Olive Riley (90), who resides at The Old Vicarage Care Home in Clay Cross, Chesterfield, has her wish come true, following the homes recently re-launched, resident focused ‘Make a Wish’ programme.
Residents are encouraged to write down their biggest wish for 2023 and place it on the home’s ‘wishing tree’. Every month, one wish is randomly picked, and the dedicated activities and wellbeing team set to work making the big dream come true.
Olive‘s wish was to ‘take a trip up in a helicopter,’ and see the sights of the Peak District from above.
Olive’s day reached new heights with a planned surprise from Natalie, the Activities Lead and her team, Olive was not only going to be a passenger but get to experience being the Co-Pilot during the flight, with beautiful front seat views of the countryside. On touch-down, Olive was presented with a celebratory bottle of fizz to congratulate her on her successful flight. “She has been so excited about today and she has had the best day, creating many lasting memories, and achieving a life-long goal,” said Natalie, The Activities Lead at The Old Vicarage.
Olive has always loved the thrill and excitement that comes with these big adventures. Her and her late husband owned a speed boat, complete with water-skis, in Scotland, where they would travel to Loch Lomond with their 5 children.
“She always tells the team about the amazing adventures her and her family embarked on, and I knew this experience would mean the world to her. I am so happy we were able to do this” said Natalie.
“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 Karen Middleton, Dementia Manager at The Old Vicarage.
“Our Lifestyle and Wellbeing program is designed around our residents and their passions and interests which, as Olive would agree, all helps to makes The Old Vicarage ‘a superb place to live or work,” concluded Karen.
Please do give us a call on 01246 384121 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”