One lucky resident, Gwendoline (Gwen) Dennis, from Cadley Hill View care home in Swadlincote was thrilled when her ‘perfect day’ wish was granted by the home.
Earlier in the year, Cadley Hill View launched a ‘Make a Wish’ programme for its residents, where each resident wrote down their perfect day and placed it in a ‘wishing well’.
Each month, a wish was picked from the well and granted by the care team in the home. Some of the wishes included spa pamper days, shopping trips and afternoon teas.
The last wish of 2022 was made by 90-year-old Gwen, who said her perfect day would be to ride on a steam train across the countryside.
Gwen, who moved into Cadley Hill View in July 2022, used to travel by steam train every weekend as a child, when she travelled from Burton to Leicester on shopping trips.
Determined to give Gwen the perfect steam train experience, the care team arranged for Gwen to visit The Great Central Railway in Loughborough to board the four o’clock train through the East Midlands.
Gwen was greeted by traditionally dressed train conductors before taking her carriage seat. She was amazed by the views, taking in the spectacle of Christmas lights as she passed. Gwen said,
‘I feel very humbled to have been given such a lovely experience, especially at my time of life! Cadley Hill View is a place where you really do live life to the full – thank you so much.’
David Godrich, the Home Manager at Cadley Hill View, said, “It’s important to us to offer our residents an active and aspirational lifestyle, and make sure they feel valued in our home. Seeing Gwen enjoy her day was such a special experience, it was the perfect wish to finish the year.
It’s been an honour to grant our residents’ wishes this year, and I can’t wait to see what wishes come true in the New Year!”
Cadley Hill View is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home, located on Darklands Road in Swadlincote. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, the home provides person-centred care and a full and varied activities programme.
For more information, call 01283 907 036, email cadleyhill.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk.