Luxury care home takes residents for a day of ‘retail therapy’ in Havant
Residents at Portsdown View, a luxury care home in the Connaught Care Collection, were treated to a day of fun and Christmas shopping in Havant’s bustling town centre.
The trip, which was organised for a group that included people living with mobility issues, was a chance for residents to rediscover their love of shopping.
From the moment they stepped off the minibus the group took full advantage of the day by treating themselves to festive goodies like warm winter clothing, gifts for their loved ones, and delicious seasonal treats. They also made fast friends with the locals, enjoying the opportunity to play an active role in the social life of the town.
This trip is part of Portsdown’s effort to incorporate the concept of ‘retail therapy’ into its care strategies. Pippa Mafunga, General Manager at Portsdown View, explained:
"It was wonderful to see how positively our residents responded to a day out at the shops. It goes to show that shopping isn’t just something we do out of necessity; it can also be a fun and sociable way to spend time with close friends. These kinds of simple, everyday activities can make all the difference in making residents feel truly at home”.
Studies show that retail therapy (i.e. using shopping as a way to lift spirits and enhance mental well-being) can help to improve mood and increase emotional regulation. It can help people to express, manage, and communicate their emotions; or to connect with friends and strangers through a common activity.
The act of shopping can also stimulate the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, which boosts mood and calms the mind during moments of anxiety. One study found that shopping not only makes people happier immediately, but can also fight lingering sadness by restoring a sense of personal autonomy and control.
Pippa Mafunga continued:
"I think everyone really enjoyed moseying around town again, especially those who have struggled to do so in recent years due to mobility issues. Our carers wanted to make sure that heading to the shops for an impromptu day out feels just as fun and accessible as it ever was for our residents. As the Christmas season gets into full gear, I’m sure this will be the first of many festive shopping sprees in Havant!”
The team at Portsdown View sees these kinds of quality-of-life trips as an essential part of their care philosophy. The home has various other activities planned throughout the Christmas period to keep spirits high.