Residents at Camelot Care’s Chestnut Lodge in Yeovil are finding it easier to get to their favourite places after the home acquired a new wheelchair accessible van.

The delivery of the Peugeot Horizon comes as the home, which opened in April, is increasing the size of its activities team. Team leader, Jackie Cuff, is already in place and getting to know the residents and the activities they enjoy.  

Manager Graham Oakes said: “It is so important to provide care for people with dementia that is really person-centred and enables them to live their best lives. 

“Sometimes this means they want to return to a place they associate with enjoying themselves, such as a special pub, garden, place of worship, sports ground or entertainment venue, and our new wheelchair accessible vehicle – WAV for short – will enable us to take them there. 

“Anyone who has a loved one living with dementia will be familiar with their reminiscences about places they have visited and activities they’ve enjoyed in years past, and it’s our intention – where feasible – to help recreate some of that. 

“Group outings and minibuses suit some settings very well, but the WAV at Chestnut Lodge is intended to allow for supported individual outings that better fit with our particular ethos of personalised care.”  

A purpose-built care facility, Chestnut Lodge has recently been fully refurbished and can now accommodate 38 residents in single rooms, each with a personal wet room. The home also provides respite care tailored to meet carers’ needs, with stays from 1-30 nights available.