Call of the wild – Worcester care home residents go on a virtual safari

Worcester care home residents had a roar-some time as they fastened their seatbelts for a unique adventure. 

Residents at Care UK’s Perry Manor, on Charles Hastings Way, donned their safari hats and embarked upon a virtual trail through the Savannah in Africa, spotting lions and zebras along the way.

During the ‘safari’, team members acted as official tour guides and created a special animal display, including tactile toy animals and photographs. The home team also used an aromatherapy machine to diffuse scents to emulate the atmosphere of the jungle. 

Residents were encouraged to reminisce about their favourite animal encounters and pets they had in younger years – some of the avid-travelers at Perry Manor were also encouraged to share stories from their time travelling around Africa.

This was not the first time travelling around Africa for two of Perry Manor’s residents, 87-year-old Pat Cornwell and 94-year-old John Armstrong. In her younger years, Pat lived in West Africa for three years, and fondly remembers spending her time painting the nature and wildlife on her doorstep. Meanwhile, John lived in South Africa for a decade, and regularly travelled across the border to West Africa for his job. 

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Perry Manor, said: “We have many animal lovers here at Perry Manor, which is why we planned our very own virtual safari. It was a great opportunity for residents to share happy memories about their pets and their own travels in younger years, while also learning more about Africa’s wildlife. 

“Events like these are a wonderful opportunity to encourage reminiscence, which can be incredibly beneficial for older people, especially those living with dementia. We’re looking forward to getting our safari hats on again very soon!”

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art Care UK home, which provides full time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short term respite care. In 2022, the team took home an RCN Nursing Award and a Worcestershire Health and Social Award. Rated outstanding by the CQC, the home is designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, cafe and hair salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.

To find out more about Perry Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Shilpa Odedra, on 01905 886 715, or email shilpa.odedra@careuk.com

For more general information about Perry Manor, visit careuk.com/perry-manor