Wimborne Care home residents participate in Remembrance Parade
Wimborne Care Home on Hayling Island has many residents who remember aspects of WW2, which ended 80 years ago on November 11, 1945. Therefore, attending the parade on November 9 was something they dearly wished to do.
ExCo
It’s a fair round trip, too far for them to all walk, so Wimborne Activities Lead Zoe Freeman faced up to the organisational challenge.
With the help of Home Services Advisor, Nikki Shepherd approaches were made to Hayling’s Red Cross Mobility Aids Service, who offered a loan of wheelchairs and the wonderful team from ‘Mobility at Sea’ in Waterlooville offered the balance of wheelchairs and raincovers in the event of showers, given the unpredictability of the forecast. Without the support of these organisations the event would never have happened and we would like to publicly thank them.
The next challenge was to find the willing hearts with strong arms and legs Wimborne needed a gang of pushers! Stepping forward first were the kind volunteers from Hayling Lions, then through local connections a total of over 22 giving souls agreed to support, to push and chat, to natter and engage.
The experience was very positive. The feeling of being part of the parade was unique for many of the residents, the solemnity of the silence was appreciated, the sharing of the company and the connections was an unanticipated highlight.
We had Roger pushing Roger, with much chatter; we had Nicky and Joan with promises of ‘same time next year’ and Cathy with Joy, neither of whom stopped nattering. The ‘pairings’ worked so very well. Fun was had, all returned safely, Wimborne laid on delicious cherry and chocolate cake and warming hot drinks for the pushing gang and for many the smiles alone were the reward, there were smiles everywhere. Several pushers referred to their experience as an honour.
Corrine Holland, Acting General Manager of Wimborne commented: “We want to thank those in our community who helped us give our residents this experience, as a Veteran Friendly Home we honour and respect all those who have served for the freedoms we all now enjoy."
Wimborne care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Wimborne provides residential and dementia care for 47 residents from respite care to long term stays.