Newark Care Home fulfils residents dream of an aboard holiday

A resident at Anavo’s Newark Care Home has enjoyed her first holiday abroad aged 58, after the team helped turn her wish to visit Spain into reality.

Pauline, who has lived at the home since 2018, travelled to Torrevieja in Spain from the 24th–29th September with Senior Care Assistant Margaret and Activities Coordinator Angie, the two team members she chose to accompany her.

Staying in a villa with a private pool, Pauline enjoyed a boat trip, a day at the zoo, shopping and swimming. She has returned home eager to go abroad again.

Pauline said: “I loved my holiday in Spain. I really enjoyed visiting the zoo and seeing all the different animals. I would love to go back again!”

The journey began when Anavo’s Regional Manager Emma asked Pauline what wish she would most love to fulfil. When she said Spain, the team worked alongside her and her social worker to make it happen.

For Pauline, who finds comfort in familiar routines, thoughtful preparation made a difference. The team persevered through a complex first passport application and arranged airport visits so she could become familiar with what to expect.

They also helped her return to swimming for the first time since she was 13. Supported visits to a local pool rebuilt her confidence, and swimming became a highlight of the holiday.

Pauline helped choose her villa and enjoyed shopping for new outfits. Her favourite 1980s music and scrapbooks to capture her memories added personal touches to a trip shaped around her interests.

AnneMarie Home Manager at Newark Care Home, said: “Moving into a care home should never mean giving up the things you love or the dreams you still want to fulfil. At Anavo, we help people stay safe while continuing to live life on their own terms.

Pauline told us she wanted to go to Spain, and we took that wish seriously. We worked through the practical challenges together and kept her choices at the heart of every decision. Seeing her return with wonderful memories and the excitement to go again is exactly why this matters. Good care should open up possibilities.”