Joyce Fearn (81) who has lived and worked in Derby her whole life and now resides at Kiwi House Care Home in Alvaston, has had her dream come true as part of the Adept Care Homes’ ‘Make A Wish’ program as she gets back in the saddle after almost 60 years.
Over 500 residents are encouraged to make a wish, no matter how big or small, the wishes are put it in the home’s magic wishing well and every month, one resident is picked to have their wish come true.
Joyce enjoyed many years as a passionate horse rider in her youth and is now living with dementia at Kiwi House Care Home, she told the activities co-ordinators “my wish has always been to be around horses again and to ride horses as I did when I was younger.”
On a previous visit to the riding school, it became quickly apparent to everyone who witnessed the beautiful moment that Joyce was introduced to the horses at Wenlo RDA (Riding for the disabled), just how special her bond with these magnificent animals really is, her confidence grew and some of the visible signs of her dementia, melted away. The smiles, giggling and laughter were heart-warming. There were more thana few tears from both the care team and the volunteers.
The Kiwi House Care Home team, supported by the amazing staff at Wenlo set to work and make her wish come true. Joyce was once again able to relive her favourite memories while riding with ‘Jimmy the Horse’ (pictured below). Joyce enjoyed over half an hour riding with Jimmy, supported by the Wenlo RDA experts at their side.
“What a wonderful experience, I have had such a marvellous day thanks to the team at Kiwi House and Wenlo, they really have made my dreams come true, and thanks to Jimmy, such a good boy and my new best friend” as Joyce offered him a carrot and chuckled.
“We want to give all our residents the opportunity to have something, achieve something or revisit something they thought they’d never get a chance to do again. It could be anything from seeing their favourite show in the West End, to finding a long-lost relative. It’s also a great reminiscence activity, particularly for our residents living with dementia” said Lynn Bennett, Home Manager at Kiwi House.
“Joyce was thrilled, she spent so much time talking and hugging with the horses,” said Mark Whithorn, The Activities Lead at Kiwi House Care Home.
“Wenlo RDA, based in Loughborough, offers the opportunity to ride safely, promoting confidence and health benefits. Our Dementia care is about finding the key that unlocks the passion in a person and we certainly found Joyce’s key, her face speaks a thousand words,” said Karen Middleton, Dementia Manager at Adept Care Homes.
“Thank you to the amazing volunteers Sharon, Anna, Phillip, Amy, Phoebe, Penny and Jack at Wenlo and all helped make this day truly special. Our Lifestyle and Wellbeing program is designed around the residents, their passions and interests and as Joyce would agree, helps to makes Kiwi House ‘a superb place to live or work’ said Karen.
Please do give us a call on 01332 755892 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”