Bunny’s Story: Finding His Independence Again

When we read about later life in the headlines, the focus is usually on what has been lost, rarely on what can be regained. The stories tend to be of older people losing their independence, declining health and the difficulties that follow hospital and nursing home admissions.

What rarely makes the news are the stories of people who recover, regain abilities they had lost and begin taking control of their everyday lives again.

Brian Stacey, known to family and friends as Bunny, is one of those stories. Bunny arrived at Hatherleigh Nursing Home for end-of-life care. Since then, he has made considerable progress, regaining much of his mobility and independence, along with the ability to make everyday choices for himself. His story offers a different perspective on life in a nursing home, and on what is possible even when someone’s future initially looks very uncertain.

Getting to Know Bunny

Long before his arrival at Hatherleigh, Bunny had spent his life in Devon. Born and raised in Merton, he spent his whole life working practical, hands-on roles, from sawmills to maintenance and gardening at Clinton Estates for 50 years. Married to Julie since 1974, Bunny is a father to Michelle and Kevin and a grandfather to Tyler, whom he adores. He has always had an interest in classic cars, particularly his own beloved BMW 635 CSi, and enjoys watching television with a cup of black Twinings Earl Grey tea. Towards the end of 2024, however, life began to change for Bunny and his family. Following a fall over the Christmas period, his health deteriorated, marking the beginning of a difficult and
uncertain time for them all.

Facing an Uncertain Future

During his time in hospital, Bunny became increasingly dependent on others for everyday tasks he had previously managed himself. For a man who had always been active and independent, this was devastating. He had lost much of his mobility, and difficulties with eating and swallowing had become so severe that a feeding tube was introduced. Despite medical treatment, Bunny remained very unwell, and as his condition showed little sign of improving. Discussions took place with his family about what would be best for him, and It was eventually decided that the focus would move towards keeping Bunny comfortable through end-of-life care.

It was under these circumstances that Bunny arrived at Hatherleigh Nursing Home in January 2025. With his health having changed so dramatically in such a short space of time, neither Bunny nor his family knew what the coming weeks would bring.

Gradually Getting Stronger

However, what happened in the weeks following Bunny's arrival was quite remarkable. Having come to Hatherleigh for end-of-life care, with little expectation that his condition would improve, Bunny began to show signs of recovery. With support from the nursing and care team members, alongside external multi-disciplinary teams, he gradually began regaining some of the independence he had lost.

One of the biggest changes came at mealtimes. Having previously needed a feeding tube, Bunny gradually began eating and drinking again, with speech and language therapists reviewing his needs as he improved. Before long, Bunny was back sitting at the dining table, drinking independently and beginning to enjoy his meals with some assistance. For someone who had been so poorly just weeks earlier, being able to sit down for a meal and take part in that familiar daily routine was a remarkable step forward.

Finding His Feet Again

As Bunny began to feel stronger, he was also able to start moving around more independently. In those early months at Hatherleigh, he had needed considerable help with everyday tasks, but with time and support from physiotherapists and team members, he gradually began finding his feet again – literally! By October 2026, Bunny had reached another significant milestone in his recovery. Having regained the ability to walk independently with his frame, he progressed even further and is now walking with a stick, supported by the team and physiotherapists.

And through all this, Bunny's sense of humour has remained very much his own. During a recent cake-decorating afternoon, a team member asked whether he fancied joining in. "No, but I will eat them," he said. It wasn't long, though, before Bunny was on his feet and heading over to the table to take part after all.

Making His Own Choices

Another important part of Bunny's progress has been his ability to express his wishes and take a more active role in everyday decisions. When he first arrived, his cognitive ability had declined with his health, meaning that certain decisions needed to be made in his best interests. As his health improved, Bunny became increasingly able to communicate his preferences and explain what he wanted. Things that we often take for granted like being able to choose what he wanted for breakfast, and talking with team members about how he has spent his day. After spending an afternoon upstairs, Bunny told a team member how much he had liked being there, describing it as calm and quiet. These everyday conversations show how much more involved Bunny has become in his own life, with opportunities to make choices and maintain his independence.

Looking Back at How Far He Has Come

More than a year and a half after arriving at Hatherleigh, Bunny's life looks very different. His recovery has been supported by nursing and care team members, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and other healthcare professionals, alongside the continued involvement of his family. Although Bunny still needs support, he has regained much of his independence and can now takea more active role in everyday life. Recently, team members supported him on a visit to Sugworthy Circuit to re-unite with his BMW 635 CSi, reconnecting him with an interest he has had for many years.

Bunny's story is one we hear less about when nursing homes are discussed, showing just how much someone's circumstances can change and that sometimes, the seemingly impossible is possible. What began with his family facing the possibility of losing him has become a story of life continuing in ways nobody expected, and a reminder of just how far Bunny has come.

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit: https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com

From Cuddly Encounters to Creepy Crawlies at Ilfracombe Nursing Home

An unusual collection of visitors recently arrived at Edenmore Nursing Home, based in North Devon, as family members (residents) welcomed some furry, feathered and scaly friends from Exmoor Zoo.

Those interested in taking part came together in one of the home's lounges, where they eagerly awaited the arrival of Exmoor Zoo's Stephen Eddy and Caitlin Hannam, who had brought along several animals for everyone to meet, with the opportunity to hold or stroke them if they wished.

Among the visitors were a barn owl, a meerkat, a snake and a few creepy crawlies, including a stick insect and a cockroach. The latter wasn't quite as popular with Home Manager Gayle Cooper, who wasn’t keen to get too close!

As each animal was introduced, Stephen shared interesting facts about its habits and characteristics, with family members Jillian, Colin, Peter and Don particularly keen to ask questions and learn more. The afternoon was as informative as it was interactive, with plenty of opportunities to get a closer look at animals they might not ordinarily encounter.

Another talking point was a giant shed snakeskin, which was passed around for everyone to hold and feel. Its size prompted plenty of interest, although it was the meerkat and barn owl that proved to be the stars of the day, with family members taking turns to gently stroke them.

Jillian, who has a particular love of animals, had been especially looking forward to the visit and was all smiles when it was her turn to stroke the barn owl and took a keen interest in learning about the different animals. After the experience, Jillian decided she’d quite like to stay downstairs a little longer to look out at the sea from the home’s conservatory.

The afternoon also welcomed a younger and more regular visitor, Home Manager Gayle's grandson Flynn, who was eager to take part in the animal encounters. Flynn and his older brothers have grown up regularly visiting Edenmore and spending time with family members, becoming familiar faces around the home.

Flynn was particularly taken with the meerkat, enjoying the chance to stroke him, before sharing a cuddle with family member Carol, who is especially fond of children.

For those with a lifelong love of animals, like Jillian, the visit was a chance to continue enjoying an interest that has always been part of their lives, while others appreciated the opportunity to discover something new and experience a slightly different afternoon!

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care on the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Hatherleigh Nursing Home Celebrates Harvest with Soup and Song

A harvest blessing, singing and homemade soup brought people together as Hatherleigh Nursing Home welcomed the local community for its Harvest Festival celebration.

The dementia care home, based in Hatherleigh, Okehampton, hosted family members (residents), relatives and visitors in its Belvedere Lounge. The afternoon began with the blessing before the choir took over, with family members following their hymn sheets and joining in with the singing.

With farming such a part of life in Hatherleigh and the surrounding villages, harvest has a place in the town’s agricultural traditions. The celebration brought that connection into the home, recognising the work that goes into growing and producing the food we eat.

The kitchen team served homemade butternut squash soup with crusty bread, followed by jam tarts and plenty of cups of tea.

The home, which offers 24-hour dementia nursing care, residential care, respite care and complex care, continues to support the people who live there through connection with the local community and its traditions, all while striving to create a home-from-home environment.

 If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit: https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued-2/

Heanton Nursing Home Gets into the 80s Groove

Leg warmers, neon tutus, oversized hair and inflatable guitars took over Heanton Nursing Home as residents (who the home fondly refers to as family members) and team members turned back the clock for a day inspired by the 1980s.

But the transformation had actually begun the night before.

While family members slept, Heanton’s night team got to work transforming the home, so that by morning everyone woke up to colourful decorations, cassette tapes, disco-inspired displays, balloons and a ‘Back to the 80s’ photo booth ready for the day ahead.

Team members threw themselves into the theme too, arriving in everything from neon beads and fingerless gloves to shell suits, wigs, leg warmers and tutus.

The day included an 80s-themed Zumba session, music, dressing up and plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved. Inflatable guitars, microphones, saxophones and boom boxes quickly became part of the outfits, while the photo booth captured some of the more elaborate looks.

One of the day’s best throwbacks, however, came from one of Heanton’s Maintenance team, Ian. He arrived sporting a long blonde wig for the occasion before producing a photograph of himself from the 1980s, revealing that his real hair back then looked remarkably similar.

Home manager Abigail Denford said: “It was incredible to see the whole home come together. Our night team put so much thought into transforming everything while family members were asleep, so they genuinely woke up in the 80s. Seeing their reactions that morning, and then watching family members and team members dancing, dressing up and enjoying the music together, was really special. These are the days that make Heanton feel like a family.”

For Heanton, days like this are less about putting on an activity and more about creating a home where the people living and working alongside one another can share experiences, be themselves and have some fun together. With music playing, family members reaching for the inflatable guitars and team members embracing some questionable 80s fashion choices, Heanton spent the day firmly back in the decade of big hair, bright colours and even bigger accessories.

Heanton Nursing Home, based in Heanton Punchardon near Barnstaple, supports people living with a Dementia and other complex needs, with an approach centred around understanding the person beyond a diagnosis and creating a place that feels like home. 

 

For more information, please visit  Dementia, Complex, Respite, and Residential Care in Devon

 

New Friendship Blooms Over Roses at North Devon Care Home

Family members (residents) from Edenmore Nursing Home recently enjoyed an outing to St. John’s Garden Centre in Ashford, with the trip ending in a new, blossoming friendship.

Lillian and Shirely, who live at Edenmore, were supported by team members Amber and Emma to take a little trip to the garden centre and peruse the plants, trinkets and clothing section.

The two ladies live on different floors (known as streets in the home) at Edenmore, as the home is organised into smaller households to support the different nursing and care needs of the people living there.

Although spending time in different streets for different activities or events is encouraged, some family members prefer to stay in their own households, so may not always socialise with people living in different parts of the home.

Outings like these give family members the chance to stay connected with the local community, while spending time with others who share their interests, much like heading out with a neighbour or friend when living at home.

The outing gave Lillian and Shirley the chance to bond over their interest in gardening, with both sharing a particular love for roses. They stopped to smell a few of the flowers and reminisced about the kinds of roses they had each had in their own gardens.

Team member Emma shared about the outing, ‘They were non-stop chatting away to one another throughout, asking one another's ages and where they used to live. It was so lovely to watch them natter about their lives.’

The team at the garden centre were very helpful and even allowed the ladies to pull up a few of the display chairs so they could all have a quick sit down and chat before setting off again to look around at the clothing section (at Lilians request!)

At the end of their outing, Shirley and Lillian arranged to meet in Lillian’s household, Torrs, the following day for coffee and a chat.

Emma added, ‘It was such a beautiful moment. They gave one another a kiss on the cheek and a cuddle and said how lovely it was to have made a new friend!’

The next morning, Shirley was supported upstairs at 11am as planned and the two spent a few hours chatting before sharing lunch together too.

Since then, they have also enjoyed a special afternoon tea prepared by the kitchen team in Shirley’s household, The Quays, where they discussed the possibility of living on the same street with the team! Something the home is now looking into. 

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Celebrating Harry: A Special Birthday at North Devon Nursing Home

Family member (resident) Harry recently enjoyed a special birthday celebration at Edenmore Nursing Home.

Members of the team, and family members who wanted to join in, came together in one of the home’s lounges as ‘Happy Birthday’ began to play.

Behind Harry, a special birthday-themed message came up on the TV screen, organised earlier by the team! Everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him as he was presented with a cake made by the kitchen team and was supported to cut himself a birthday slice.

Harry pointed to Team member Arun, saying, ‘he is my best mate!’ While Colin said he was having a lovely time and his favourite part had been singing happy birthday to Harry.

Harry has lived at Edenmore since April last year. Described as ‘a proper London boy’ by his daughter, Harry was a chauffeur and worked for Rolls-Royce for a time. He has a real connection with cars and particularly loved polishing them and making sure they looked their best.

Today, as Harry moves along his dementia journey, his love for cars is still very important to him. A member of the team at Edenmore recently came across a car encyclopaedia and thought Harry might enjoy looking through it. On receiving the book, Harry slowly flicked through the pages, completely focused, and even stroked the steering wheel in one photo!

Harry’s daughter, Charmain, shared about her dad, ‘One thing that he’s always been almost obsessive about is making sure that he knows where his car keys are. And at Edenmore, he obviously hasn’t got a car, so the home manager’s husband made him a little set with a tag saying Harry’s keys. So he’s always got his keys in his pocket!’

Harry also worked in construction and labouring, and loves fixing things, so the home also got him a plastic toolbox set to tinker with around the home. He enjoys sitting and ‘fixing’ things, tapping the wall, and keeping his hands busy. These simple tools can offer him something familiar to do and can support a sense of purpose.

After everyone had a slice of cake, family members who wanted to were supported to the downstairs lounge for Chair Zumba. Harry particularly loves these sessions and enjoyed having a birthday boogie!

Home Manager Gayle shared about the day, ‘Harry is such a big part of our family here and adored by so many. It was such a lovely day with beautiful connections and so much laughter!’

Edenmore Nursing Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

International Food Tasting Event

Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth recently held its annual international food tasting event, with team members bringing in homemade dishes from around the world and from their own heritage to share with family members (residents) and the rest of the team.

The event is a chance to celebrate the different cultures through food within the residential care home, with everyone encouraged to taste something they may not have tried before. It also gives team members an opportunity to bring something personal from their own lives into the home, whether that is a favourite dish, a family recipe or food connected to their culture.

This year, the table was filled with chicken noodles, balti curry and rice, samosas and bhajis, followed by brownies and flapjacks. Rather than a usual lunchtime, plates and dishes were passed around the table for people to sample, with conversation naturally turning to the different flavours and ingredients.

There was also a homemade lassi made with yoghurt, mint, coriander and pepper, traditionally enjoyed after curry to refresh the palate. The drink proved particularly interesting for those tasting it for the first time and prompted plenty of discussion about what went into it and the different food traditions people had experienced over the years.

The international food tasting also reflects the wider community within Sundial, where people from different backgrounds spend their days together and get to know one another beyond their everyday routines. Bringing a dish from home is one small way for team members to share a part of who they are with the people they live and work alongside.

Regular events like this are an important part of the community at Sundial, bringing family members and team members together and strengthening the sense of belonging within the home.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit: https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

Local Therapist Brings Mindfulness Through Art to Sundial Care Home

Painted pebbles, gold-leaf seashells and handmade surfboards have been taking shape at Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John, during a series of monthly Minds Matter art therapy sessions.

The sessions are led by local cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist Charlotte Allen, who primarily works with children but also brings her work into care home settings. Charlotte visits the residential care home near Sidmouth once a month with a different creative project for family members (residents) to try. Each session gives family members plenty of room to explore the materials in their own way, choosing the colours, shapes and designs that appeal to them without needing any previous art experience.

Recent sessions have followed a seaside theme, with family members decorating pebbles, making seaside pieces from air-dry clay and adding gold leaf to seashells. The finished pieces were then brought together in display frames, so each person’s creation became a part of something. Other sessions have included making glitter jars, which can be turned and watched as the glitter settles.

The creative sessions are as much about the process as the finished pieces, supporting fine motor skills, mindfulness and focus, while giving family members the opportunity to make their own creative choices and enjoy the social interaction that comes with making something together.

Charlotte Allen shared: “I try to make each session varied, interesting and easy for everyone to take part in. I enjoy seeing residents make their own choices about colours, shapes and designs, and the conversations that often come from a shared activity.”

Mindfulness can play a valuable part in supporting wellbeing within a care home. Moments that allow someone to feel settled and absorbed can ease restlessness and support emotional wellbeing, bringing a little more balance to the everyday.

The monthly sessions will continue at Sundial Care Home, with new materials and ideas giving family members something different to explore each time.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit: https://www.sundialcare.com/activities-in-care/

Aloha from North Devon! Heanton Nursing Home gets a Hawaiian makeover

Family members at Heanton Nursing Home went to bed in North Devon and woke up to a taste of Hawaii after the home’s night team spent the night transforming their surroundings for a surprise Hawaiian Day.

While family members (residents) slept, the night team decorated the different households within Heanton with tropical decorations, grass skirts and colourful table displays, ready for everyone to discover when they woke the following morning. The celebrations were inspired by Hawaii Statehood Day, which marks Hawaii becoming the 50th US state, but at Heanton it was also an opportunity to turn an ordinary summer day into something a little different.

Hawaiian shirts had been ordered for family members who chose to dress for the occasion, while a mocktail bar returned after proving particularly popular during a previous Hawaiian-themed day at the home. Relatives also came into Heanton especially to join in with the celebrations. Some family members already had exactly the right wardrobe for the occasion, with bright colours, bold florals and tropical prints appearing from their own wardrobes!

The team were very much part of the day too, with many ordering Hawaiian shirts of their own and competing for the title of Hawaiian King or Queen. Pineapples were awarded to those who had made the greatest effort, with winners chosen from different parts of the home as well as the night team.

Home Manager Abigail Denford said: “I think what made the day particularly lovely was that it started long before everyone woke up. Our night team wanted family members to have that surprise in the morning, so they spent the night putting up all the decorations and transforming the households for them.”

By the time the decorations eventually came down, Heanton may have looked a little less tropical, but the day had shown that creating moments together is not something reserved for particular hours. Whether it is morning, afternoon or the middle of the night, there is always life happening at Heanton.

For more information about life and activities at Heanton Nursing Home, please visit Activities in Care – Heanton Nursing Home

A Career Built on Compassion, Jojo’s Story

Every person who works in care has their why. For Jojo (Joanne), House Lead at Sundial Care Home, a career in care was never just about finding a job, It was about giving something back to her community. Inspired by her two grandmothers, who both worked as auxiliary nurses at the local hospital in Ottery St Mary, caring has always been part of her life. This is her story.

Jojo joined Sundial more than nine years ago after almost leaving the care sector altogether.

"My previous care home closed after a change in ownership, and it wasn't being run well. Despite staff raising concerns, nothing changed, and I nearly decided that care wasn't for me anymore…. then I found Sundial."

"I was welcomed with open arms from my very first day. Although I already had qualifications, including my NVQ, BTEC and Diploma in Care, I wanted to start again as a Care Assistant and learn the Evolve Care Group way of caring."

Evolve Care Group offers every team member the opportunity to take part in its bespoke Evolve Care Academy. Designed to support ongoing learning and development, the programme equips team members with the skills and confidence to grow in their role and progress their career.

Since then, Jojo has progressed from Care Assistant to House Lead, later becoming a Care Practitioner and now Induction Lead, while remaining someone her team know they can rely on.

"I'll happily step into any role if I'm needed, whether that's supporting the care team or even helping with the odd maintenance job. We're all here to support each other."

Looking back, Jojo says training has shaped not only the way she provides care, but also the way she understands herself.

"One thing that has always stayed with me from the training is being asked, 'Who am I?' Learning about yourself first, through ideas like Thomas Kitwood's Flower  and understanding your own values, helps you understand the people you support even better."

Like Jojo, many team members at Sundial Care Home have been supported to progress through the Evolve Care Academy.

When asked what a typical day looks like, Jojo shared:

“There really isn't one. Of course we support family members (residents) with their daily needs, but we also have time to sit together, laugh together and simply spend time with people. Sometimes it's a group activity, sometimes it's supporting an individual to do something they enjoy, and sometimes it's just offering reassurance when someone isn't feeling themselves."

She also shared:

"That's what makes Sundial special. It's warm, homely and compassionate. We genuinely care about one another. The team feels like an extended family, and Liz, our Home Manager, has always believed in us and helped me become more confident over the years."

For Jojo, the most rewarding part of working in care has always been the relationships she builds with family members. Looking back over her nine years at Sundial, one relationship in particular continues to stay with her.

Marilyn first came to Sundial for respite care before later moving into the home permanently. Over time, Jojo and Marilyn developed a close bond.

"I had an amazing bond with Marilyn. She didn't always communicate with words, but through smiles, holding hands and simply being together. We laughed together, smiled together and sometimes cried together, especially after her beloved husband passed away."

Jojo supported Marilyn through one of the most difficult periods of her life, building a close relationship not only with Marilyn but also with her daughter, who often said Jojo was her mum's special person.

As Marilyn's health sadly declined, Jojo became one of the few people she would still accept food and drink from.

"Towards the end, she often wouldn't accept food or drinks from anyone else, but she would from me. She wasn't just someone I cared for; she became one of my closest friends."

The pair spent many evenings watching The Chase, sharing stories about their families and holidays, and looking through photographs. They even discovered they had both visited the same place in Portugal and had each swum with dolphins there.

When Marilyn passed away peacefully, Jojo later returned to that same place during a family holiday.

"I knew Marilyn would never be able to go back because of her health, so seeing the dolphins again felt like something I could do for her. It was my final goodbye."

Looking back on more than nine years at Sundial Care Home, Jojo says it's the relationships she has built that have made her career so rewarding.

"Seeing people happy, sharing laughter and knowing you've made a difference, those memories stay with you forever."

For Jojo, caring for Marilyn is just one of many moments that she will carry with her. Whether it's encouraging someone to continue doing the things they love, sharing moments of laughter, or simply being there when someone needs support, it's the privilege of becoming part of people's lives that continues to remind her why she chose a career in care, and why she stayed.

Finally, when asked to describe Sundial Care Home in just a few words, without hesitation Jojo shared:

“Rewarding. Extended family. Love and compassion.”

If you would like to learn more about a career at Sundial Care Home near Sidmouth, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/join-our-team/

 

Heanton Nursing Home welcomes former pupils back for St Christopher’s reunion

Heanton Nursing Home welcomed dozens of people from the local community through its doors when former pupils of St Christopher’s School, which was based in the historic building until 1985, returned for a special reunion.

For former pupils, walking through the building brought back plenty of memories, from the rooms and original staircases they once used to stories of travelling to and from school. While the former classrooms have since become living areas for family members at Heanton, many were pleased to find the beautiful view across the burrows unchanged. There was plenty that was new to discover too, from the extension to the grounds and flowering lawn.

The reunion also gave family members at Heanton the chance to be part of a much wider community occasion, sharing their home with people who had their own memories of the building. Family members spent time outside amongst the visitors, enjoying the company and conversations, alongside a friendly neighbourhood cat who regularly visits Heanton and also joined the gathering!

Home Manager Abigail Denford said: “One of the things we heard again and again was how beautiful the view still is. Heanton has obviously changed enormously since it was a school, but it was lovely seeing people recognise parts of the building and then share those memories with the people who live here now. Being connected to the community around us is really important to life at Heanton. A nursing home shouldn't feel separate from the community it belongs to, and days like this are a lovely example of what can happen when people come through our doors and spend time together.”

There is something rather special about seeing people return to a building that was once such a big part of their childhood. Heanton has changed considerably since the days of St Christopher’s, but at its heart, it is still a place filled with people, friendships, conversation and care. The children who once filled its classrooms have grown up, and today a new generation of people call Heanton home.

For more information about life and activities at Heanton Nursing Home, please visit Activities in Care – Heanton Nursing Home