Woman with additional needs enjoys holiday in Canary Islands

Steph Matthews jetted off on a dream holiday to Lanzarote accompanied by her carers.

Steph, who has lived at Roman House care home in Basingstoke since it first opened its doors in 1972, has learning difficulties and osteoporosis, for which she uses a wheelchair.

She is also registered blind but can see shapes and colours.

The journey began when Steph asked her carers about taking a short holiday in the UK following the easing of Covid restrictions across the country.

Roman House resident Steph Matthews READ MORE: Basingstoke woman speaks at Parliament to campaign for more support for carers

Ashleigh, who works at the home, suggested that they instead take the adventurous step of booking a holiday somewhere further afield, with Steph suggesting Lanzarote due to her 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 requires 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.

Ashleigh and Steph “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.

SEE ALSO: Woman diagnosed with neuromuscular disease completing challenge to raise money for life-changing wheelchair

“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.”

This is not the first time that staff at Roman House have tried to support residents by taking them on exciting trips.

Earlier this year, staff members fulfilled the wish of a resident who wanted to go to a music festival.

Roman House is part of Ambito Care and Education, which itself is part of Salutem Care and Education, a UK based residential and healthcare operator and investor with 130 services nationwide.

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