Trip to Frome Garden Centre Brings a Change of Scene for Somerset Care Home

Residents from Catherine House Care Home (fondly referred to as family members), recently enjoyed a community trip to a local garden centre, Catley’s in Frome, travelling together in their minibus. Family run business Catley’s has been operating for over 40 years but only opened as a warehouse to the public in more recent years.

Family member Ruby took her seat at the front of the minibus and was animated from the start, saying “I love going out like this, it feels like a proper day out.”

During the journey, she made a video call to Home Manager Shrien Anup, making her priorities very clear by requesting a McDonald’s stop which, spoiler alert, did happen!

Flowers, Expertise & a Touch of Charm

At Catley’s Garden Centre, family members threw themselves fully into the experience. One family member quickly found exactly what she was looking for, while family member Jean walked around happily hand-in-hand with Activities Coordinator Sharon Chard, taking her time to choose plants she loved.

Family member Janet was a standout, sharing her impressive knowledge of plants, soil types, and planting combinations with the group. She helped select plants for both her own garden and the shared space with real confidence and enthusiasm. Janet and another Family member worked together to pick out a beautiful palette of violet, green, and white plants. When a concern arose about costs, a Catley’s team member generously offered a discount, and Jean made her feelings on the matter perfectly clear, “We do need these, I don’t care about the money.”

Ruby also brought her signature humour to the visit, playfully bargaining with a Catley’s team member saying, “Surely I deserve a discount for being this charming today?”, lifting the whole group’s spirits in the process.

Laughter Over Lunch

The group rounded off the outing with the well-earned trip to McDonald’s, where family members independently chose their meals consisting of nuggets, cheeseburgers, and everything in between. They sat together chatting and laughing, with one family member summing up the mood perfectly, “This has been such a fun day, we should do this again.”

A Surprise Gift to End a Perfect Day

In a generous final touch, the team at Catley’s gifted the group around 18 sunflower plants to take home. Ruby’s reaction said it all, “That’s amazing, sunflowers are my favourite!”

Catherine House Care Home organised the outing with care, ensuring every family member felt included, heard, and supported throughout. The day was a wonderful celebration of community involvement, promoting choice, independence, and connection.

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

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

Find out more about Catley’s here https://www.facebook.com/catleychilledfoods