Chelmsford care home resident makes a splash returning to much-loved pastime

A special day out has seen a 92-year-old resident at a care home in Chelmsford dive back into a lifelong hobby.

Pat Horsnell, who lives at Care UK’s Manor Lodge on Manor Road, has always been a keen swimmer and recently shared her wish with the home’s team to get back into the water after several years away from the pool.

They arranged for Pat to visit Riverside Ice and Leisure to take part in one of its Sports for Confidence swimming sessions, with team members assisting her throughout the trip to ensure she felt confident to enjoy the experience at her own pace.

She was able to return to a familiar environment and ease back into the activity she once enjoyed weekly, with support on hand throughout to help her make the most of the session. 

Reflecting on the experience, Pat said: “I felt alive! It was fantastic and I cannot stop thinking about how much I enjoyed my day. I will not forget it.

“I felt I had equal ability to everyone around me. It made me feel human.”

Pat’s experience was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. This encourages residents to lead rewarding lives – from skiing to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Natasha Webster, Home Manager at Manor Lodge, said: “When we heard Pat was keen to get back into the water, we were delighted to make her wish a reality, particularly as this is an activity that has long been a meaningful part of her life.

“It was wonderful to see Pat once again doing something she loves, and even more special to hear just how much it meant to her afterwards.

“Moments like this are exactly what the Wishing Tree initiative is all about – helping residents reconnect with passions that bring a real sense of fulfilment.

Manor Lodge, rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, is a modern care home that provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and enjoyable lives, it has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, and there is plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.