A dream come true for care home resident as he takes the plunge in Wick pool
Staff at a Wick care home made a dream come true for one of their residents when they helped him to rediscover the joys of swimming.
Gavin Bowers explained that he used to love going for a morning dip but it had been years since he was last in a pool.
Staff at Seaview House made his wish a reality by taking him to the indoor pool at the East Caithness Community Facility.
Gavin (65) has been a resident at the care home since July last year, having been transferred from Edinburgh so that he could be closer to his daughter Hannah. He had an acquired brain injury which at the time limited his ability to carry out most day-to-day life skills.
Even walking was hard, but with the help of his daughter and the Seaview House team Gavin can now be seen walking around the home interacting with staff and fellow residents and taking part in most activities.
Staff had asked residents what new activities would be of interest to them, and at the mention of swimming Gavin was keen to know more. He had reminisced about taking his daughter swimming when she was younger.
This week, accompanied by Seaview House general manager Gayle Magennis and care practitioner Elaine Edwards, Gavin was able to take the plunge.
He was joined by fellow resident Joan Robbins (79), who had also expressed an interest. Although in her younger years she had a slight fear of water, she was keen to take part with a little encouragement from staff and her daughter Tina.
Gavin and Joan said they thoroughly enjoyed their dips.
Gavin said: “It is such an amazing feeling to get back in the water and experience that feeling – it has brought back many happy memories for me. Thanks to the loving team at Seaview who have helped me to live out my dream.”
General manager Gayle Magennis said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing. Here at Seaview House we understand the value of living life, and through encouragement and careful planning anything is possible, regardless of someone's age and where they live.
"The health benefits of swimming are immense, not just physically but mentally, and this has been seen after only two short sessions with Gavin and Joan. This is an activity that can continue all year round.
"The staff at Wick swimming pool have been excellent at helping out and advising us how best to make this happen.
"This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here at Seaview House in making our residents’ dreams come true. It was wonderful to see how happy Gavin and Joan were, and a pleasure to be a part of this as well.”
Seaview House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers. Seaview House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 42 residents from respite care to long-term stays.
