Medical students bring intergenerational connection to Rubislaw Park
Rubislaw Park Care Home has been proud to work in partnership with the University of Aberdeen for over a year, welcoming medical students into the home as part of a community-based education initiative that places people, not just conditions, at the heart of learning.
The programme, which has now successfully entered its second year, gives medical students the opportunity to spend time within a care home environment, gaining insight into person-centred, relationship-based care. By stepping outside traditional clinical and hospital settings, students develop a deeper understanding of supporting older adults, including those living with dementia or mobility needs, and the importance of trust, communication, and continuity in care.
At Rubislaw Park Care Home, care is built around truly knowing each individual, their life history, preferences, communication style, and what matters most to them. By spending time with residents in a familiar and supportive environment, students see first-hand how strong relationships allow changes in wellbeing or behaviour to be recognised early and understood in context, reinforcing lessons that simply cannot be taught in textbooks.
Students are fully welcomed into the life of the home and actively encouraged to take part rather than observe from the sidelines. From joining residents during the much-loved Happy Hour, to participating in activities such as quizzes, choir practice, and movement sessions including Zumba, the shared experiences create natural conversation, laughter, and genuine connection.
Home Manager, Kayleigh Chisolm comments -
"We have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming the medical students to Rubislaw Park. It is genuinely touching to witness the meaningful connections that form between the students and our residents. The students gain invaluable insight, compassion, and experience, while our residents take great pride in sharing their stories, wisdom, and warmth. It’s a partnership that enriches both sides, and we are grateful to play a part in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals."
Residents have warmly embraced the initiative, sharing stories from their lives that span careers, family memories, hobbies, favourite music, and reflections on how life has changed over the years. Many residents also have professional backgrounds in healthcare, creating a powerful exchange of lived experience. Their involvement allows them to share insight, wisdom, and encouragement with students at the beginning of their careers, reinforcing a strong sense of purpose, dignity, and continued contribution.
For residents, the visits provide meaningful social interaction and the reassurance that their voices and experiences continue to matter. For students, the programme offers invaluable insight into the social and emotional aspects of care, highlighting the vital role of empathy, communication, and human connection alongside clinical knowledge.
Rubislaw Park Care Home staff play a key role throughout the programme, modelling compassionate, inclusive care and supporting both residents and students to feel confident and valued. The welcoming environment reflects the home’s commitment to dignity, well-being, and best practice, closely aligned with Care Inspectorate principles.
The partnership began last year as a pilot initiative and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, staff, and students alike. Its continuation into a second year reflects a shared commitment between Rubislaw Park Care Home and the University of Aberdeen to collaborative learning, excellence in care, and the development of well-rounded future clinicians.
This initiative highlights the University of Aberdeen’s recognition that great doctors are shaped not only by clinical expertise, but by empathy, understanding, and meaningful human relationships. For Rubislaw Park, it demonstrates an ongoing commitment to community engagement, person-centred care, and meaningful activity, enriching daily life for residents while helping to shape the future of healthcare.
It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved, and one that Rubislaw Park Care Home hopes to continue as a valued tradition for many years to come.
