A 65 Year Reunion: Mr I’s Heartwarming Return To Oriel College

We recently accompanied live-in customer Mr I. on a special visit to his alma mater, Oriel College, Oxford.

Despite a long-time diagnosis of dementia and having graduated 65 years ago, Mr I. is able to recall his time at Oriel with great precision and clarity. He expressed that his dream was to return for "one last look" at his beloved college.

When his carer Fe mentioned this desire to Live-In Customer Care Manager Sophie, the process of organising a trip to the college swung into motion. Sophie took the lead, coordinating with the college to discuss access arrangements and booking a wheelchair taxi service to transport Mr I., his carer, and his family members to the college for a day trip.

He was given an exclusive tour of the College and remembered many buildings and rooms with particular memories centred around the Great Hall, the Chapel, and the Doll's House. Mr I. was able to recall his precise dorm room, which has since been repurposed into the Provost's PA's office. He recounted many fantastic stories... one in particular was meeting the reigning Miss New Zealand on campus and the Oriel men "gawping" in the presence of such beauty, not knowing quite what to say!

As Mr I's family and carer had taken several photos of his visit to Oriel, Sophie collated these and created a printed memory book featuring written highlights from the outing. Mr I.'s sister-in-law notes:

"He looks at it every night before he retires to bed. He holds his memories of Oriel close to his heart."

Mr I. says of this outing, "I cannot thank you enough for making this happen.

It has been a dream for some time and it is now a reality.

Lingering in the Great Hall and soaking up the atmosphere was a particular highlight. Thank you to my Bluebirds!"