The Firs Residential Home in Budleigh Salterton, recently organised a special outing for its residents to Exmouth Beach.  Joan Norman and Barbara Lock, two residents at The Firs, were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the beach once again. Accompanied by Anna and Lucy, who make up the Wellbeing & Activities team at the care home, the group set out for a beautiful day by the sea. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with the sun shining and the birds singing.
As the residents made their way to the beach in specially designed wheelchairs, the excitement was palpable. Joan, at the grand age of 98, was particularly ecstatic as she dipped her toes into the sea, something she had only dreamed of. It was a heartwarming moment, and one that brought joy not only to Joan but to everyone present. Being near the water not only offered therapeutic benefits, but also created a sense of tranquillity and serenity for our residents, allowing them to escape the confines of their daily routines and embrace the beauty of the natural world.
The outing coincided with a special launch by the RNLI, where their boat was set off into the sea. Watching the launch was a fascinating experience for the residents, who were captivated by the bravery and skill of the crew members. It served as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the area and created a sense of connection with the local community.
After a delightful afternoon spent by the sea, the group concluded their outing with a well-deserved treat – ice cream. Indulging in this seaside tradition, their smiles reflected the joy they experienced during the day. The gratitude expressed by the residents for the opportunity to relive cherished memories was truly heartening.
The success of the visit was made possible by the support of the amazing volunteers at Exmouth Beach Wheelchairs. Their dedication and commitment to ensuring accessibility for all individuals have been invaluable. The Firs Residential Home extends a heartfelt thank you to these volunteers for their hard work, which made this outing possible.
Nikki Shayler, the Manager of The Firs Residential Home, expressed her delight at the outing. She emphasized the importance of such experiences, stating, “This is the second time we were able to use the Exmouth beach chairs, and it has been very successful. We live by the beach, so there is no excuse why our lovely residents can’t enjoy it as much as everyone else.” These outings play a crucial role in providing a sense of normalcy and connection, enabling the residents to feel valued and engaged in the wider community.
The sentiment shared by Joan, resonates with the impact of this outing. “I never thought I would get the chance to do this at the grand age of 98,” she exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye. For Barbara, the day at the beach was truly memorable. “It was definitely a day to remember – a day I’ll never forget,” she said, reflecting on the joy and emotions she experienced throughout the outing.
The Firs Residential Home remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for its residents, allowing them to enjoy life to the fullest. With the support of dedicated staff, volunteers, and community organizations, these outings continue to bring happiness and valuable memories to the elderly residents.