Care home residents with dementia show that age is no obstacle when it comes to having fun on the water.
A lady aged 93 from the Isle of Wight has proven that you are never too old for a new adventure. She was one of a group of five people with dementia and other age-related medical conditions, from the Tile House care home in Shanklin, who went on a power-boat trip facilitated by Cowes Sailability Club during the summer.
Melanie Rudman, Activities Coordinator at Tile House says, “Our clients with dementia live in the moment and although they may not be able to recall the trip at a later date, the feelings and emotions remain. Being able to have exciting new experiences, and being included in society, means so much to them, their families and their carers.”
She adds, “All five of the residents who went on the boating trip enjoyed themselves and, even if they were not all able to
93-year old Marie Schofield was so delighted with her day out that she dictated a letter as soon as she got home, to thank Cowes Sailability Club’s volunteers. The letter says: “It was such an experience driving the boat, an experience I wouldn’t have missed. To all that made the outing a success, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It brings happy tears to my eyes and a smile on my face.”
Speaking on behalf of the club’s volunteers, Paul Wilks, Commodore of Cowes Sailability Club says, “We are delighted that Marie and her friends from Tile House had such a good time, and thank Marie for her letter. Cowes Sailability Club endeavors to make adventures accessible to everyone, from very young children with disabilities to older members of our society with debilitating medical conditions. Marie must be one of the oldest people we have had the fortune to go boating with and her enthusiasm for the trip must surely motivate others to try sailing and boating, whatever their age or disability!”