Holidays without limitations
A holiday with freedom and independence
For almost 30 years, L’Accolade on the French island of Île d’Oléron has been offering adapted holidays for people with disabilities and their loved ones. The small-scale holiday park accommodates up to thirteen families and provides adapted accommodation, care and a range of assistive devices.
Guests are encouraged to remain as independent as possible and to stay in control of their own daily routine. As founder Monique Schieman puts it:
“Here, guests decide for themselves when they want assistance. That way, they regain control over their own day.”
Assistive devices make it possible
Suitable assistive devices are essential. After many years of intensive use, several of L’Accolade’s devices needed to be replaced. Lopital therefore donated a range of assistive devices, including shower and toilet aids.
These have now been installed in the adapted bathrooms and are used on a daily basis.
“We are incredibly grateful for what you have done for us. It really is fantastic,” says Monique.
Together, we help keep holidays accessible
L’Accolade wants adapted holidays to remain accessible to people with a limited budget and therefore relies heavily on volunteers, sponsors and donations in kind.
We are pleased that Lopital can contribute to this. Because sometimes the right assistive device means much more than good care alone: it makes it possible to simply enjoy a holiday.
Volunteers wanted
In addition to suitable assistive devices, finding enough volunteers remains an important priority.
“Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are always very welcome. People who have volunteered here once often return. It reminds them why they chose to work in healthcare in the first place.”
Finding enough nurses is particularly challenging during the summer weeks. At the same time, Monique sees that many volunteers return enthusiastically after their first stay.
The personal attention given to guests and the relaxed environment allow many healthcare professionals to reconnect with the reasons why they originally chose their profession.
