What a week actually looks like at The Elms

People ask what residents do all day. The honest answer is that it varies enormously, because thirty four people do not want the same things. Some are in the lounge from breakfast onwards. Others prefer their own room, their own television and a knock on the door at mealtimes. Both are fine.

That said, there is a programme, and two activity coordinators who plan it.

The regular fixtures

Getting out

We attend a local community group and organise regular excursions. Saltash sits right on the Tamar, so a trip out and a look at the water is never a long journey. The minibus does a fair number of miles.

Meals

Three meals a day, including a cooked two course lunch, with a lighter option at teatime and a choice at every meal. The kitchen team source ingredients locally where they can and the menu is reviewed with residents rather than decided at them. Residents eat where they like, whether that is the dining room, a lounge or their own room.

The bits that are not on a timetable

Flowers on the mantelpiece. The fire on in the front lounge. Someone’s daughter on a video call from the tablet. A cup of tea at an odd hour because somebody could not sleep. Those are not on the activity sheet, but they are most of what makes the place feel like a home.

If you would like to see it for yourself, you are welcome to visit. Call 01752 846 335.