Boatloads of fun – care home resident takes cruise down memory lane

An Eye care home resident was delighted when his desire to revisit one of his favourite places was made a reality.

When the team at Care UK’s Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, learned that 90-year-old resident, Norman Howard, had strong personal connections to the Norfolk Broads and a keen desire to return, they were determined to make his wish come true.

Norman had been on the Broads many times over the years, taking regular trips on one of the many boats his son, Richard, owned. In his younger years, Norman would steer the boats, enjoying the opportunity to sit in the skipper’s seat and sound the horn.

Also having a keen interest in local wildlife, the Broads have long been a sanctuary for Norman, providing ample opportunities for spotting kingfishers, herons and, to Norman’s delight, swallows. 

Having not visited the Broads for three years, Norman was keen to go back and take in the familiar sights, as well as see how it has changed over the years.

The team organised a delicious picnic to take on the journey, and Norman was accompanied by his wife and three other residents who were keen to join the relaxing day out.

The boat travelled through the beautiful scenery from Gillingham Dam, in Beccles, to the Oulton Broads where everyone could enjoy their lunch before starting the journey back.

Norman said: “I had a wonderful day – it was so lovely to return to the Broads and revisit the places I used to go so regularly with my son.

“I loved being able to share the experience with some of the other residents – I think it’s really important to continue doing what you love, being in a wheelchair doesn’t mean you have to miss out!”

The visit was part of the home’s Wishing Tree Initiative, which encourages residents to put wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, added: “Norman often talks fondly of the time he spent on the Broads with his family, so when he expressed a desire to go back, we were thrilled to help make it happen.

“Our Wishing Tree initiative is a wonderful way for residents to share their ambitions and it’s hugely rewarding to be able to make these a reality. Norman clearly had an amazing time, from spotting some of his favourite birds to shocking his wife by sounding the boat’s horn – it was wonderful to see him in his element.

“He loved it so much he’s already talking about going back – I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make Norman’s wish happen and for rekindling his love for the Broads!”

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, residential dementia, as well as short term respite care.

To find out more about Hartismere Place, please contact Senior Customer Relations Manager, Angela Hodge, on 01379 888276, email angela.hodge@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/hartismere-place.