“The idea for the Park originated during the COVID-19 pandemic”, says Debbie. “Residents and their families wanted to be able to access the outside so we paid contractors to excavate the pond area and assist our maintenance team with the building of accessible cemented pathways.”
Debbie recalls that they had lots of donations of goldfish. “These have now garnered a thriving fish pond,” she says. “We have a few herons very interested, so sensors and other deterrents are in place to deter them pilfering the fish!”
Debbie and the care home’s wellbeing manager, Wendy Parker, led the project to create the Park at Ysguborwen “to enhance the external lived experiences of their residents. Having a glorious outdoor environment, surrounded by trees and woodland, gives the perfect space to either play boules or skittles, take a woodland walk or just to sit and listen to the birds,” Debbie says. “We have fountains in the pond area as well, which enhances the sensory experience.”
“For the green-fingered, we have a polytunnel, raised flower beds for wheelchair access and chickens running free in the orchard,” Debbie says. “Our resident spaniel dogs also provide great entertainment for everyone!” There’s also a spacious lodge, kitted out with tea and coffee making facilities, a fitted kitchen, dining area, and a disabled toilet with hoist. “It’s a popular spot for visiting families and for our activity co-ordinators to spend time with residents as a group or as a one-to-one experience in the fresh air,” Debbie adds.
There were a lot of costs associated with the project and a Sport Wales grant contributed to equipment including astro turf, tai chi discs and the lodge itself. The team also held a summer fete to raise funds for outdoor seating. Debbie says, “Our directors contributed with a storage cabin, lots of outdoor plants and some pagodas – essential in the summer months!” In addition, families donated shrubs and flowers.
Debbie reflects on how creating the Park is a continuously joyful, life-enhancing project for the care home community and says, “it’s always evolving and endearing to all.” The benefits are numerous and Debbie names just a few:
- The project gave residents and staff a focus during an extremely stressful time during and post- pandemic, enabling families to appreciate the outside with their loved ones and no masks.
- The Park has allowed residents to feel they are out on a trip with ice cream and outdoor games but with no transport required.
- Some residents have been able to maintain their independence and sense of being.
