Residents of Stafford Hall care home, part of the Runwood Homes group, enjoyed a delightful trip to Barleylands Farm, where they connected with nature, shared stories, and created cherished memories with their families. The outing, organised on the 9th of October, provided residents with the calming benefits of nature, which is known to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. The sensory experience of touch, smell, and sight also sparked nostalgia, providing valuable opportunities for reminiscence and emotional well-being.
A particularly special moment of the day came when Colin, one of Stafford Hall’s newest residents, celebrated his birthday during the trip. Colin, who had recently moved into the care home just days earlier, was joined by his daughter and granddaughter at the farm, allowing them to celebrate together as a family. This heartfelt reunion provided Colin with the chance to spend quality time with loved ones. Inspired by the outing, Colin later returned to the home and began sketching scenes from the day.
Colin reflected on the experience, saying,
“I have only been a resident in the home a few days and already gone on an outing with others. It was lovely to see my family there and spend some time with them. I don’t often get the chance to see them, so it was all the more special.”
Deputy Manager Charlotte, who accompanied the residents on the trip, noted the joy and lively discussions among them:
“The residents had such a lovely time at the farm. Everyone was chatting about their past visits to farms. One resident had even worked on a farm years ago and shared their knowledge about feeding animals and how to care for them.”
Home Manager Michelle stressed the importance of offering a range of experiences to the residents:
“It is important that our residents are given a variety of opportunities and experiences, both within the home and outside of it. Our residents have such rich life histories and a wealth of knowledge. It’s wonderful to see them return from outings with stories and even sketching what they’ve experienced.”
The day trip to Barleylands Farm exemplifies Stafford Hall care home’s commitment to providing enriching, meaningful experiences for its residents, ensuring they remain engaged, fulfilled, and connected with both their families and the community.
