Spitfires, Sing-Alongs and a Surprise from Elvis: August Highlights from Across Our Network

Paul Terry, a Client of Right at Home Eastbourne & Bexhill, has finally done something he had wanted to do for years — fly in a Spitfire.

Paul served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps and was one of three brothers who came through the Second World War. He landed in Normandy in June 1944 and travelled on through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, fighting in Operation Market Garden to help secure the bridge at Nijmegen before moving on to Arnhem.

The flight was arranged by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which organises experiences and days out for veterans. Paul flew from Biggin Hill in Kent alongside Alfred Cooley, who signed up to the Highland Light Infantry the day before D-Day, and 99-year-old Ivan Staines, who spent time in the hangar with his five-year-old great-grandson before take-off. Three Spitfires took off in formation over the Kent countryside.

Paul said the flight was smoother than he had expected, and not quite as fast: "I reckon my BMW could give it a run for its money."

The monthly Afternoon Tea Club run by Right at Home Isle of Wight was a lively one this time round, with live music, crafts and a very generous spread of cake.

Guests were treated to ukuleles, guitar and a flautist, with plenty of singing throughout the afternoon. Everyone had a go at making their own musical shakers before joining in with a set from local group the Travelling Rugs, who went down brilliantly with the room.

There was a milestone to mark, too. Carer Kerrin Dabell has now been with Right at Home Isle of Wight for five years, and the group took a moment to say congratulations and thank her for everything she has done for Clients in that time.

Regular events like this are a small but important part of what the team offers. Companionship and social contact matter to wellbeing just as much as practical support at home, and a monthly get-together gives Clients something in the diary, familiar faces to catch up with and the chance to try something new.

Two sisters supported by Right at Home Mid Hampshire are lifelong Elvis Presley fans. A photo of the King has pride of place in their lounge, and saying hello to it in the morning has become a tradition among the Carers who visit them.

Carer Lou decided to take that a little further. With the help of a friend, she arranged for the sisters to get a visit from Elvis himself.

The afternoon was spent working through the classics, with everyone singing along, and the sisters were presented with flowers to round the occasion off. It was a simple idea built entirely around something they love, and it turned into an afternoon that everyone in the room will remember.

For the team in Mid Hampshire, good homecare goes well beyond the tasks on a care plan. Taking the time to understand someone's personality, interests and memories is part of supporting their wellbeing — whether that means putting a favourite song on, getting out into the local community, picking up an old hobby again or, every so often, arranging a house call from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.