Couple Life In A Care Home

It s been good for us and we re still together ; Care for couples at Lilian Faithfull Care

For anyone considering moving into care the decision can be made a lot easier knowing that couples can live together at the charity Lilian Faithfull Care

Each of its six care homes welcome couples and options include double rooms and/or apartments Some couples also choose to have their own rooms to accommodate varying needs but enjoy sharing their days together

In February this year Faithfull House on Suffolk Square in Cheltenham welcomed two couples; Doreen and Ernest Rowland and Margaret and Joseph Cheetham

Margaret and Joseph met when they were sixteen at a dance after an evening church service Margaret studied English Literature at University and became a teacher while Joseph studied engineering joined the electricity board and became one of the first engineers to specialise in nuclear power They moved to Cheltenham with their young family of four children and the town has been their home ever since Margaret explained how it has been moving into Faithfull House;

“It took me a while to settle but I am very glad not to be running a house friends and relatives there so seeing Stapely Care still thriving and growing means a lot to me ”

She says Stapely Retirement Village development is so important because as an economist and a pensioner I worry too few people think about getting older; where to live arranging finances having help at hand when needed

“We already have more citizens over 85 than youngsters under 16, but it s taking too long for planners and families to catch up

“Governments have turned a blind eye for too long to the ageing of our population a large proportion of whom live alone

“Yet our older people are a vast source of knowledge and experience Stapely Retirement Village will help to fill that gap and why I am very keen to give it my support to help make it happen

Philip Ettinger Stapely Care Trustee, says: “Stapely Care is so grateful to have Edwina Currie s support Her great interest in what we are doing is extremely gratifying, as was her wonderful way when meeting our residents

“Edwina’s energy ideas and commitment to our future was very greatly appreciated on what was an informal initial visit We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with her ”

I hadn t realised what a pleasure it would be to come down for a meal that s been cooked for you We get a dessert at lunch and supper which is a treat and we have a sherry before lunch – something I would never have had time for at home as I would be busy cooking It s been good for us and we re still together ”

Since coming to Faithfull House they have been able to enjoy the trips organised by the activities team Recently this included going on a canal boat cruise this was particularly special for Joseph – he had been an officer in the Royal Navy reserves and it was the first time in a long while that he d been on a boat

Doreen and Ernest are new to Cheltenham they moved to Faithfull House from Berkshire to be close to their daughter A few weeks after they arrived they celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary with a party at Faithfull House They both grew up in Kent and met through a shared love of cycling and recently they were able to enjoy another cycle ride together! The charity has a specially adapted trishaw which volunteers and staff pedal around traffic free routes close to the homes Faithfull House s Physiotherapist

Martin cycled Doreen and Ernest around the nearby Montpelier park where they both enjoyed the opportunity for ‘people watching’

Doreen explains how they have found the move to the residential home

“We’ve settled in very well It’s been no problem; we re used to moving around We are lucky because as a married couple we have an apartment I enjoy having our meals prepared – it’s wonderful food ”

“It s different but it’s very homely here We aren’t obliged to join in [with the activities] but there is a lot to choose from We can have our own furniture, all our own pictures They make you feel at home straight away ”