Residents Make Wishes to Celebrate the Opening of Woodland Walk

Longhurst & Havelok Homes care home residents, families and guests came together to celebrate the opening of the new Woodland Walk pathway and UK’s Older People’s Day on Thursday 1st October.

Residents at The Grove in Waltham were joined by Robin Barr, Director of Care, Support and Community Services, Julie Hoyes, the designer of the Woodland Walk, and The Grove manager, Suzanne Near, to plant a ‘wish tree’ and declare the pathway open.

Julie said: “It was lovely to see the design come to life and residents enjoying the newly created walkway and seating areas. It was an honour to help plant the cherry tree which is close to the path so residents can add to the wishes on there.”

Residents Jackie Garrs and Gladys Cale were given the opportunity to tie their wishes to the tree which included wishing for a new wheelchair cushion, a new bed and good health and happiness for other residents and their families. More wishes will be added to the tree over the coming months and staff will be working to make as many as possible come true.

Residents and families then enjoyed a delicious tea provided by the kitchens and cakes provided by some of the resident’s families.

Robin Barr, Longhurst & Havelok Homes Director of Operations, Care and Support, said: “I would like to thank all relatives and staff who came together to make the Woodland Walk possible and would especially like to thank Julie Hoyes who designed the walk and Ben Burgess who built the pathway and provided the sculptures, benches and bird feeding stations which residents and their families can enjoy all year round.”

The event also marked the annual Older People’s day which celebrates later life and the huge contribution older people make to their communities and the economy. After all everyone has a parent, grandparent, older colleague or friend that they look to for advice.

The Grove care home manager, Suzanne Near, said: “It was lovely to bring residents and their families together to celebrate the opening and enjoy each other’s company.

“The walk way is proving to be a real focal point in our garden with residents and visitors, providing a peaceful and relaxing area where they can sit and watch the birds and enjoy the fresh air. Created with a safe, flat path for walking and wheelchairs, it enables residents to enjoy the wooded area adjacent to the home.”

The event also came after the 3* Care Quality Commission care home launches day care and lunch club services, allowing older people in the community to enjoy a day at the care home and join residents for a two course hot lunch.

Suzanne added: “We recognise the need to support older people in the community and are introducing these new services to help them make new friends, have a break and enjoy some support.”

From 1 October 2009, Havelok Homes and Longhurst Homes joined forces to form Longhurst & Havelok Homes (L&H Homes).