Long-held wish comes true as Kenwith Castle resident swims again after 20 years
A Kenwith Castle resident went swimming for the first time in 20 years with the support of her care home team.
Wendy, who lives in the home in Abbotsham, spoke to the Kenwith Castle care home team about her wish to go swimming as part of the home’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative. It encourages residents to share hobbies and passions they once enjoyed but are now unable to pursue without the home’s support. The dedicated team then brings the wish to life in a safe way to help in creating meaningful and lasting memories.
The home then got in touch with Torridge Leisure Centre to arrange for Wendy to swim in the pool that she used to use twice a week on a regular basis. Wendy went into the pool with the support of Jo Passmore, Home Manager of Kenwith Castle, and afterwards they enjoyed a chat over a coffee in the leisure centre’s cafe.
After her swim, Wendy said: “It was a wonderful experience and felt amazing to be back in the water.”
Kenwith Castle care home, which is run by not-for-profit charity, Care South, provides residential, respite, and dementia care to residents. A dedicated activities team at the care home organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships, which can include crafts, gardening, live entertainment, games, and baking.
Jo Passmore, Home Manager at Kenwith Castle, said: “It was an honour to assist Wendy to get back into the pool after so many years. The joy on her face as she relaxed in the pool, with our support, was an incredibly special moment. At Kenwith Castle, we love to encourage and enable our residents to reconnect with their favourite activities and passions. It is moments like this that remind us of the extra special difference we make to our residents’ lives while also providing great care.”
