Wilmslow care home goes the extra mile to fulfil resident’s nature‑themed dream

A care home in Wilmslow has granted a very special wish for one of its residents – and her furry friends.

Care UK’s Long Stone Manor, on Manchester Road, has installed a handcrafted squirrel playground in its garden at the request of resident, Caroline Johnson, aged 62.

From a young age, Caroline has loved nature. She previously lived in Anglesey with her mother for several years, where she enjoyed long countryside walks and calming strolls along the beach.

Since moving to Long Stone Manor in October 2025, Caroline has become fond of the squirrels in the garden, and suggested to the team that the bushy-tailed rodents would enjoy a dedicated space where they could play, explore and thrive.

Keen to make her wish a reality, the home’s maintenance team spent time designing and building the multi-level course by hand, with Caroline offering some helpful tips.

The playground has now been installed outside Caroline’s bedroom window, allowing her to peacefully watch the squirrels play at any time of the day.

Caroline said: “I’m really looking forward to the warmer weather when I can sit on my patio and watch the squirrels play – they really are such playful and beautiful little creatures!

“When one of them had his head in the hole, they were so cheeky and lots of fun to watch.”

Caroline’s experience was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, in which each care home encourages residents to put forward their dreams, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new

Laura Foster, Home Manager at Long Stone Manor, said: “Caroline absolutely loves being outside and adores the wonderful wildlife we’re so lucky to have in our garden – especially the squirrels! When we heard about her wish for a special playground for them, we knew we had to make it happen.

“Being in the outdoors and nature provides many wonderful benefits for residents. This new playground will not only help wildlife thrive in our garden but also provide a peaceful retreat for residents to relax, reflect and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching the squirrels play. 

“A big thank you to our fantastic maintenance team for working so hard to bring Caroline’s vision to life.”

Long Stone Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 60 people. It has been designed to promote independence and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.