Member Article

Residents carry on lifelong hobbies thanks to donation

Hull care home residents have been able to carry on a lifelong hobby thanks to a donation. Dennis Greatorex, 87, and Roy Greening, 70, struck up a friendship after both moved into Elm Tree Court last year.

The pair, who have dementia, began their own handy club which includes sprucing up the care home’s used furniture and garden area.

The duo was given funding by the Hica Group, which operates Elm Tree Court, to purchase a sander, tools, tool belts, varnish and overalls. The donation came from the company’s Shine Fund, which is topped up regularly through fundraisers.

Dennis, who was a carpenter in the RAF, has been able to continue his lifelong interest in handy work and repairing items of furniture. He took Roy under his wing last November, when Roy moved into the home, encouraging him to stay active and take part.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hica Group said: “Dennis and Roy hit it off straight away. They both really enjoy completing handy work around the home with the help of their activity coordinator, Claire . Other residents also join in and it’s a great way of socialising while maintaining good health and wellbeing. Keeping up hobbies has a fantastic positive impact on our residents.

“Our staff encourage the things which residents enjoy, including trips out and pursuing hobbies. They consistently go the extra mile to ensure residents have all the home comforts which they are used to.

“We couldn’t have made this donation without the efforts of our staff, residents and their families, as well as the local communities who take part in fundraising events for the Shine Fund. The funds raised are all carefully invested into projects, activities and technology which is ultimately used to enhance the lives of our residents.”

Elm Tree Court, based on Preston Road, cares for 72 older people, including those with dementia. The home has its own mini bus which is used to take residents to local community clubs and places of interest. Residents and staff also care for the home’s pet rabbits, budgies and fish.

The Hica Group is a not for profit organisation, which operates a portfolio of 19 residential care homes, five of which are for people with a learning disability, along with two retirement villages. The Hull-based company also runs a home care service providing approximately 11,500 hours of support and care from four regional offices in the North of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .