A care home resident from Kent took to the ice for the first time recently, at the grand age of 90.

Doris’ trip to the ice rink was arranged by Ashley Haydon, Home Manager at Amherst Court, who was determined to get Doris skating.

The idea came about when Doris was chatting to Ashley about the cold weather and how the bird bath in the grounds of the home resembled an ice rink.
After getting onto a conversation about ice skating, Doris expressed how she had never skated before but had always wanted to. After hearing this, Ashley immediately set out to grant Doris’ wish.

Ashley organised for Doris to visit the ice rink in Gillingham, bringing another resident, Kevin, along for the trip. The ice rink was quiet when they visited, allowing lots of room to spin, speed and dance across the ice.

The staff at Amherst Court are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of the people they care for and support and are constantly seeking new ideas and opportunities for the residents at the home to take part in and enjoy. Ashley and his team believe that age and living with dementia should not be a barrier in life and living in a care home should mean residents are supported to continue do the things they wish to do or, in Doris’s case, things they’ve never tried before.

Doris hasn’t stopped talking about her visit to the ice rink and has asked if she can go again soon. Kevin had a great time too.

Amherst Court is part of care group Avante Care & Support.

www.avantecare.org.uk