Can’t be Thamed! Care home residents go on dream trip

A care home resident from Ferndown fulfilled a lifelong wish when she travelled almost 100 miles to London.   

82-year-old resident, Shirley Schofield, who lives at Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, was inspired to revisit London after watching the King’s Coronation, – and the team couldn’t wait to help her dream become a reality.  

The care home team has a ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Shirley had visited London in her younger years but had not been back to the city for 22 years. She last visited with her family to celebrate her 60th birthday and always wished to go back. 

Shirley was joined by Care UK team members as well as residents Pat O’Riordan, (89) Lilly Gledhill, (90) and Patricia Strevens, (87) who all wished to re-visit the capital again. 

They were delighted to visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye, andin the afternoon they jumped on a red bus and toured around London to see other sights including Covent Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.  

Shirley said: “It was amazing. I loved seeing Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.”

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “It’s a huge privilege for us to be able to fulfill residents’ wishes, and this one was no exception. We had a wonderful time taking Shirley and her friends to London for the day.  

“Here at Ferndown Manor, we’re passionate about helping residents’ dreams come true, whether that be a trip to the garden centre or returning to school – the sky’s the limit! 

“I am so proud of the team for continuing to fulfill resident wishes. The smile on Shirley’s face was a picture and wecan’t wait to see what the team do next!”  

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The care home also boasts its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is also plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.

For more information, or to book your place at the event, contact Customer Relations Manager, Robin Hill, on 01202 863100 or email robin.hill@careuk.com