This simple video activity gives residents a chance to share a past job, skill, service, family role, or life achievement they feel proud of. Each person holds one double-sided card: the front reads “I ONCE WAS…”, then they flip it over to reveal their own words. Film the whole reveal in one short take, put the clips together with a little music, and enjoy watching the finished slideshow as a group.
This simple one-card reveal has become a lovely trend on some care-home social pages. It works because the resident is the focus. A genuine smile is lovely when it comes naturally, but there is no need for anyone to perform. A calm, comfortable expression is just as good.
QUICK SETUP
Phone or tablet • 1 double-sided A4 card per person • Thick marker • Quiet, well-lit spot
• Optional: a laminated sign, whiteboard marker, and soft cloth
What You Will Need
| Item | What to use |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | Film vertically for social media, or horizontally if you mainly plan to show the finished video on a TV. Choose one format and use it for every clip. |
| One double-sided card per person | The front says I ONCE WAS…. The reverse side shows the person’s occupation, skill, service, or contribution. |
| Thick dark marker | Keep the reveal wording large and easy to read on camera. |
| Comfortable chair or wheelchair space | Film people where they are already comfortable. A quiet corner, lounge, or bedroom is fine. |
| Simple editing app | Use the app your team already knows to join the short clips and add permitted music. |
Make the Double-Sided Card
Use one large card or two sheets of A4 paper securely taped back-to-back. Keep the wording short.
Front of every card:
I ONCE WAS…
Back of the card:
Write the person’s chosen words. It might be a former job, a voluntary role, a practical skill, a family contribution, military service, or another achievement they are happy to share.
Time-saving option:
If you are filming several residents, you can laminate one double-sided sign instead. Keep I ONCE WAS… on the front, write each person’s words on the reverse with a wipe-clean marker, then wipe it clean and use it again. Individual cards work just as well if you prefer to prepare them in advance.
| What the person shares | Example wording for the reveal side |
|---|---|
| Teaching | A School Teacher |
| Nursing | A Nurse |
| Running a business | A Shop Owner |
| Dressmaking | A Dressmaking Tutor |
| Working with plants | A Gardener |
| Volunteering | A Volunteer |
| Raising a family | A Proud Mum or A Proud Dad |
| Service | In the Army, Navy, or Air Force |
| Skilled trade | A Carpenter, Mechanic, or Seamstress |
See the Idea in Action (video below)
Here is a lovely example of the “I Once Was…” video format from Newton House Care Home – Barchester Healthcare. Their resident video has received more than 1.7 million views on Facebook! showing how warmly this simple idea can be received.
Video credit: Newton House Care Home – Barchester Healthcare.
How to Film the Video
1. Have a short chat first
Ask: “Would you like us to share something you did, enjoyed, or felt proud of?” Write the answer in the person’s own words wherever possible. There is no need to search for a formal job title or correct a person’s wording.
2. Set up one comfortable shot
Film in a quiet spot with the light facing the person rather than behind them. Sit or stand at their eye level. Make sure their face and the card can both be seen clearly.
3. Film one continuous take
Start recording while the person holds the I ONCE WAS… side facing the camera. Let them hold it for about three to five seconds, then invite them to flip the card over. Keep recording as they hold up their reveal side for another five to eight seconds.
That is all you need: one resident, one card, one take. A small wave or a smile is lovely if it comes naturally, but never ask someone to perform or keep filming if they seem unsure.
4. Add a simple occupation image if you like (optional)
When you edit the clips together, you can add one short occupation image or graphic after the person’s reveal. For example, show a classroom for a teacher, a garden for a gardener, or a dress form for someone who taught dressmaking. Keep it to a few seconds. The resident and their own words should always remain the heart of the video.
5. Make a slideshow to watch together
Put the clips in a simple sequence, add music your service is permitted to use, and keep the finished video short. Start with four to eight residents, then play it at morning tea, in a small group, or at a special Celebrating Our Stories afternoon.
Permission Before You Share Externally
The finished video can be a lovely private activity for your own residents and staff to watch together. If you plan to share any clips outside the service—for example on Facebook, Instagram, a website, or in a newsletter—make sure you have permission from the resident and their family member or representative, in line with your service’s media-consent and privacy process. Check again in the moment, and do not record or share anything if the person appears uncomfortable or changes their mind.
Make Space for Every Story
Not everyone will want to talk about paid work, and that is completely fine. Someone might choose to share a hobby, family role, service, volunteering, a skill, or a contribution that matters to them. If a person does not want to appear on camera, staff can include only their card, use an occupation image, or simply invite them to watch the completed slideshow.
A Few Practical Tips
Keep clips short, use large writing, and avoid trying to make the room look perfect. Ordinary clothes, a comfortable chair, a clear card, and the person’s own story are enough. The best videos feel warm because they are real—not because they are heavily staged.
Image and Video Direction
- Use a still from your own finished video as the main blog image when consent allows.
- The strongest image is a clearly elderly resident holding the I ONCE WAS… side of the card, just before the flip reveal.
- Embed your short example video below How to Film the Video if you create one.
- Use a genuine smile when it happens naturally; avoid forced expressions, costumes, or over-styled rooms.
