MSc Physiotherapy placement at UON
Our MSc Physiotherapy students Daniel and Maezell both recently completed a successful placement at local Northamptonshire care home, Rathgar Residential Care Home. Below are the individual experiences of both students.
Daniel
Why I chose the course
I chose physiotherapy because I wanted a career where I could work closely with people and help them improve their quality of life. I also liked that physiotherapy combines exercise, science, and problem-solving. My previous experience as a kinesiologist made me want to develop my clinical skills further and become a physiotherapist.
What the placement involved
The placement involved working with residents in a care home who had different levels of mobility, strength, and independence. I worked on things like bed mobility, transfers, walking, balance, and exercises. A big part of the placement was also communicating with residents and adapting treatment depending on how they were feeling that day.
My favourite part of the placement
My favourite part of the placement was seeing small improvements in patients that made a real difference to their everyday life. I especially enjoyed working with patients who were initially struggling with mobility and seeing them become more confident. I also enjoyed getting to know the residents and building a good rapport with them.
What I learnt from the placement
I learnt that progress is not always quick, and every patient responds differently even when you provide the same level of support. I became more confident with my communication, exercise prescription, transfers, and clinical reasoning. I also learnt that sometimes simply encouraging someone and building their confidence can be just as important as the exercises themselves.
Things that surprised me about the placement
I was surprised by how much a person’s mood, confidence, memory, or fear could affect their physical performance. I also wasn’t expecting some patients to make progress in small ways that weren’t always obvious at first. The placement showed me that physiotherapy in a care home is about much more than just exercises and mobility. I was surprised by how much progress a patient was able to make even though they initially needed a lot of assistance to stand.
At first, I was helping them with standing, weight shifting and marching, and over time I found ways to encourage them to do more for themselves, including using the Sara Stedy, where she was eventually able to stand without assistance. Seeing them go from needing two people to help them stand to being able to stand more independently showed me how important small progressions, encouragement and giving the patient the opportunity to do things themselves can be.
Advice for future students
My biggest advice would be to not worry about knowing everything before you start because you learn a lot once you are actually working with patients. Take the time to get to know your patients and don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor questions. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and the patients because everyone progresses at their own pace.
Maezell
Why I chose the course
I chose this course because I’ve always been passionate about helping people improve their quality of life. From a young age, growing up as an athlete, I saw how injuries and physical limitations could prevent people from doing the things they love. That inspired me to pursue physiotherapy so I could help others regain their independence, confidence, and ability to do what matters most to them.
What the placement involved
My placement involved working with residents living with dementia and other health conditions in a care home. I delivered group exercise sessions as well as individual physiotherapy treatments, with the aim of improving residents’ mobility, strength, independence, and overall quality of life.
My favourite part of the placement
My favourite part of the placement was getting to know each resident and building strong relationships with them. Creating a sense of trust and community was incredibly rewarding, and it was amazing to see residents make progress in their fitness, mobility, and overall wellbeing throughout my time there.
What I learnt from the placement
This placement helped me develop my communication skills, particularly when working with individuals living with dementia and other complex conditions. It also pushed me outside my comfort zone by giving me valuable experience working with the older adult population, which has increased my confidence as a future physiotherapist.
What surprised me during the placement
One of the biggest surprises was how much physiotherapy takes place in a care home. Many people assume there is limited scope for physiotherapy in this setting, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many residents were working towards important rehabilitation goals, such as improving their mobility and regaining independence.
One of the most rewarding experiences during my placement was helping a resident progress from being transferred using a hoist to being able to complete transfers using a Sara Stedy. Through consistent physiotherapy, targeted strengthening exercises, balance training, and regular encouragement, we were able to improve her strength, confidence, and functional ability to reach this milestone. Seeing her regain this level of independence was incredibly rewarding, not only because it improved her quality of life, but also because it made day-to-day transfers safer and easier for both the resident and the care staff. Experiences like this showed me the real impact physiotherapy can have in a care home setting and reinforced how meaningful rehabilitation can be, regardless of a person’s age or condition.
Advice for future students
My advice would be to approach your placement with an open mind and be willing to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Take every opportunity to get involved, ask questions, and apply yourself. The more effort you put into your placement, the more rewarding and valuable the experience will be. Every placement offers unique learning opportunities, so embrace them and make the most of every experience!
A message from Jane Borland, Care Manager:
Having student physiotherapy placements within our dementia care home has been an incredibly positive and heartfelt experience for everyone involved. The students brought kindness, compassion, and genuine dedication to the residents they worked with, and the difference they made has been truly remarkable.
One resident, who does not have dementia, had been bedbound and was relying on a full hoist for transfers. Through the students’ patience, encouragement, and hard work, she was supported to progress to using a Sara Stedy, which was a huge step towards preparing her to return to her own home and maintain her independence. Since the students have left the care home, the progress they helped her achieve has continued, and she is now walking with a Zimmer frame.
We honestly do not believe we would have made it this far without having the students in the care home and without the time, care, and therapeutic input they gave. Their support has helped this resident regain confidence, mobility, and hope for the future, and has brought her to a place were returning home and maintaining her independence is now possible. We are extremely grateful to the students for all they have done, not only for this resident, but for the kindness and compassion they showed to everyone they supported during their placement.
Thank you to our student physiotherapists.
To the students, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you for everything you brought to our care home. Your kindness, patience, compassion, and determination have made a lasting difference, not only to the resident you supported so successfully, but to all of the residents and staff who had the pleasure of working with you.
You gave your time, care, and encouragement so generously, and because of your input this resident has achieved something truly special: the chance to return home with greater confidence, mobility, and independence. We are incredibly grateful for the hard work, dedication, and compassion you showed throughout your placement, and we will always remember the positive impact you have had in our home.
