Day care gives Pauline a new lease of life
Former nurse, Pauline, describes feeling younger and getting ‘her old self back’, thanks to regular visits to her local care home.
Despite not requiring care herself, Pauline visits Sydenham House day care, respite and residential care home in Bridgwater once a week. She credits her time there with encouraging her to get out of the house, and reigniting her passion for fundraising for local good causes including the Stroke Club and local food pantry.
Forging new community connections
Pauline used to play a very active role in her local community, both as a nurse and during her time running a wedding dress shop. As time passed and Pauline became unable to walk as far as she used to, she began to retreat into herself and didn’t venture out of her home very often.
Now, her husband notes how much Pauline looks forward to her days out at Sydenham House, saying that they have given her ‘a new lease of life’.
Fun and friendship
As Pauline has discovered, despite being called ‘day care’, spending the day at a care home is not only for those who need care themselves. Reflecting on her initial hesitation, Pauline now wishes that she had begun her regular visits to Sydenham House sooner!
Not only do her visits to Sydenham House provide the opportunity for Pauline to indulge in the arts, crafts and quiz activities which she enjoys, but they have also paved the way for new friendships, and helped her to forge a greater sense of connection and companionship. Sydenham House has become a place to socialise; a community hub right on her doorstep.
Meeting likeminded souls with shared interests
Pauline’s experience at Sydenham House disproves the myth that care homes are only about expert care and support. In reality, they are also a meeting place for people with shared hobbies and interests, a venue for hosting live music and entertainment, and somewhere to go for a nourishing meal which has been lovingly prepared by someone else. They are year-round social hubs for fun, food and friendship, with the added benefit of specialist care and support, should you need it.
Whatever your hobbies and interests, a free taster day at Sydenham House in Bridgwater, or at any of Somerset Care’s homes across Somerset and Devon, is a great opportunity to try before you buy. Visit for a free day out to meet likeminded individuals in a warm and welcoming environment, with a home-cooked meal and refreshments provided throughout the day.
If you do need a little support, perhaps with managing medication or mobility, the care home’s expert team is on hand to help.
Companionship, connection – and care if you need it
Whilst some people do visit care homes for the day as part of a wider package of support, perhaps alongside help in their own home, others, like Pauline, simply visit for companionship and connection. Loved ones can take comfort from knowing that you are warm, safe, supported and well-fed, whilst family carers can enjoy a break and change of scene of their own. Day care visits or short, overnight respite breaks also provide a great opportunity to experience care home life when making plans for the future.
Whatever your reason for visiting, you can be assured of a warm welcome at Somerset Care.
Find your new lease of life
Discover fun and friendship on a free taster day at one of our care homes.Somerset Care’s friendly and helpful team of advisors are available on 0808 168 0451 to suggest free taster day options which match your interests.As a trusted, not-for-profit care provider, Somerset Care has been supporting individuals and communities across the region for 35 years.Whether you stay with us for a day, a week or longer, we’re here to support you to live the life you choose.
