30th September 2020

The family of a Haviland House resident organised an ice cream van to visit the care home in September in remembrance of their late parents.

Doreen Skilton, who had been a Haviland House resident since our specialist dementia care home opened in 2015, sadly passed away earlier this year. Whilst living at Haviland, Doreen’s late husband Cyril asked to become a volunteer at the care home. He wanted to contribute and be able to stay close to his wife. In the mornings he would work on reception, later have lunch with Doreen, and then spend the afternoon with her.

At one Haviland summer fayre, Cyril organised an ice cream van for residents, staff and visitors. After he passed away, the home built an ice cream kiosk named in his honour. Cyril was loved by all who worked or visited the care home and staff described him as endlessly patient, good natured and eager to work every day.

To coincide with the scattering of their mother’s ashes, Doreen and Cyril’s family organised an ice cream van to again visit Haviland house, giving out free ice creams to the home’s residents and staff. The heart-warming gesture was greatly appreciated.

 

Tracey Skilton, one of Doreen and Cyril’s children, said: “Words cannot express how grateful we are as a family to Haviland and all the staff who looked after mum throughout her dementia journey and for the amazing support given to us - and especially to my dad.”

You can read more about Haviland House here.