Care home residents take to the ice

Residents from a Sanctuary Care home in Ivybridge got their ‘skates on’ and enjoyed a special trip to a local ice-skating rink last week, many for the first time.

Eight residents at Ivydene Residential and Nursing Home on Staniforth Drive had the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at Plymouth Pavilions Ice Rink from the comfort and safety of their wheel-chairs, with the help of the home’s care staff.

Speaking of their trip out, 97-year-old resident Sylvia Furzeland said: “It was my first time ice skating and I really enjoyed it – it was very easy for me as I could just sit back and enjoy the ride!”

Fellow resident and centenarian, 102-year-old Winnie Davies agreed: “It was my first time skating too; I really enjoyed it and want to know when we are going again!”

Activities leader at the home, which was recently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, Lucy Cassidy said: “It was just such a fantastic morning, and from our residents’ reactions we will certainly be going back!

“We love having the opportunity to create ‘first times’ for our residents –moving into a care home can be a new chapter and one that we look to make as exciting as possible!”