A Day at Longleat Safari Park Brings Back Memories and New Moments for Catherine House Family Members

 

Choosing a care home is rarely just a change of address. It’s an emotional step for both the person moving in and those closest to them. At Catherine House Care Home however, the focus is on making the move a continuation of life, helping family members remain connected with those they love and the experiences that are important to them.

 

One way this happens is by encouraging relatives to remain involved in everyday life, whether that’s visiting the home, joining in with activities or sharing days out together. A recent trip to Longleat Safari Park gave family members the chance to enjoy a day out together, with loved ones joining them along the way.

Among those on the trip was Hilary Crabtree, one of the home’s family members, as residents are fondly referred to. Hilary was joined by her partner, Heather, who later shared her reflections on the outing in her own words.

 

“A minibus full of people eager to see ‘the animals’ set off from Catherine House this morning, headed for Longleat. A quick stop at the car park, and off to the Safari Park, where giraffes were to be fed. Leaves were bought and held out for beautifully marked creatures in shades between light tan and dark brown. My goodness! A long tongue curled around a branch and, with a hefty pull, the leaves disappeared rapidly. They are strong, large creatures, but to have a head at touching distance was amazing!

 

Back to the bus and past a large collection of ostrich eggs on the side of the path, all dated in the hope that some might hatch. And now the monkeys, within seconds, one was sitting on the wing mirror, probing for weaknesses, across the windscreen, up onto the roof, bums exposed and little fingers hanging on. Best count, three on board at one time, including babies.

 

 

The camels blocked the road, lolloping unsteadily and wobbling their humps. Deer pushed through windows to be fed, nibbling fingers and nudging with velvety-covered antlers. Rhinos stared, unimpressed, then on to the big stuff.

 

Tigers, hard to see amongst the greenery. Lions casually lying in groups, lifting an occasional paw, but watching, just in case we ignored the notices about ‘not leaving your car!’

 

Cheetahs lying so flat they were almost impossible to spot and, oops, did anyone other than Paul spot a hyena? Then wolves, shaded under a tree, but behind them three small cubs tumbling together, safe from the attention of the Alpha male.

 

Comments about all we had seen about the last or previous times people had visited, about bicycles ridden and ponds fallen in. Earlier days recalled, mixed with air con, relief at being able to open windows again and a healthy desire for lunch!

 

Picnic time, crowded tables, but we found a spot. A nosy mallard and numerous sparrows were as interested as us in the spread Sharon had provided. Rolls and crisps, cakes and drinks, all devoured with healthy appetites, people to watch, the outside world in its busyness around our little oasis of calm and deliciousness. Plenty of choices, the naughtiness of sticky buns, licked fingers, crumbs for the birds, fresh air, coolness after last week’s heat, just being outside.

 

Then the last part, Jungle Kingdom! Otters so close through the glass partition, the giant anteater (what a size!), a laid-back aardvark scrunched in a corner, the ‘retirement group’ of meerkats, fewer than before and almost one less as it skittered in front of Hilary’s wheelchair.

 

The oppressive heat of the crocodile pool, beady eyes watching every move, then Giant Otters, faces to the glass at eye level as they swam past. Finally, the koalas, all four snuggled into individual tree branches, upright, totally relaxed and fast asleep.

 

Then back to the bus for home. Tired faces, lively minds, reviewing sights and sounds of the day spent outside in good company. Thank you.”

 

For Hilary, whose career as a social worker was dedicated to helping people build lives in their communities, and who has shared more than 30 years with her partner Heather, days like this remain an important part of life. Moving into Catherine House has not changed that.

 

Trips like this are part of that continuation, familiar places, new memories, and the kind of conversations that stay with people long after the journey home.

 

To find out more about activities and events at Catherine House Care Home, please visit

https://catherinehousecarehome.com/activities-in-care-frome-care-home/