Cambridge care home residents enjoy football-filled trip

It was game on for residents at a care home in Cambridge as they headed for the terraces during a special visit to the Abbey Stadium.

Olive Marie and Ann who are supporters of The U’s and residents at Care UK’s Heathlands House, on Bullen Close, were invited by the Cambridge United Foundation – the club’s charity.

 

The visit brought back decades of memories for the residents, many of whom have cheered Cambridge United on through highs and lows, from standing on the terraces in their youth to following every score line today.

Resident Ann Leigh, 81, said: “I really enjoy my visits to the Abbey Stadium, and getting to try on the different shirts from years gone by was good fun.”

The group were in their element as they pulled on vintage football shirts from years gone by, posed for photos and joked about starting up their very own five-a-side team.

Razvan Stanbeca, Home Manager at Heathlands House, said: “The visit to the Cambridge United Foundation was great fun. As soon as the group tried on the shirts, they were transported back to matchdays at the Abbey Stadium.

“There were plenty of laughs about who would be striker and who’d be in goal if we formed a Heathlands House team! Football has been such a big part of their lives and this was a brilliant way to celebrate their passion for the club.

“At Heathlands House, we always look for ways to encourage reminiscence, whether that’s through music, sport or special trips like this one. It gives residents a chance to reconnect with their favourite memories, share stories with each other and enjoy the sense of community these activities bring.”

Heathlands House offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, both indoors and out. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge and dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, and the home has its own cinema room, hair and beauty salon and pub.