Trip to Kew Gardens – Bartlett’s Residential Home at Peverel court care

Why?

Here at Peverel Court Care, we regularly arrange exciting trips out for our residents to help improve their social, emotional and physical health. We want our residents to have a sense of freedom and independence, so it is beneficial for them to go on day trips. This gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with new faces. Having the chance to socialise can help to improve social skills and behaviours, and reduce the feelings of loneliness.

Kew Gardens gives you the chance to touch and smell elements in the gardens. Sensory stimulation is the practice of using everyday sounds, foods, objects and other items to awaken the senses and elicit a positive response or feeling. This technique is often used to help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia because it can help them stay in the moment and interact with their current surroundings. Studies have shown that when done on a regular basis, sensory stimulation can be very helpful in treating memory issues. By offering different ways to communicate and engaging all five senses, seniors can see some improvement in daily functioning and cognitive symptoms.

Having a meaningful life with strong relationships and purposeful activity is a central part of an individual’s identity. As people become more vulnerable and increasingly reliant on others it is vital that meaningful activity is supported in a way that helps them stay well and feel more satisfied with life, taking account of their personality and their history. Such activities are particularly important in a care home setting where residents have moved out of their familiar home environment, and can quickly lose their sense of identity and self-esteem, and become depressed.

Who?

https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens

Our mission at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on earth. Earth is the only planet in the universe, that we know for certain, supports life. Yet that life is in crisis.

The unprecedented rate of degradation means we are living through an age of extinction. We know the next decade is critical to reverse this trend. Our aspiration at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst is to end the extinction crisis and help create a world where nature is protected, valued and managed sustainably.

Outcome

After a long drive into London, our residents and staff started a busy day with a well-deserved lunch at the family kitchen, all talking about the wonderful botanical gardens they were going to see. The most popular being the Temperate House, a glittering cathedral, home to 1,500 of plants from across the world. Learning about the plants was a brilliant exercise for the mind, especially for Rosemarie, who is very fond of nature and the outdoors.

We were lucky enough to enjoy the start of the summer sunshine and enjoy all that Kew Gardens had to offer. With the beautiful array of flowers and trees, the buzzing of the bees and the colours of the butterflies, it was a perfect place to enjoy together.

“It was a wonderful day!” Beryl said, as she continued to tell Bartlett’s staff about the trip the next morning! Her positive response has helped encourage other residents, who are often cautious to attend outings, to join us on the next one.

Providing activities to evoke memories and reflection helps to give residents a feeling of security and comfort but Bartlett’s is also keen to create new memories and opportunities for residents, enabling them to live stimulating and fulfilling lives. While moving into our homes is a new chapter for them, ensuring that our residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and like they are part of something special is so important. It was a memorable experience had by all!

Testimonials

Resident – Beryl S:

What did you think of the experience? – “I really enjoyed the day, beautiful trees with plenty of flowers, and the Temperate House was very nice indeed!”

Would you like to experience it again? – “I would be more than happy to go again, especially if we are blessed with such good weather!”

Resident – Rosemarie T:

What did you think of the experience? “I found it very enjoyable, it was a wonderful day!”

Would you like to experience it again? “Yes I would, there was a lot to see in one day.”