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At Nautilus Mariners' Park Estate, staying active and involved is key to a fulfilling lifestyle and enabled with a resident-led activities planner, says Ruth Collard, head of hotel services at the Estate's Care Home
'We want retired seafarers to know they're welcome here,' says Ms Collard. 'Our Care Home is more than just a place to live – it's a place to thrive.'
Residents help shape their monthly activity planner – Armchair Travel is one favourite, offering themed quizzes and shared memories of travel from the comfort of a lounge chair. There's also a library stocked with titles, some of which are featured in Telegraph book reviews.
Seasonal events also bring the community together, such as this summer's Strawberry Fair and a lively BBQ at Mariners' Park.
Autumn in the Care Home featured poppy-making crafts and a 'creative mojo' art project organised by activities coordinator Selina Thompson.
An extra-special event which took two years to organise provided residents the chance to enjoy immersive 3D photographic memories of the local Wallasey area via a portable museum van installation, with the much appreciated support of the National Museums Liverpool. House of Memories is a museum-led dementia awareness programme which offers training, access to resources, and museum-based activities to enable carers to provide person-centred care for people living with dementia.
After a Halloween movie and fortune telling, residents are now preparing for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Seafarer welfare services
Nautilus director of welfare and care Andrew Jones took part in a panel discussion during the launch of the Seafarers 2040 report.
Mr Jones said the Maritime Charities Group research, to which the Nautilus Welfare Fund contributed, pointed to a large seafaring community who were often unaware of services for retired mariners. Charities need to collaborate and shout more about these services, as well as find ways to build awareness early in a maritime career – from cadet training onwards. Lobbying for the UK Census to include a maritime professional option for careers could be another option to improve data. In terms of adapting eligibility criteria, Mr Jones said the Fund had last year already expanded eligibility for residency at Mariners' Park to anyone aged 55+ who has worked in the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, or maritime sector. Applications are assessed based on service length and care needs.
Planning your nautical retirement?
Mariners' Park supports retired and needy seafarers and their dependants who are aged over 55. The park offers a full range of independent living properties; a bespoke supportive living accommodation building for those with care needs; and a 36-bed care home that provides 24/7 care, nursing, dementia and palliative support.
Accommodation is available now for those maritime professionals that have served in the Merchant Navy across all sectors, including maritime pilots and crew on large yachts, as well as those who have served in the Royal Navy.
Arrange a visit to Mariners' Park in Wallasey, UK, to talk about the retirement options or register to have your name added to the accommodation list, by emailing welfare@nautilusint.org or calling +44(0)151 346 8840. There is more information at www.nautiluswelfarefund.org
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