With Christmas just around the corner, many people are looking forward to spending some quality time with their loved ones, from elderly relatives to new additions to the family. For some, the festive season is also a time to think about the future — and for those older members of the family, that might include discussing care arrangements.
Gloucestershire charity, Lilian Faithfull Care, has been providing expert residential and nursing care to people in the county for over 77 years, along with a range of specialist provisions, with SoGlos rounding up five of these lesser-known services in this hot list.
Accommodation for couples
Couples can live together at all six of Lilian Faithfull's homes across Gloucestershire, allowing them to stay together regardless of whether both, or only one of them, needs care. Options include double rooms and apartments, with some residents choosing to have their own individual rooms, too.
One couple who moved into Faithfull House in Cheltenham together is Margaret and Joseph Cheetham, with Margaret saying: 'It’s been good for us and we’re still together. It took me a while to settle but I am very glad not to be running a house. I hadn’t realised what a pleasure it would be to come down for a meal that’s been cooked for you.' The couple have also enjoyed a variety of trips, including a summer canal boat cruise, allowing them to keep making precious memories together.
Bike rides for residents
Lilian Faithfull Care's specially-adapted Trishaw means that residents can enjoy bike rides around beautiful Cheltenham. Its team of trained volunteers hop in the saddle whenever the weather allows to take people out for rides on a number of traffic-free routes across the Regency town, so they can enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous surroundings.
With a host of mood-boosting benefits for both residents and staff, the charity's physiotherapist, Martin DeGroodt, said: 'It is stimulating out in the fresh air and there is always a lot of interaction with other people when we are out riding.'
Day care
While not all elderly people need residential or nursing care, attending one of Lilian Faithfull's day care hubs can provide not only some much-valued respite for people living independently, but also the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy fun activities, like watercolour painting, poetry, baking, games, live music, gardening, animal visits and even themed days — with regular trips out, too. There are activities for people of all abilities, including a group for younger people with early onset dementia.
Regular guest, Mike Clayton, whose visits are supporting him through recovery from a serious health episode, said: 'The things I enjoy about going to the hub are the normality it brings and a feeling of being safe. Coming here and seeing other people with disabilities — for want of a better word — it makes me feel I am not on my own. My visits are the highlight of my week.'
End-of-life care
For people in need of palliative care, Lilian Faithfull is equipped to provide expert end-of-life care at every single one of its homes across Gloucestershire — and it has a specialist suite at St Faith's in Cheltenham, which has been designed especially for this type of care, offering privacy, comfort and facilities for families and friends to spend time with their loved ones in their final days, weeks or months.
Cheryl Hossle's parents moved into a double room at St Faith's during what turned out to be the last six weeks of her dad's life. She said: 'The care, activities, standard of cleanliness, furnishings and equipment are amazing. The carers were so brilliant and very gentle with him. I honestly don’t think you could get better care. I know dad would want me to say thank you.'
Specialist dementia care
All of Lilian Faithfull's residential homes and day care hubs are equipped to provide care for people living with dementia — but for those with a higher level of need, the charity has two dedicated extra care suites, which offer accommodation in smaller, family-sized communities with specialist dementia facilities and staff, to bridge the gap between residential and nursing care.
Lilian Faithfull's director of care, Suzanne Booker, said: 'We opened our first extra care suite over five years ago and we are continuing to expand the number we offer as we’ve seen so many positive benefits for those living with us. Residents gain reassurance from the calm, quiet environment and the familiarity of having a dedicated staff team. Our newest is at Royal Court — where residents will have their own apartments within the suite. There will also be safe access to a garden, which can give a feeling of wellbeing and stimulate memories with physical activity.'
