Even into her eighties, my mum had always been very sprightly. But during the two years after my father died, she found it increasingly hard to cope. Her doctor really felt that mum’s days of independent living were over and asked me to break the news to her. Initially she was very upset but soon realised that it made sense. I’m pleased to say that the homeliness of her new surroundings has quickly dispelled any misgivings.
In fact mum had already been going to the care home we chose once a week for day care. There's no doubt that this made the decision making process easier. For instance we already knew the staff, who are superb.
It’s a small home with a very friendly atmosphere. Whilst it isn’t the nearest one to where I live, it was always mum’s first choice. What particularly impressed me was that the residents don’t all sit around the perimeter of the lounge. The chairs are grouped to encourage conversation. As a result, mum’s made several friends since moving in.
I suppose the acid test is whether I’d be happy living there myself. And the answer to that is a very definite ‘yes’!
More than just care homes...