Our residents get creative with maintenance man Kevin

Residents at our care home in Exmouth are making their own woodwork creations thanks to the home’s dedicated maintenance man.

Not content with making sure Fernihurst Nursing Home in Exmouth always looks its best, Kevin Hartnoll has been running woodwork classes with the residents.

Kevin created a workshop, where they make wooden toys and enjoy painting and tinkering/fixing things, as many would have done in their own homes before moving in, giving them such a sense of continuity. 

He explains: “The residents love our sessions and I love them too! It’s my job to make sure the home looks its best, but it’s everyone’s job to make sure our residents are having the best time possible, and we all work together to achieve this.”

Together they’ve made everything from garden planters and bird feeders to trains and even a giant noughts and crosses board. They were proud as punch to sell many of the items at the home’s Christmas fayre. And as a special treat, Kevin even made a portable cocktail bar for happy hour (pictured)! 

Fernihurst’s home manager Hollie Prowse said: “We are passionate about enriching our residents lives by supporting them to do the things they love as well as try new experiences.

"Kevin is using his skills to run an activity which gives our residents such a sense of achievement when they see what they’ve created.”

Kevin also loves to support with other activities in the home, from dressing up for themed days, like Elvis Presley Day, to joining in with singalongs.  

For more about life at Fernihurst, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7421.