13 May 2025
In April, we had the pleasure of welcoming a remarkable new resident, Modupe, to Barleycroft Care Home. Originally from the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, Modupe brings with her not only a rich cultural heritage but also a lifelong passion for cooking. For her, preparing food is far more than a daily routine — it is an act of love, identity, and purpose.
From the moment she arrived, Modupe expressed immense joy in joining the Barleycroft community. She was eager to contribute by sharing traditional Nigerian dishes — a gesture that allows her to maintain a deep sense of purpose and connection, reminiscent of providing for her family. This is something we deeply value and actively encourage.
At Barleycroft, we believe that moving into a care home should never mean giving up who you are, your independence, or the things that give your life meaning. Modupe’s story is a powerful example of how we support residents in continuing to live life on their own terms. We don’t just provide care — we empower individuals to thrive.
To ensure Modupe could safely engage in her passion, we carried out a full risk assessment, enabling her to cook in a supported and secure environment. She enjoys preparing food in large quantities, not just for herself, but to share — which has already brought a joyful sense of community and celebration to our home.
Being able to cook culturally familiar meals has had a profoundly positive impact on Modupe’s emotional well-being. These dishes connect her to her roots and spark comforting memories of home, family, and love. Through food, she has found a renewed sense of purpose and pride — and she has graciously shared her heritage with staff and fellow residents.
A couple of our care staff and kitchen team were delighted when Modupe invited them to taste her cooking. They happily obliged — and were full of praise, saying it was delicious, well-seasoned, and bursting with flavour. It was a proud moment for Modupe, who beamed with joy knowing her food was appreciated and celebrated.
Modupe’s journey to Barleycroft is one of incredible resilience. After arriving in East London in 2007, she faced a difficult period of instability — sofa surfing, a hip fracture after slipping on ice, and years of chronic pain. Without stable housing, she lived with her goddaughter until increasing mobility challenges made independent living unsustainable. In April, she joined Barleycroft Care Home — and she hasn’t looked back.
Now, Modupe is thriving. With our team’s support, she continues doing what she loves and feels more connected than ever.
In her own words:
“I really love being at Barleycroft Care Home. The staff have gone above and beyond to help me prepare my native foods and celebrate my culture. It means so much to me.”
Modupe’s presence is a beautiful reminder that life in a care home is not about limitation — it’s about liberation. It’s about enabling people to live fully, with dignity, independence, and joy. At Barleycroft Care Home, we are proud to create a space where every resident is empowered to keep their passions alive and continue writing their own story.
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