An individual we support with complex additional needs was able to swap her care home for the Canary Islands when her carers helped her jet off on a dream holiday to Lanzarote.
Steph Matthews, who has lived at Roman House care home in Basingstoke since it opened in 1972, asked her carers about taking a short holiday in the UK now that COVID restrictions have relaxed.
Steph has learning difficulties and osteoporosis, for which she uses a wheelchair. She is also registered blind but can see shapes and colours.
Ashleigh Young, who works at the home, suggested that they take the adventurous step of booking somewhere further afield, and Steph suggested Lanzarote, because she had fond memories of visiting as a child.
Ashleigh said: “We looked at holidays online and Steph picked Lanzarote, so we looked into it to see if there was an accessible apartment available. There was, so we booked it. It took a lot of planning and she required two carers to accompany her, but we made sure we had plenty of time to get organised.”
Steph spent a week having fun in the sun, enjoying local food, visiting the beach and swimming in the hotel pool.
Ashleigh continued: “Steph had the best time. She wanted to go swimming and because we had a swim vest and swim shoes for her, I knew we could support her safely in the swimming pool. She now wants a pool in Roman House’s back garden!
“It is incredibly important to the team at Roman House that we help the people we support to live their best lives. Although taking someone with complex needs on holiday requires a bit more work, it is its own reward. Steph will remember this for years and I’m delighted to have been part of it.”
Roman House is part of Ambito Care and Education, which is part of Salutem Care and Education.
