After 30 years as an English and history teacher, Margaret knows the value of a good environment. One where people feel supported, respected and able to be themselves.
Before moving into residential care, she had been living on her own and was beginning to feel less safe at home. Managing daily tasks, had become more difficult, and mealtimes were often spent alone.
Since moving into Holy Cross Kincumber, she says she has found something she deeply values: peace and security.
'It’s a lovely place,' she says. 'There’s peace and security, and a very happy atmosphere.'
For Margaret, one of the things that stood out early was the warmth of the team and the positive feeling throughout the home.
'I can see there’s a very good working atmosphere. It’s an incredible team,' she says. 'You can tell when there’s a good work environment, and we all benefit from it.'
That sense of care has helped her settle into a new routine. She now attends exercise classes most mornings and has tried afternoon meditation a couple of times. She is slowly getting to know people and making new friends.
Enjoying meals with others
Meals have become another positive change. Rather than eating on her own, she now enjoys sitting with others, sharing a chat and getting to know people.
'The food is much better than what I had at home,' she says. 'And it’s so much better that I sit with other people to have my meals, not on my own like I did at home.'
The importance of support
Practical support has also made a meaningful difference to her wellbeing. Having help with the medication routine has given her reassurance and allowed her to feel more at ease.
Margaret’s room has become a place of comfort and familiarity. She was pleasantly surprised to have space for the things that matter most to her, including her books, knitting box and special memories.
More than anything, she feels supported. 'There’s an underlying sense of security,' she says. 'There’s always someone you can turn to and they will help.'
Reflecting on her experience, Margaret describes the home simply and warmly. 'In this place, there’s goodness. The whole place is just good,' she says. 'I can sit back and take each day as it comes, feeling safe and connected to others.'