Care Home Takes Residents to Famous Lavender Fields to Stimulate the Senses and Boost Wellbeing
Residents at a Hertfordshire care home recently enjoyed a ‘magical’ trip to the famous Hitchin Lavender fields to help promote mental and physical wellbeing by stimulating the senses.
Attended by 10 residents and four staff members from Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, the day out was hailed a great success as residents experienced the powerful sensory aspects of the lavender fields, including the smell, touch, and sight of the plants.
Since its official opening in 2012, the 30-acre field has become the UK’s largest pick-your-own lavender farm, being regularly visited by photographers, Instagrammers, locals and more.
As Foxholes’ residents strolled through the fields they were reminded of iconic film scenes, with many reminiscing about their childhoods, while others opted to pluck some lavender to create mini bunches for family members.
Dressed in a black and white polka-dot dress, one resident was so caught up in the excitement of pruning the lavender and enjoying the scents and smells that she even lost one of the wheels to her wheelchair – an experience she recalls as being “totally worth it”, as she got into the spirit of attempting to capture the perfect Insta-worthy image.
Adele Querelle, Head of Engagement at Foxholes Care Home, commented:
“Partnering with activity providers like Hitchin Lavender fields is an integral part of our diverse care offering. The traditional English feel of the trip was so inviting and provided a perfect opportunity for our residents to get out and immerse themselves in the British sunshine. Seeing the smiles on residents’ faces highlights just how important it is to keep them engaged with stimulating activities. For some time now, the Hitchin Lavender fields have been high on our list of best things to do in Hertfordshire this summer and we were delighted with the overall experience we got on the day!”
91-year-old resident, Una Bracey, said:
“I thought the trip was a magical experience and a fantastic day out for everyone involved. It was a pleasure to enjoy the day out with so many fellow green-fingered enthusiasts. The flowers were beautiful, the food was excellent and the company was even better. I can’t wait for our next visit – it was definitely an experience worth losing a wheel on my wheelchair!”
After the success of the trip, Foxholes is determined to ensure a further collection of enjoyable days out are in the pipeline, with future events set to incorporate the local Hitchin community.
Neil Gandecha, Estate Manager at Foxholes, added:
“Following the success of our recent ‘Foxcubs’ initiative, we’ve already reached out to local mothers in an effort to schedule more sessions – with talks of a future mother/baby exercise group in the works, too.”
“We’d also love to continue developing our Gentlemen’s Lunch Club, with plans to take the club on the road and have days out on walks or the golf range. If the demand is there, we’ll aspire to fulfil that and much more – the possibilities are endless.”
