Seas the day! Hythe care home resident’s wish to get back on board boat is granted

A resident at a care home in Hythe made waves while revisiting boat she used to volunteer on.

When Muriel Matcham, aged 85, a resident at Care UK's Carpathia Grange, on Southampton Road, expressed her wish to re-visit a Hythe tourist boat, team members knew they had to do something special.

Muriel had volunteered on the Alison McGregor alongside her husband Bryan for 10 years, serving tea and coffee to visitors, while he used to drive the boat – and provide a running commentary of the views. Having not been on the boat for many years, Muriel made the wish to get back on board and share her knowledge of the Southampton waters and the route the boat used to take. 

 

Team members got to work to make her dream come true and surprised Muriel with the special trip. On the day, Muriel, along with some fellow residents and team members travelled to the docks where they were met with the current crew of the Alison McGregor, who gave Muriel an initiation before they set sail.

Muriel said: “It was fantastic to be out on the boat again after quite a few years as I knew it so well and I was able to give a guided tour of local points of interest on the Solent.”

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 a plane to enjoying a night at the opera, no wish is too big or small.

Pooja Dhoot, Home Manager at Carpathia Grange, said: “It was amazing to be able to re-unite Muriel with the boat that holds so many happy memories for her; her reaction on the day really said it all. 

“Here at Carpathia Grange, we always encourage residents to continue to enjoy their favourite pastimes and share memories which hold special importance to them, as it’s a great way to encourage reminiscence. Muriel has talked very fondly about the time she spent volunteering on the boat and we are so happy we could make this happen for her. 

“Muriel and the other residents had an amazing day seeing the sights along the coast – no doubt this will be something we will be talking about for a long time to come!”

Carpathia Grange is a three-storey care home which provides residential, dementia and nursing care. The home features 62 en-suite bedrooms and has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.