athlete return to peak physical condition. I realised that community physiotherapy epitomises person-centred care, aiming to restore function, dignity, and independence. I now approach physiotherapy with a far more open and flexible mindset, and I am excited to explore all specialities, including community care, which I had once overlooked. I have seen first-hand how impactful this work can be, and how deeply it aligns with the values of holistic, compassionate, and empowering care.

Lateef’s Experience

Stepping Into the Unknown

Before my placement, I honestly thought it wasn’t going to be relevant to me at all. I didn’t know what to expect from a retirement village and assumed it would feel like working in a care home. I kept thinking “What am I really going to learn here?”

Learning Through Experience

Once I got started, though, my perspective completely changed. I was able to spend time with different residents, really talk to them about their conditions and carry out assessments. One of the most rewarding parts was creating exercise plans tailored to their needs. The best moment was hearing residents come back later to say that they felt better afterwards and that’s when it hit me that the work I was doing was making a difference.

Looking Back

After completing the placement, I feel like I’ve achieved something whole. It was a huge step for me, especially since this was my very first placement. Being in a retirement village turned out to be an invaluable experience, giving me confidence and showing me just how much I can learn in settings I never expected.

I feel proud and accomplished and it’s definitely reshaped how I see future placements too.

Lindsay’s Experience

My expectations

When I was originally given the information that we were being placed in a retirement village, I was unsure what to expect. I had no previous professional background in this area, and since this was a long-term placement, I was also concerned that I was not going to get the support needed to succeed. However, once we had arrived at ExtraCare, we were welcomed fully by the team, and they were very supportive of our ideas and our enthusiasm to make a difference with the residents. We were able to plan and implement two separate projects; a dementia dementia-sensitive exercise class and a falls prevention presentation and demonstration at two ExtraCare locations. Alongside this, we were able to do a dozen one-on-one appointments with residents experiencing specific concerns they wanted addressed. Throughout the experience, the staff and residents welcomed us with open arms.

The experience was extremely positive

Every day I was excited to go to placement, interact with the residents, hear their stories, and hopefully impact them in a positive way. The feedback we had received from everyone had given me a good idea that we had succeeded in leaving a positive impression on the residents in their view of not only students but also on the physiotherapy field as a whole. I was very lucky to have this experience with ExtraCare and will carry what I learned from the ExtraCare family with me throughout my career.

ExtraCare’s feedback on the students

The three students received excellent feedback from the residents and the staff at Lovat Fields Extra Care retirement village in Milton Keynes, complimenting them on their professionalism, confidentiality, empathy, safe practise, and care . . . they even penned a poem as thanks.

At Lovat Fields, where kindness grows

Among the garden’s gentle rows

Three bright stars have graced our days

With healing hands and thoughtful ways.

Alfie brings a cheerful grin

With steady care from deep within

He lifts with laughter, moves with grace

And lights up every resident’s face.

Lateef walks in with calm and poise

A quiet strength, a heart full of noise

Of joy, of purpose, steady and true

Helping legs to dance like they once knew.

Lindsay shines with warmth so wide

A guiding voice, a gentle guide

With every stretch and balanced stand

She’s there to lend a helping hand.

Together they have made us strong

With patient steps and healing song

Not just in bodies, but in soul

They’ve helped to make the village whole.

So here’s to Alfie, Lateef, and Linds

Our physio stars, our newfound friends

Thank you for the care you show

May your futures bloom and glow.

There are a variety of benefits to going on a physiotherapy placement, not only for the students but also the community and local employers. Find out more about what we offer at UON by visiting an Open Day.

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Alfie Smith, Lateef Abimbola Ogunwande, and Lindsay Gauthier

Alfie Smith, Lateef Abimbola Ogunwande, and Lindsay Gauthier are MSc Physiotherapy students who recently visited ExtraCare Community.