Exeter care home residents explore the secrets of Haldon Forest
Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Cadogan Court, in Exeter, were delighted to be able to enjoy a day trip to Haldon Forest Park, following the current guidance from the government. Since this summer, care home residents have been able to participate in low-risk, out-of-home activities without having to self-isolate on their return to the care homes.
The residents chose Haldon Forest as they wanted to make the most of the warm sunny weather, so the Home’s staff safely arranged the trip for them. They all travelled via the Home’s mini bus to the woodlands, just 15 minutes from Cadogan Court.
Once they arrived, the residents, accompanied by Home’s staff members, gently strolled through the trees and immersed themselves in the beauty of the autumn leafy landscape.
A moment to enjoy and reminisce
After enjoying the tranquillity of the woods, they reached the picnic benches to sit down and enjoy a well-deserved refreshment. Residents and staff chatted cheerfully over tea, coffee and biscuits.
For resident Janet Wigmore, aged 100, it was a chance to remember her own life experiences: "I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a perfect day, with the sun shining, and it was pretty warm for October. It was nice to get out and do things, and it was very special for me because I used to go to the Haldon race course with my late husband. It also suited me because I love the outside world; it was lovely to visit Haldon again."
Resident Stuart Newsham, aged 87, agreed with Janet Wigmore and added: “Yes, it was a lovely afternoon with some great company. The place was really nice as well!”
On the way back to the care home, the mini bus was full of laughter and chatter. Cadogan Court’s staff arrange trips to the local area regularly, so the residents have already started planning their next adventure with the help from the Home’s Activities Team.
Emma Allan, one of Cadogan Court’s Activities Coordinators, highlighted how important these activities are to support the residents’ health and wellbeing. She said: “The residents chose overwhelmingly for a chance to get out into nature. Their spirits were visibly lifted as they shared stories and memories with one another, spotted butterflies, flora and fauna. It just goes to show that the simplest things in life are often the best.”
Cadogan Court, run by RMBI Care Co., is part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. The Home is currently able to safely welcome new residents. For more information, please visit: http://www.rmbi.org.uk/
