After Amy asked
all of the residents if they wanted to come to the Seaside – only two residents
were excited by the idea of going. I’m not sure why the other residents didn’t want
to come. I think this may be down to a culmination of reasons from not feeling
well, been out of the care home routine, or not wanting to go in a
wheelchair….. Florence and Oliver were up for it! They were both in great
spirits and as soon as we got out of the door of the care home, we all felt a
completely different energy.
We spent time
walking (and wheeling), smelling and breathing in the wonderful sea air - its like nothing else, listening to children
on their summer holidays playing on the beach, eating fish and chips,
reminiscing about rambling and and talking about other coastlines, from Blackpool
to Sunderland concluding with licking ice-creams that were melting in the sun’s
heat.
It was just
wonderful to be out of the stuffy air of the care home environment and to feel
like a group of friends enjoying a nice day out, without distractions of the alarm
and bell noises, medication rounds and set meal times. It felt like freedom! At
one point, Florence put her hand onto Oliver’s and they had a conversation
about their lives, discussing siblings, relationships and where they were from.
Activity
Coordinator, Amy had booked the taxis and brought warm coats. Her deep connection
and knowledge of the residents is special. When we returned back to
Northbourne, Oliver said ‘What a wonderful day we have had’ and Florence
responded with ‘What a nice change, a beautiful sunny day’. I felt completely
honoured to have been part of such a poignant day.
It was
wonderful to spend quality with Amy and to hear her ideas, one of her ideas was a Northbourne Sleepover…watch
this space!