Sidmouth Care Home Travels East Devon Community
From seaside singalongs to chance encounters with old friends, a residential care home near Sidmouth is supporting older people, including those living with dementia, stay connected with their local community through regular trips across East Devon.
Sundial Care Home, based in Tipton St John, began its ‘Van Adventures Club’ around a year ago, led by Lindsay, a volunteer who also has a loved one living at the home. The outings give residents, fondly referred to as ‘family members’, the opportunity to continue exploring familiar places, meeting people and enjoying time out in the community.
Depending on the weather, adventures might involve a visit to a local garden centre, an afternoon at the beach or a trip into the countryside. A flask of tea or coffee and a few slices of cake are usually packed for the journey, giving everyone the chance to stop somewhere and take in their surroundings.
But it is often the unexpected encounters that make the outings particularly memorable. Family members sometimes bump into people they know, while local dog walkers regularly stop for a chat, giving those who love animals the opportunity to meet their four-legged companions.
For Lindsay, it is these everyday interactions and the reactions of those taking part that make organising the trips so worthwhile.
“For me personally, one of the best parts of the Van Adventures is seeing the joy on a family member’s face. It might be because they have met someone they know, seen something that brings back a memory, enjoyed sitting in the sunshine looking out at the sea, or simply been able to sit with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and enjoy the moment.”
For people living with dementia, these opportunities to remain part of their community are particularly meaningful, with each outing offering something different and the freedom to join in at their own pace.
Lindsay organises the adventures alongside Sundial’s team members, whose understanding of each person’s interests and individual needs helps make the outings possible. Sue, a team member at Sundial, has accompanied Lindsay on most of the trips, while Home Manager Liz Thompson is a keen supporter of the initiative.
The group has even introduced its own ‘Van Adventures Club’ hats, featuring the motto ‘Van Adventures Club – On the Run, Having Fun!’, which have attracted attention and sparked conversations while out and about.
And while the adventures are planned, there is never any rush to get back. As Lindsay explained, “We know they have been a success when we arrive home late for tea because time just slips by!”
With Christmas approaching, Lindsay is already looking ahead to the next adventures, including a planned visit to Otter Nurseries and an evening exploring the Christmas lights in Sidmouth.
For those living at Sundial, the outings are a reminder that moving into a care home does not mean losing touch with the places and people that have always been part of their lives. There are still familiar faces to see, new people to meet and plenty of places to explore.
If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit: https://www.sundialcare.com/sundial-life-captured/