Ear, Ear! Care home resident embraces new look with first-ever ear piercing

A care home resident from Basingstoke has had a jewel-icious transformation after deciding she wanted her ears pierced at the age of 94.

Doreen Pavitt a resident at Care UK’s Dashwood Manor, on Bradley Way, had always wished to have her ears pierced since she was young and has always admired ladies who wore ‘pretty dangly earrings.’

When Dashwood Manor first opened in September 2021, the team installed a ‘Wishing Tree’, an initiative launched by Care UK which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit and activities they’d like to do. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small. 

After some thought, Doreen added her wish to the tree – to have her ears pierced, and the team wasted no time in organising the wish for her. 

Doreen and team member Alicia Mason visited their local saloon and picked out a pair of studs for Doreen to have her ears pierced with. Her wish was then granted. 

Doreen said: “It didn't hurt, it just felt like someone flicking your ear.”

Doreen then selected four new sets of dangly earrings to wear once her ears have healed in six weeks. 

She added: “I am very pleased to be granted my wish and can't wait to rock my new dangly earrings.”

Dil Perera, Home Manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “When Doreen put a wish for her ears to be pierced, it was a surprise, but we couldn’t wait to organise this for her.  

“Here at Dashwood Manor, we like to help residents complete lifelong (or fairly new!) wishes. We encourage residents to share what’s important to them, their hopes and ambitions. From a whole new look to a brave skydive, we enjoy seeing dreams become a reality.  

“We can’t wait to see Doreen looking piercingly stylish in her new dangly earrings in a few weeks’ time!” 

To find out more about Dashwood Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Leahanne Wilkinson, on 01256 805988, or email leahanne.wilkinson@careuk.com

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Dashwood Manor, includes space for hobby and leisure activities. Luxury facilities includes a café, hair and beauty salon, cinema and bar, and stunning gardens.