During September last year, residents from Amherst Court care home were taken to the local ice rink to skate away the morning. Dynamic and forward thinking Home Manager, Ashley Haydon, had arranged the spontaneous visit following a comment made from resident Doris, who told Ashley, she had never ice skated before.
And so, Ashley made this happen for Doris and also for Kevin, another resident from the home who asked to be included in the visit to the ice rink in Gillingham.
Since the ice skating Doris and Kevin would often talk together about their trip to the ice rink and how much they enjoyed it, even watching the popular sport on television at the home. It really did spark a new interest with Doris and Kevin and their fellow residents. It was clear the new interest needed to be supported, so when Amherst Court residents were gifted tickets to go and watch the semi-finals of Dancing on Ice live at the Bovingdon Studios in Hemel Hempstead, they couldn’t believe their luck! Kevin was sadly unable to attend but offered his ticket to fellow resident Nora who had also taken a keen interest in the sport.
Marie Taylor, Activity Coordinator said, ‘Lorraine and I were lucky enough to accompany Doris and Nora to Dancing on Ice, we all had an amazing day, the show was fantastic and Nora and Doris were amazed by the dance moves. Nora became the star guest during the show and she received an autographed photo of the judges, which she was delighted with.
Doris meanwhile was so happy to meet with Phillip Schofield and shake his hand, a story which she has told everyone back at the home!
We were lucky enough to also meet and chat with contestant Joe Swash and Judge John Barrowman after the show and have our photos taken with them.
The entire journey home we couldn’t stop talking about the amazing night we’d had. Doris didn’t go to bed until 2am because she was telling everyone all about her star studded evening!It’s a day that we will all remember for a long time and we are all so grateful to have had the opportunity to go’.
Amherst Court care home has been recognised and rated by the Care Quality Commission as an Outstanding care home since 2015.
The dedicated care staff work to provide, communities where everyone has a vibrant and fulfilling life.
For more information or to arrange a visit to see what Amherst Court has to offer please call Amherst Court on 01634 400 009.
