With Christmas fast approaching, many people put their focus onto spending time with family and friends - and for those with elderly relatives, it can also be a time to discuss wellbeing and care for those of the older generations.
Gloucestershire elderly care charity, Lilian Faithfull Care, provides a variety of options for elderly people with care needs, from full-time nursing and residential care, to respite and day care which gives families a much-needed break.
As well as promising to provide a 'home for life' for all residents in its care homes, its day care centres in Cheltenham and Stroud are also changing the perceptions of adult day care, showing that these places can be somewhere warm, vibrant and fun, where the whole family is welcome.
Virginia's mum, Gaynor, started visiting Lilian Faithfull Care's Secret Garden Hub in summer 2022 - they shared their experiences with SoGlos.
'It was a gargantuan effort to get mum to even consider attending, it was such a wobbly start behind the scenes. When mum realised that I wasn’t stopping for lunch during her first visit she suddenly wanted to cancel, anxiety clearly taking over. How terribly guilty I felt and how anxious I was when dropping her off, but oh how relieved and delighted I was that it has paid off.
'Following her first two visits, to hear the words ‘there is really nothing I can fault, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, everyone is absolutely lovely and nothing is too much trouble,’ has been music to my ears. Further positive comments relate to the quality of the food, the cleanliness of the building and all the facilities.
'Mum continues to speak incredibly positively and enthusiastically about life at The Secret Garden after every single visit. From a mental health and wellbeing perspective, I always notice how animated and engaged mum is following her visits. I truly believe that the companionship and stimulation of the day makes a huge positive impact. Long may the positivity and happiness continue.'
Lilian Faithfull Care also offers respite stays to help people recuperate or rehabilitate after illness, or give their full-time carers a rest, with Brenda sharing how she found spending four weeks at Faithfull House.
'In the last year, I had a bad time getting over a stroke. I live alone and I got to the point that I was actually finding it a job just to cope. I am nearly blind, so that doesn't help.
'I think I just I said to
my boys ‘I need looking after’ so we sat and thought about it, they said ‘what
you need, mum, is a place for some respite’. We came to have a look at Faithfull House one afternoon, was very
impressed with the whole place, and certainly with all the staff and just how
helpful everyone is.
'I am an independent person, and that is very important to me. The staff are all amazing. They are all so obliging, they’re friendly and they’re tolerant, I couldn’t praise them enough to be quite honest.
'It’s been an enjoyable stay for me, it’s been a new experience, I’ve never been into a respite place before. I think it would be very easy to come back if I want to even for the short term for two or three weeks if I need another break.'
For those whose loved ones need permanent care, Lilian Faithfull has five care homes across the county providing residential, nursing and specialist dementia care - with Kate sharing her family's journey to finding care for both of her parents.
'In 2019, dad broke his hip and was in hospital over Christmas and needed nursing care. As a family it was a huge relief when he came to St Faith’s. Dad settled in straight away. The way they treat him is so lovely. I feel so reassured that he is there.
'Mum was then at home on her own and her dementia got worse. We were struggling as a family to care for her. Mum is naturally a happy person but we would find her crying and it got to the point when she had stopped caring for herself too.
'We looked around a couple of care homes and decided it wasn’t appropriate for mum, but as soon as we walked into Faithfull House we knew this was the place. The relief was huge.
'Mum came in for respite initially. She is a very proud lady and doesn’t want to be helped - she has spent her whole life helping other people. But at Faithfull House they encourage her to help. She doesn’t feel like she is in a care home. The staff have all adapted to mum and they are so flexible. She has a wonderful room and a beautiful view over to the hills.
'It is wonderful to see her happy again and having a joke. She is always dressed beautifully, hair and nails done and this has always been important to her. She gets involved in the activities and we take her each week to see dad at St Faith’s. Our dog and tortoise visit too!'
To find our more about Lilian Faithfull's day, respite and residential care, visit lilianfaithfull.co.uk.
