Michael and Rosina’s Journey – adjusting farming life to the reality of dementia:
Michael and Rosina, a couple from Helions Bumpstead, Essex, have been married for 63 years and spent over six decades building a family and running a farm together. They raised four children and now have a large extended family, including six grandsons, six granddaughters, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Well into his 80s, Michael continued his passion for farming, often working alongside his son Jonathan. However, in 2021, life took an unexpected turn when Michael was diagnosed with dementia. As both Michael and Rosina faced health challenges, including the loss of their driving independence, their family knew they needed to find additional support.
Live-in care is a solution which is working well as it allows Michael to remain in his familiar surroundings while receiving the care and support he needed. Their daughter, Esther, turned to the Live-In Care Hub and found Ashridge Home Care. “Finding care for Dad was a real challenge,” Esther shared. “But the Live-In Care Hub helped us find a good solution that suits their current healthcare needs and circumstances. It was a huge relief knowing we could trust them.”
Ashridge matched Michael with Maria, a compassionate carer who understood Michael’s need for purpose and connection to the land. Maria often takes Michael on drives, keeping him engaged and providing a sense of familiarity.
With Ashridge’s support, Michael and Rosina continue to live with dignity in their family home.
Di, a retired district nurse and now a special needs teacher, explains how live-in care from Consultus Care & Nursing has given Betty, her 97-year-old mother, the chance to remain at home and live as independently as possible.
“My mother had always made it absolutely clear she was not going to leave the family home under any circumstances. She and my father, who passed away in 1978 at the age of 60, built our family home together and she’s lived there since 1950. She’s always been fiercely independent and before her fall in June 2013 was still very active in the community.”
Betty became frail and her health deteriorated after a fall – further complicated when an infection left her very ill. Aged 96, she clearly needed full-time nursing care.
Having nursed in the field for many years, Di knew all about live-in care. She also had friends with elderly parents being looked after by Consultus nurses. As Di explains: “I immediately thought of using them. I knew they were professional and well trained, so we used a nurse for a week. As a Guy’s Hospital-trained nurse, I have exacting standards and I expect care to be excellent – and it always is. Thanks to the constant care and efficient nursing, my mother has now returned to better health and is well cared for 24/7 by a live-in carer.”
Di and her sisters were sharing the care of their mother before Consultus and they’re still very much involved with the care Betty receives.
“We’re fortunate to be in a position to choose the care we want. I can see that for some it would be out of reach and that’s a shame, because for our family it’s been the perfect solution. Mummy will be 98 this year and I can see her going on for some time yet, thanks to the support of a Consultus live-in carer.”
91 year old Midge and has a diagnosis of Dementia. She lives in Buckinghamshire with Tom her son a retired RAF officer and his wife Carol who works in the NHS Safeguarding department. They decided that Midge should move in with them after she had a series of falls in her own home, she was getting in a muddle with her medication and started to neglect herself. It was clear that she needed around the clock supervision.
Since Midge moved in with her son she is enjoying good health and is being well looked after with her family around her. Tom and Carol have a busy and full life, they enjoy time out with friends and regular holidays. They had considered placing Midge in a care home for respite care while they were away on holiday but they were concerned that the upheaval of unfamiliar surroundings would be upsetting for her. When they found out about live in care as an alternative to residential care, particularly that the cost of live in care compared favourably to that of respite care in a home, they realised that it was the ideal solution. It allowed them to continue to enjoy life while having the peace of mind that Midge was well cared for in her own home.
Tom and Carol go on regular holidays and while they are away Ashridge Home Care have worked with the family to provide a fully managed live in care service. The carer provides all the care and assistance Midge needs, including preparing meals, housekeeping and very important companionship.
“Having a live in carer looking after Midge while we are away gives us so much reassurance, we know that she is being well looked after and she enjoys the company. It’s a brilliant service and something we didn’t even know existed until recently!” (Tom Kerr, Buckinghamshire)
“Two members of staff and the team at Ashridge have been caring, understanding and above all extremely efficient in helping us with our hospital discharge care. They had great sympathy for our immediate needs and have done all they can to help. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of a care package, and they will tailor it to fit exactly with your own personal requirements. It’s been a genuine pleasure working with them, nothing has been too much trouble.”
“We have had a very positive review with Ashridge Home Care Ltd. We needed urgent live-in care for my mother whilst my father was in hospital. The staff were caring and attentive taking on board all of our needs and were able to get someone in place in less than 48 hours.
Our carer was wonderful and did a brilliant job looking after my mother. Whilst this was for a respite care only, I know we will use them again in the future. Thank you everyone for coming to our rescue!”
“I found out about Access Care when looking for support for our 92-year-old mother who was suffering from worsening dementia following eight weeks in hospital. After requesting a brochure, I received a follow up call from Tatty the very next day. The process of signing up with the agency, finding a suitable carer and commencing care all ran like clockwork. Jo, named as our liaison at the agency has been so helpful and caring with an ear to listen. We never felt alone throughout the whole experience and would thoroughly recommend their support in keeping elderly relative in their own home for as long as is practically possible.”
“I just wanted to say that in a country where nothing works, Access Care is the exception. I have only positive experiences of dealing with you and Irina and Regina. Both my brother and I will always be grateful for the fantastic care and support you provided to our beloved mother during the last months of her life. Thank you again and you may rest assured that when the opportunity arises (which it has several times) we always recommend Access Care.”
“I just wanted to thank everyone at Consultus and especially you for providing us with such wonderful nurses over the last few months. In particular, we would like to say howfantastic we found F, J and M. J and M are the most professional, kind and lovely ladies who stepped into difficult circumstances and provided my father and family with the utmost kindness and consideration to the very end. Please convey our deepest gratitude to them.”
“I want to say a heartfelt thanks for all the care Vanguard have provided. Dad was 90 last Friday. He is happy and this is in large part due to the ongoing care of your carer.”
“Consultus were absolutely amazing, fulfilling my Aunt’s wishes that she spent her last 18 months living at home. Not only were they great at matching carers with my Aunt, who remained fearlessly independent until the end, they also became part of the family, ensuring that things ran smoothly, liaising with all the agencies and doctors as and when needed. I loved the short nightly emails, that provided me with an update on how the day had gone. Importantly, it gave me peace of mind that everything was okay and they would let me know when my help was needed. The lovely Consultus manager, Fiona, would regularly visit my aunt and provide me with more detailed updates, so that we could work as a team to ensure my aunt’s needs were adapted as she became frailer. Fiona or one of her colleagues were always at the end of the phone if needed. The carers remained with my aunt until the end and undoubtedly allowed her to gracefully pass on to her next great adventure. I genuinely could not have asked for more from Consultus and they genuinely go the extra mile with a smile.”
“Thank you all at Vanguard for your help and support. All of the ladies have been amazing and are a credit to your company.”
