A day at the beach

Thursday 24th June 2010

Residents at a Sanctuary Care home enjoyed a day by the sea with a difference, with a beach party in the home’s own garden.

Residents at Hatfield Care Home would often fondly recall childhood memories of days spent at the beach with their families, so with a little imagination manager Wendy Lawther decided to bring the beach to them, building a seaside scene in the garden.

The home, which is one of the leading care provider’s Centres of Excellence, held a beach party on Monday to celebrate the creation of this exciting new area, complete with a wooden boat, sand, pebbles, shells and deckchairs. The team has also built a Punch and Judy façade and an ice cream cart to add to that authentic beach feel.

Wendy said: “Our residents and relatives had a lovely time enjoying a ‘seaside’ fish and chip lunch served in the traditional way that most of them remember. We were blessed with sunshine too, with the added musical entertainment and nostalgia, everybody loved the theme and the chance to be involved.

“We thoroughly enjoy being able to bring something to the residents that allows them to actively remember happy childhood and family times.

“The staff at Hatfield are very proactive in making suggestions and planning things that allow our residents to enjoy something different in addition to their every day care. They actively support our belief and desire to create a stimulating environment and take great pleasure in being involved in this type of themed activity, as can be seen by all the creativity involved in this theme – one of many at the home.”

Resident Alan Young said: “This was lovely – I remember enjoying beach holidays when I was a lad and enjoyed taking my own children to the beach and eating chips out of the paper – the best way to have them if you ask me.”

Fellow resident Rose Kus added: “Can we do this again? I loved the seaside.”

Brian Gayler, the son of resident Francis Gayler said: “What a great idea – with the garden themed and the staff getting so involved, my mother loved this and it is nice to have another ‘garden party’. The team really try hard for the residents here and we really appreciate it too.”

Jane Lewis, the daughter of resident Trevor Bellamy said: “My father really enjoyed himself as usual – he loves being able to get involved like this, even if he can’t express it himself, he is a very social man and he loves watching everyone enjoying themselves. The staff clearly love being involved too which is what makes this home special, the staff take a genuine interest in all the residents’ needs.”

The area is especially beneficial for residents with dementia because it helps to trigger happy memories of days gone by when they would enjoy days at the beach with their families – memories that might otherwise remain ‘locked away’.

The home would like to thank local businesses B&Q, Stanborough Lakes and Nottcutts who have generously donated items for this area.

Posted by Kim for Sanctuary Care Ltd.