When Terry moved to Tŷ Llandaff Care Home in 2023 following a long stay in hospital, one thing remained as important to him as ever, his love of travel and adventure. Terry has always enjoyed exploring new places, experiencing different cultures and making the most of life. So, when he shared his New Year’s resolution in January 2024, it was perhaps no surprise that it involved seeing more of the world. He wanted to travel again and prove that living in a care home did not have to mean giving up the independence, experiences and adventures he had always enjoyed.
Making Terry's Travel Plans a Reality
The team at Tŷ Llandaff took Terry’s ambition seriously. Rather than seeing his circumstances as a barrier to travelling abroad, they worked with him to explore what could be possible. With support from Senior Care Staff Debbie and Nasher, Terry researched different destinations before deciding on Malaga. The team helped him work through the practical arrangements, from planning his trip and preparing for the journey to staying in touch while he was away. Peter from the maintenance team also helped Terry with the practical side of his plans, including booking his flight. For Terry, the support was not about making decisions for him. It was about giving him the encouragement and assistance he needed to make his own decisions and pursue something that mattered to him.
A Holiday to Remember
Terry travelled from Cardiff Airport to Malaga with support from the team and made the most of every part of his trip. He enjoyed sightseeing, sampling local food, spending time in the sunshine and experiencing the nightlife. He also kept active during his stay, making use of the hotel gym as part of his usual routine. While Terry was away, the team at Tŷ Llandaff remained in regular contact with him through FaceTime and daily updates. This helped him stay connected with his friends and fellow residents back home, who were able to share in his experiences and hear about his adventures as they happened. When Terry returned, he was full of stories, enthusiasm and confidence. Rather than seeing the holiday as a one-off achievement, he was already thinking about where he could go next.
One Holiday Became the Start of More Adventures
Terry's trip to Malaga showed what can be achieved when care is built around the individual. His love of travel was not treated as something that had to stop when he moved into a care home. Instead, the team looked at how they could support him to continue doing something that had always brought him enjoyment and a sense of independence. Terry went on to enjoy another holiday to the Canary Islands in February 2025 and continues to research ideas for his next adventure. His experience has also encouraged conversations with other residents about their own wishes, interests and ambitions. For Terry, it is about much more than simply visiting new destinations. It is about maintaining his independence, staying active and having things to look forward to.
As Debbie, Senior Care Staff, explains: “Supporting Terry to continue doing what he loves reminds us that moving into a care home should never mean giving up your passions or independence.”
Nasher, Senior Care Staff, adds: “Seeing Terry return from Malaga smiling, full of stories and already planning his next adventure was incredible. It showed just how important meaningful experiences are for wellbeing.”
For Peter from the maintenance team, Terry’s trip was also a reminder of what can be achieved when everyone plays their part: “This trip showed what can happen when a whole team works together to make a resident’s goals possible.”
Terry continues to look ahead, researching new destinations and planning his next adventure. His story is a reminder that person-centred care is not only about supporting someone's day-to-day needs. It is also about understanding who they are, what matters to them and helping them continue to live life on their own terms.
