Jean gets her wings
One of Worthington Lake's residents, Jean, has been given the chance to reconnect with two of her lifetime passions, flying and Scotland, thanks to the staff at the home.
Staff noted that Jean became emotional at this year’s Burns Night – a Scottish-born celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns.
What had triggered the emotion was her love of Scotland and the fond memories she had with her late husband, Ian.
“Every time a baby came, we’d go to Scotland, every Burns Night – Scotland! We have so many memories there.”
One thing that Jean recalled was their love of flying, so the home’s Activity Coordinator, Mel, who wanted to tap into that nostalgia, arranged a trip in a light aircraft across the north of the country where she could enjoy views of Scotland.
“Oh, it was wonderful, the views were lovely. It was only a small plane, but we flew about – Mel told the Pilot that my husband was from Scotland, so he took me up. It was a brilliant day out. I like meeting nice people, and the Pilot was one of them.
“That’s the best day I’ve had for a long time, but I don’t worry because there’ll be more to come.”
“It was amazing. We love the residents to have something to look forward to, and that is no different than with Jean – but now we have to think of what we'll do next!
“Her husband meant the world to her, and sometimes she struggles with the fact that she has to be here at the minute, so whatever we can do to make her time better, we do it. I found out all about her past, her Scottish roots and Jean and her husband used to love flying, so it was a no-brainer.”
Our homes have a history of making things happen for their residents, from aeroplane rides to zoo trips and everything in between.
For more information on Worthington Lake Care Home, click here.
