HC-One care homes across the UK are marking Make a Difference Day on October 26, 2024, by creating a positive change, making a difference and engaging in acts of kindness to bring compassion and care to others.
HC-One care homes have been reflecting on how they make a positive difference to the lives of the residents they care for by listening to their wants, needs and desires to make resident’s wishes and dreams a reality.
At Primrose House Care Home in Haslington, Crewe in Cheshire, colleagues made a resident’s wish come true to go fishing. Resident Brian Halfpenny, aged 81, who has lived at Primrose House since February 2024, expressed his desire to go fishing again, after being a keen fisherman when he was younger.
Brian could often be found on the water edge fishing in Cheshire. Colleagues at Primrose House made Brian’s dreams of going fishing again a reality by collecting fishing rods, tackle and bait as well as a packed lunch.
Colleagues accompanied Brian to Nantwich canal, where he proceeded to catch six fish and outshined the amount caught by staff members.
Dawn Sadler, Home Manager at Primrose House Care Home, stated:
“We were delighted to be able to make Brian’s wish of going fishing again come true. Simple pleasures such as enjoying favourite pastimes are important to our residents and we do everything possible to make these wishes come true.”
At Silverwood care home, in Beeston, Nottingham, colleagues made Olive Cowley, aged 91, a resident who lives at the home, dream come true to go on a boat trip.
Olive who moved into Silverwood in January 2021, has explored the world on beautiful cruise ships, accompanied by her husband or family on most of the trips, the first trip of many being the Queen Elizabeth II.
Olive met many friends on her travels and even got the opportunity to sit at the captain’s table on one of her cruise trips away. This was a huge honour for Olive and an event she speaks about it with pride.
Olive often gets dressed up to continue her cruising adventures. Colleagues at Silverwood care home arranged to take Olive on the Nottingham Princess River Cruise.
Colleagues also brought resident, Rosemary Derry, along on the trip with Olive, as she shares the same passion for being on the open sea. The Nottingham Princess is the largest river cruiser on the River Trent.
They started their cruise at the river lodge mooring in Colwick and thoroughly enjoyed the breath-taking views while passing some of Nottingham’s famous attractions and sights.
They passed the City Ground and Meadow Lane, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Trent Bridge, Victoria embankment, Colwick Country Park, Holme Pierrepont and many more. While aboard the vessel, the residents enjoyed a marvellous two-course meal.
They enjoyed a roast chicken dinner with a black cherry and chocolate gateau with cream for dessert. Olive and Rosemary enjoyed talking to Captain Peter Horn and even talked him into having his photo taken.
Silverwood resident, Olive Cowley, commented:
“I really enjoyed my time reminiscing on the Nottingham Princess River Cruise.”
Silverwood resident, Rosemary Derry, stated:
“Thank you to Olive for letting me accompany her on her trip on the Nottingham Princess River Cruise. I really enjoy being on the open sea, so this was extra special for me.”
At Pytchley Court Care Home in Brixworth, Northampton, Northamptonshire, colleagues helped make resident Robert ‘Bob’ Hasker’s wish come true. Bob, who is 72 years old, expressed his desire to make a return visit to the train tracks.
Bob also wanted to go on a steam train ride, as he previously worked as a railway engineer for 48-years. Colleagues at Pytchley Court jumped into action and organised for Bob and some of his fellow residents to go on a steam train ride.
The experience proved a big hit with Bob who stated:
“It was lovely to be there seeing the train tracks, I used to work as a railway engineer for 48 years.”
Speaking after the trip, Wellbeing Coordinator Jennifer Okorie said:
“We were delighted to help bring Bob’s wish to life. Staff and residents at Pytchley Court have never seen Bob more excited – he kept telling the train staff about his years of service as a railway engineer.
“Since he got back to the care home he won’t stop talking about his experience, he clearly had a fantastic time!
“It is a great feeling for the residents when their choices are respected and it’s amazing to be able to make a different to the lives of our residents. Bob was really happy and grateful we made this happen for him.”
