An udderly great day! Care home resident has birthday wish granted at a local farm

A 91-year-old Leatherhead care home resident revisited their childhood and celebrated their 91^st birthday with a surprise visit to a local farm.  

Resident Beatrice Hendstedge, known as Betty, celebrated her 91^st birthday with a trip down memory lane, after telling team members from Care UK’s Milner House, on Ermyn Way, her birthday wish was a trip to a local farm.

After growing-up on many farms and nurturing a life-long love of animals, team members from Milner House set about organising a surprise birthday trip to Bocketts Farm for Betty to enjoy. Upon arrival, Betty was given the full V.I.P treatment with a sign at the front of the farm that said ‘Happy 91^st Birthday Betty’ and a greeting from the farm’s team members. 

After a trip around the farm to see her favourite animals, donkeys and pigs, Betty enjoyed an afternoon tea with her family and team members. 

Reflecting on her many happy years, Betty revealed the secret to a long life is to have “a good sense of humour and a determination to succeed.”

Betty was born on 19 October 1931 in Cudefield, West Sussex. After leaving school, Betty worked as a seamstress before becoming a shop assistant in a butchers, and later working in a freezer shop when frozen foods first became popular. 

Betty has one daughter, Sue, who regularly visits her at Milner House. 

 

Michele Message, Home Manager at Milner House, said: “We always like to arrange something memorable for residents’ birthdays – and Betty’s 91^st birthday certainly called for a celebration and a trip down memory lane!

“It was fantastic to help Betty celebrate this incredible milestone with a surprise afternoon visit to Bocketts Farm. Petting animals and being in their company has proven therapeutic benefits, as it can reduce anxiety, release calming endorphins, and decrease feelings of loneliness. You can see from Betty’s reactions just how engaged she was when given the opportunity to get close to such lovely, affectionate animals. Cheers to Betty!”

Milner House care home provides full-time residential, dementia, nursing and short-term respite care. The home, which features 46 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own hair salon and beautiful gardens.

To find out more about Milner House, please call 01372 278 992, email Customer Relations Manager, Georgie Wilkins, on georgie.wilkins@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/milner-house