Music, fun (and fish) for clients in Farnham and Guildford

Magic moments come in all shapes and sizes. As people thanked HM the Queen for 70 years of service in this platinum jubilee year, the nation has looked back on numerous magic moments during her reign and created new ones with street parties, church services, watching royal pageantry and Red Arrow flypasts.

At the same time, Right at Home CareGivers and their clients have been making their own magic moments on a smaller scale but just as important.

“Our Magic Moments initiative is about helping our clients enjoy their lives. We encourage and support our CareGivers to look for experiences, visits and activities for clients to enjoy - often they are the sorts of things many of us take for granted or simple pleasures like rediscovering the joy of a former hobby or visiting a place linked to a favourite memory,” explains Alastair Shanks, Managing Director of Right at Home GF. 

In May, Right at Home clients James and Robert from Farnham and Kevin from Guildford were able to take part in hobbies that had previously been their passions in life.

James was once a regular fisherman but stopped as his support needs increased. When James’ carer Howie heard his many fishing stories, he enlisted help from the aptly named Finn at South East Coast Ambulance Service to arrange safe transport, help with mobility and fishing tackle for an afternoon of fishing at Alice Holt forest. 

For Right at Home client Robert, being matched with his CareGiver, Howie, was an opportunity to start playing the keyboard again. As Howie is an accomplished clarinet player, he supported Robert to play, and over the period of a few weeks the pair worked on a rendition of Nat King Cole’s classic, Unforgettable. A passionate musician in the past, Robert played beautifully. Like riding a bicycle, it seems music is something you never forget.

Kevin from Guildford was a keen skater when he was younger but had not been on the ice for many years. That all changed when his CareGivers Vicki and Marion arranged for him to visit the rink at Guildford Spectrum. With assistance from the Spectrum team to keep Kevin safe, he was able to enjoy the thrill, speed and elegance of gliding across the ice. He hopes to try it again soon!

“When we are able to live fully independently, it’s often only time that gets in the way of doing the things we love - whether that’s fishing or playing a musical instrument - but hobbies give us pleasure throughout our lives so when our CareGivers can help a client do something that gives them pleasure, we’re delighted to help make that happen,” says Mr Shanks.

Right at Home GF is a home care provider operating across Farnham, Guildford, Godalming, Fleet and Aldershot. Its team of caregivers provide care from companionship and help with everyday tasks such as providing a cooked meal through to live-in, 24 hour and overnight care. Home care helps people live in their own homes and enjoy independence for longer and as an alternative to residential care.