Making Wishes Come True: Care UK’s ‘Wishing Tree’ Initiative on International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day, which takes place on 19th November each year, supports men and boys by prioritising their wellbeing and enabling positive conversations about masculinity.
This year, Care UK is using the day to spotlight its ongoing Wishing Tree initiative, and the positive impact that these additional day trips and experiences can have on residents. The Wishing Tree might help them to reconnect with old hobbies or former friends, try something new or relive a cherished memory, all in aid of supporting residents’ wellbeing and allowing them to live a fulfilling life.
The teams in Care UK homes go above and beyond to make these wishes a reality, creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of residents and highlighting the positive impact of person-centred care.
The Wishing Tree celebrates the passions and individuality of each resident but, depending on the wish, can also foster a sense of community, or bring them closer to share a new memory with their loved one. That was the case for 94-year-old Dennis at Foxland Grange in Wolverhampton. The team pulled out all the stops to make his dream of flying in a helicopter a reality earlier this year. Accompanied by his daughter, Dennis took to the skies and enjoyed a scenic flight over Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley Railway. This experience has given Dennis the courage to pursue more items on his bucket list.
At Kentford Manor in Newmarket, 85-year-old David, a former farmer, had always wanted to return to a farm and feed the animals. Thanks to the Wishing Tree initiative, the care home team arranged for David to spend a special day at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, feeding and caring for the animals. He began farming at just 12 years old to help on the family farm, so this experience brought back fond memories and allowed him to reconnect with his passion for farming.
For 90-year-old Peter, a resident at Hartismere Place in Eye, the Wishing Tree initiative meant revisiting his lifelong love of sailing. The care home team got in touch with Waveney Stardust Trust and arranged a trip on a motor cruiser along the River Waveney, complete with a picnic lunch on board for Peter and his fellow residents. Peter’s connection to the water runs deep, and this experience allowed him to reconnect with his past and create new memories on the waves.
At Cavell Court in Norwich, a group of residents were treated to a day of golf at the Norwich Family Golf Centre arrange by the care home team. Terence, Vincenzo, and Nihal, all in their 70s and 80s, enjoyed riding in golf buggies, practicing at the driving range, and soaking up the atmosphere with drinks and lunch in the clubhouse. This experience allowed them to try something new and enjoy each other’s company.
These stories demonstrate it’s never too late to try something new, revisit old passion, or make new memories. To find out about the Wishing Tree initiative: https://www.careuk.com/life-at-a-care-uk-home/wishing-trees
