Dolphins greeted nursing home residents who were on a boat trip in Torquay to celebrate the home’s 25th anniversary.
Ten residents and team members from The Old Rectory nursing home in Exeter climbed aboard a specially adapted tour boat and took in the sights off the coast of Torbay.
The boat tour is run by Wetwheels, a Torquay based charity focusing on providing boating experiences for every disabled person, including those with profound and complex disabilities. The charity is run by volunteers and captained by experienced skippers with a wealth of sea faring experience.
Leanne Whitehouse organised the boat trip. She is an events coordinator at The Old Rectory, which specialises in nursing and dementia care.
Leanne enthused: “We saw dolphins swimming along right next to the boat – the residents were amazed. One the way back residents were allowed to drive the boat and wear the captain’s hat. It was a magical day.”
The boat tour took residents and team members out towards Brixham and back to Torquay via Paignton.
Leanne added: “The boat crew were amazing. They showed us where the oyster farm is near Paignton and where to look out for nesting birds. It was great to do something special with the residents and they have not stopped talking about the trip, so it’s definitely something we will do again.”
Southern Healthcare care group are also marking their 25th anniversary with a variety of different events across their four nursing homes in Exeter, Dawlish, Seaton and Plymouth including a team talent show, live musical performances and a weeklong run of 80s themed events.