Work/Life Balance: Evolve Care Group support Team Leaders Cricket Aspirations

At Heanton Nursing Home, part of the Evolve Care Group, team members are supported in pursuing their passions both inside and outside of the care home. Dinil Varghese, a Team Leader and avid cricketer, is a shining example of this support in action.

Dinil Varghese has been playing cricket for twenty years and is about to start his fourth at Braunton Cricket Club. "I am a bowler, but I really enjoy batting in the number 8 position" he shared. "Last year, our team became league champions and earned a promotion to a higher division. I am incredibly grateful for the sponsorship from Evolve Care Group this season to defend our title!"

In his two years working at the Barnstaple care home, he has progressed from a Care Assistant to Team Leader and now aspires to become a Care Practitioner. "Heanton has supported me hugely throughout my career, my colleagues, managers, and training leads have been so fantastic!" he added.

Heanton support not just personal development, but also the personal passions and well-being of their team. Whether it’s advancing in a care career or thriving on the cricket pitch, the team at Heanton believes that when individuals are supported holistically, everyone benefits — especially the people they care for. Dinil’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories that reflect the nurturing and empowering culture at Heanton Nursing Home. 

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home visit: https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

VE Day Tribute: Corporal Pete Shepherd’s Legacy Lives On

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember former Corporal Pete Shepherd – a man whose life has been shaped by service, strength, and love.

Pete joined the Royal Corps of Transport in 1965 at age 20. Over 12 years, he served five tours in Northern Ireland, including high-risk bomb disposal work during The Troubles. His courage in the face of danger helped lay the foundations for modern bomb disposal techniques. Pete also served in Germany and Bahrain.

Decades later, Pete was diagnosed with PTSD, a reminder of the long-term impact of military service. His story highlights the importance of charities like the Felix Fund, which support the mental health of bomb disposal personnel.

Despite hardships, Pete fondly recalls light-hearted moments, from babysitting a rabbit to mischievous regimental pranks. For his service, he received the General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp.

In 1971, Pete met and married Sally just two months after meeting – a love story that has lasted 53 years. After leaving the Army, he worked for 30 years at a Spam board factory, showing the same dedication he brought to military life.

Now living with a Dementia, Pete has also faced cancer and major heart surgery. His daughter Claire describes the heartbreak of placing him in care, saying, “Watching his dementia progress feels like constant grief.”

Life at Heanton

Since moving into Heanton Nursing Home in April 2025, Pete has been supported with care that honours his identity. His room is filled with military memorabilia, and he’s still proudly referred to as “Sergeant Shepherd.” His salutes and discipline reflect the deep imprint of his service, offering a sense of continuity even as his memory fades.

Dementia and Complex Care, Shaped by Identity

Heanton Nursing Home, based in North Devon, specialises in supporting adults living on complex journeys, including Dementia, mental health conditions and other long-term needs requiring compassionate and consistent care. Focusing on truly understanding each person, their history, identity and what matters to them – enabling the right support without restraint or sedation.

At Heanton, we believe no one is "challenging" when their needs are met with compassion, understanding and their independence is encouraged. At Heanton Nursing Home, life continues with dignity, choice and purpose.

To read the full story please visit Honouring Identity in Dementia: A Devon Veteran’s Story - Heanton Nursing Home

Heanton Nursing Home celebrates three Spectacular Days!

Heanton Nursing Home in Devon recently came alive with three unforgettable days of celebrations, bringing together residents (fondly referred to as family members), the vibrant local community and dedicated team members, both past and present. At the centre of the celebrations was the much-anticipated Spring Day of Happiness on 20th March —an exciting day that captured the warmth and the true spirit of life at Heanton.

Celebrations began on the 19th of March with the grand opening of the pod ‘Heanton Retreat’—a heartfelt transformation of a former PPE storage used during the pandemic. Now a beautifully designed retreat, the space offers bathroom and kitchen facilities, a cozy mock-up bedroom, and a peaceful meeting area. It provides relatives and visiting professionals a welcoming place to rest or connect, especially during the most sensitive moments.

‘Heanton Retreat’ stands as a symbol of resilience and care, embodying Heanton’s commitment to creating a comforting and welcoming environment for all.

Home Manager Abi Deniford led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with help from one of Heanton’s family members, and reflected on the meaning behind the space: “Some mentioned how our relatives would benefit from the peace and tranquillity, particularly during the loss of a loved one. It became clear that we all share the same purpose, and I couldn’t be prouder of the collective care and compassion that define our home.” As the sun set, the celebrations truly came alive with pizza, music, and plenty of dancing.

The following day, Heanton’s Spring Day of Happiness welcomed lots of visitors including relatives, past team members, local councillor Graham Bell, church representatives including Caroline Raby, and Devon County Council’s adult social care team, and many friends.

The warm weather made it a perfect day for the outdoor celebrations. Homemade food was available, with one of Heanton’s chefs serving Indian dishes that proved incredibly popular. The Head of Maintenance prepared Romanian kebabs and cabbage rolls on a tabletop grill, and the kitchen team put together a spread of delicious homemade cakes, smoothies, and sandwiches.

The day was packed with entertainment, including live music from local musician Roger Colome, Chair Zumba with Roberto, and a DJ set from Robin of RBM Entertainment. Creating a festive atmosphere that brought everyone together.

Adding a splash of colour—literally—were the lively Holi tents, where bursts of natural powders symbolized fresh beginnings and the next chapter for those who come to live at heanton. The afternoon was lively, with the activities tent and lawn games offering plenty of opportunities to get involved. It wasn’t long before the dance floor came alive, with family members joining in. The energy, laughter, and sense of community made it a day to remember.

After two lively days, 21st March offered a calmer change of pace, with a tea party held for family members and relatives. With soft background music, cakes, and sandwiches, the afternoon gave families more time to connect in a peaceful setting. For many, it was a lovely way to unwind and enjoy quiet time together. Families from different houses came together, exchanged stories, forming new friendships, bringing the three-day celebration to a heartwarming close.

Across all three days, the emphasis remained on community, celebration, and creating familiar, welcoming experiences. Whether through lively celebration or quiet reflection, these moments capture what matters most at Heanton, feeling at home and being part of something meaningful.

Heanton Nursing Home Hosts Vibrant Mocktail Party

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple recently turned up the energy with a vibrant Hawaiian-themed mocktail party, celebrating the spirit of community with its residents, affectionately known as family members. What began as a fun conversation about favourite cocktails soon evolved into an exciting event, fuelled by the family members' enthusiastic responses: “Oh yes, please, I’d love a cocktail if they’re going!”

The idea quickly gained momentum as the team envisioned a tropical-inspired gathering, filled with colourful, fruit-infused drinks, festive decorations, and Hawaiian music. The North Devon home was transformed, complete with decorations - including mini umbrellas for each mocktail, giving everyone a full, festive experience. Safe, washable shakers were brought in so that family members could mix and shake their own creations, adding a fun and inclusive touch to the afternoon.

The kitchen team prepared vibrant fruit platters that were as beautiful as they were delicious whilst team members dressed up in Hawaiian attire, including some borrowed shirts from team member Robin’s own collection.

Sabrina Stell, Home Administrator of Heanton Nursing Home said, “even though there was no alcohol, everyone agreed that the atmosphere and creativity made the event a huge success!” The mocktail party saw team and family members alike getting involved and sharing laughter and dancing - along with a few spills and plenty of smiles.

Heanton Nursing Home’s Hawaiian mocktail party highlighted the power of community and connection, showing how a shared vision and a little creativity can bring people together and brighten spirits. This event is just one example of the home’s dedication to the continuation of life, whilst building friendships, and celebrating every moment together.

A HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE
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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit: https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Heanton Nursing Home Wins Italian-Themed 'Armchair Day Out'

Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple was recently named 'Care Home of the Day' by Creed Food Services during an off-site training day at Nisbets in Bristol for their fantastic culinary skills.

Their reward was an Italian-themed celebration held at the care home featuring Italian cuisine, themed decorations, and the joyful company of residents (referred to as family members), their friends, and families.

Following a vibrant mocktail party the day before, the family members were in for another treat — this time with an Italian twist, filled with the colours red, white, and green! The team created an unforgettable day starting with transforming the lounge with vibrant honeycombed balls, flags, and table settings, before inviting families to join in the festivities. There was something for everyone, from dancing and postcard writing to playing a variety of instruments — all leading up to the main event of pizza and ice cream, giving the chefs a well-deserved break.

Tracy Grant, Group Catering Lead for Evolve Care Group whom Heanton are a part of, praised the team’s efforts; “Katie, John, Gerry and Danielle were brilliant at the catering training.  They are a credit to their home, and I hope they got as much out of the day as I did!”

Heanton Nursing Home, rated OUTSTANDING by the CQC, is committed to supporting its family members on their unique and complex journeys, honouring their individual values, beliefs, and identities. The Italian-themed 'Armchair Day Out' is a wonderful example of this commitment to enriching the lives of those in their care.

HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE

To read more about the Catering Day please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/evolve-care-group-catering-training-day/

Evolve Care Group “Driving” Excellence In Elderly Care

In a meaningful move towards supporting the standard of care and encouraging a continuation of life among residents, Evolve Care Group recently invested in a fleet of new cars for its care and nursing homes across the Southwest region. This initiative goes beyond providing reliable and comfortable transportation; it demonstrates the group’s commitment to ensuring that residents, whom they affectionately refer to as family members, continue to experience life as fully as possible.

Upon the arrival of the 6 new cars and 2 mini-buses at Evolve’s central support office in Bristol, a team member from each care home collected the keys and brought the vehicles to their new homes.  When asked by Car Company Wholesale, the supplier of the vehicles, why Evolve didn’t choose to fix marketing signage on to their cars, the response was clear "where is the dignity in that?" said Mark Reed, COO for the group. "These cars aren’t purchased for advertising purposes; they are for our family members."

Getting out into the community is key to boosting social and emotional health and supporting cognitive function. This aligns perfectly with Evolve’s philosophy of supporting a continuation of life, Mark went on to say that “if our family members were living at home, engaging with the community would be a normal part of their daily life. Our goal is to keep that sense of continuity, ensuring that even though they are now living in a care home, they still get to enjoy the connections you form in a community life.

 

EVOLVE CARE GROUP MEDIA RELEASE
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To find out more about Evolve Care Group, visit https://www.evolvecaregroup.com/

Complex Nursing Home Celebrates Afternoon Tea Week

Residents and the team at Heanton Nursing Home celebrated Afternoon Tea Week in style with an enchanting English Garden Themed party. The event celebrated the British tradition while creating a social gathering throughout the home.

The day began with a planned activity for residents, affectionately known as family members of flower arranging which offered a multi-sensory experience which can improve motor skills (the gentle movement of moving hands and fingers) encouraging mobility for those who are less mobile.

The arrangements were then used to decorate their living room at the Barnstaple Nursing Home, perfectly matching the Garden Party theme. The space was further brightened up with balloons and favour bags to get everyone in the celebratory spirit! In the afternoon, thanks to the catering team, an array of beautifully decorated handmade cakes, biscuits, sandwiches (and of course tea!) were displayed for all to enjoy. Trays were prepared and taken up to the rooms of the less mobile family members – just one example of the inclusive and thoughtful care the team at the Barnstaple Care Home provide.

Lesley Heale, a Care Assistant at Heanton Nursing Home, shared, ‘just the little extras like the pretty plates and cardboard teapots made it so special for us all.’ She added, ‘and of course a little favour bag with a selection of prepacked biscuits and various sweets for family members to enjoy in their own time. Just WOW.!

The CQC-rated OUTSTANDING Nursing Home supports family members on a complex journey and is dedicated to supporting the continued well-being by honouring the individual values, beliefs, and identities of people living there. Celebrating Afternoon Tea week with a party for all to be involved in, is a prime example of this dedication.

HEANTON NURSING HOME MEDIA RELEASE
To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Heanton Nursing Home Celebrates New Garden Water Feature

Heanton Nursing Home are admiring the newest addition to their garden – a beautiful stone water feature. Generously fundraised and donated by Alan Fulford, husband to Dorothy, a resident at the North Devon care home.

Alan shared his motivation behind the donation, mentioning that ‘Dorothy loved to sit by the fountain at home.’ He and a friend attended numerous car boot sales selling gold to raise the funds needed to purchase the same fountain that he and Dorothy enjoyed together. Now, they can continue to enjoy the feature at Heanton Nursing Home. Danielle, a Kitchen Assistant, said how Dorothy ‘asked me to take her out to see it’ after a shopping trip, and after they settled in the garden listening to the calming stream, Dorothy said “oh it’s peaceful isn’t it.”

Heanton Nursing Home encourages a Continuation of Life to Family Members living at the home; and the stone water feature with multiple waterfalls can be enjoyed by all family and team members as it has been expertly positioned on the patio, to compliment the stunning grounds overlooking the estuary. Bree, an Admin at Heanton said how ‘our other family members are also enjoying it and sit out there longer than usual,’ and adds ‘we have also had comments from visiting professionals about how lovely it is.’

To thank Alan for his gift, the home has arranged for a plaque for the wall above the fountain, which will remind all of his kindness and generosity.

 

Heanton Nursing Home Media Release 

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/

Honouring Tony Haynes: A Legacy of Dedication and Service in the RAF

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are celebrating the military service of Anthony 'Tony' John Haynes who has chosen to continue his life’s journey at Heanton Nursing Home. His military journey began on 5th January 1971, when he joined the RAF with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, Flight Lieutenant Walter Haynes, a pilot during World War II. Tony aspired to become an engineer, a goal he achieved with distinction over his 15-year career in the RAF.

Tony's two older brothers, Roger and Richard, also dedicated their lives to service, spending a combined 60 years in the Royal Navy. As an Aircraft Propulsion Technician, Tony's expertise took him across five tours of duty at RAF Halton, Valley, Lossiemouth, Coltishall, and back to Halton. He worked on numerous iconic RAF aircraft and even had the privilege of flying in some. Tony's dedication to passing on his knowledge was evident when he transitioned to the role of Technical Instructor, mentoring the next generation of aircraft engineers.

Tony's achievements were recognised with a promotion to Sergeant in December 1977, a milestone he holds with great pride. Beyond his technical skills, Tony also competed in show jumping, representing the RAF in various competitions. In October 1985, Tony and his wife Dorothy (Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Dorothy (Woodcock) Haynes), a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS), were married in a joint forces wedding. They met at a formal Mess Dinner at RAF Halton. They began their married life on the Chequers Estate, where Dorothy served as Curator.

Upon leaving the RAF in June 1986, Tony continued to serve at Halton as a civilian instructor before moving to Saudi Arabia to instruct and work for BAE Systems on Tornado aircraft.

Learning was a priority for Tony, who earned both an HNC and ONC in Engineering during his time in the RAF and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in 1999 whilst working full time.

Tony and Dorothy have two supportive children, Adam and Ruth. Upon Adam and Ruth leaving home to pursue their own lives and after 27 years in Lancashire, Tony and Dorothy retired to North Devon in 2018. Throughout his life, Tony has been a caring and loving family man. Living with Dementia has been heartbreaking for his family and friends.

Dorothy Haynes MBE expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the team at Heanton for their exceptional care and support during this difficult time. Their dedication to Tony's well-being has been a source of comfort and strength for the Haynes family.

At the core of Heanton Nursing Homes's philosophy lies a commitment to nurturing independence no matter what complexity you live with.

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit  https://www.heantonnursinghome. 

Heanton Punchardon

Barnstaple

EX31 4DJ

England

Heart-warming Wedding Anniversary celebrations at Heanton Nursing Home

Husband and Wife, Dorothy and Anthony Haynes recently celebrated their remarkable 38th wedding anniversary surrounded by love, joy, and cherished memories. The couple marked this significant milestone with a romantic meal prepared by the team at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple.

Heanton Nursing Home, known for its compassionate and supportive environment, played host to this heart-warming celebration, bringing together Team and family members to honour the couple's heart-warming love story.

The team at Heanton Nursing Home said, "We are honoured to celebrate this amazing milestone with Anthony and his wife Dorothy. Their love story is an inspiration to all of us. It's a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the importance of human connection."

Dorothy expressed her gratitude for the love and support they have received from the team at Heanton by saying, " We were truly spoilt on our 38th Anniversary. They made what I thought would be a different Anniversary into a special memory.” The celebration not only highlighted the enduring love between Anthony and his wife Dorothy but also showcased the importance of creating a supportive and caring home.

Heanton Nursing Home is a nursing home based in Barnstaple, North Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Heanton Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

 

Dorothy and Anthony Haynes celebrate their remarkable 38th wedding anniversary

Art Workshop at Heanton Nursing Home Inspires Creativity and Honors Remembrance Day

Residents at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple, who are fondly referred to as family members, engaged in a heartwarming art workshop, organised by the team, as they commemorated Remembrance Day by creating vibrant poppy-shaped paper paintings as part of a mosaic. The workshop, brought joy, creativity, and a sense of shared remembrance to the family members. The poppy-shaped paper paintings served as a unique way of self-expression, allowing family members to explore their creativity while honoring the heartfelt occasion of Remembrance Day.

Art therapy is not about creating masterpieces but rather about the process and the emotional journey it takes our family members on. Through painting, drawing or even sculpting our family members can unlock hidden memories and express their thoughts and feelings.

A team member at Heanton said, "The art workshop was a beautiful and uplifting experience for everyone involved. It provided an opportunity for family members to express themselves artistically"

Heanton Nursing Home is a nursing home based in Barnstaple, North Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Heanton Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Alan Edward William's Inspirational Journey Through Valor and Service

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Country falls silent. It is a day of reflection, a day where nations pause to remember the sacrifices of those who lost their lives. In the silent moments of remembrance, we come together to pay tribute to the heroes who have walked the path of duty and pay tribute to those who are no longer with us today. Their stories are a testament to the strength and courage our nation has and we are honoured to share with you Alan Edward William’s story, a man with such dedication to his service and who now lives at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple, North Devon.

Alan's journey through life had been a remarkable one, born on the 11th June 1928 in the bustling City of Cardiff, his name connected him to great aviators and royalty. On that very day, Alan Cobham a famous aviator and Edward Prince of Wales were visiting Cardiff hence why he was called Alan Edward by his parents. His early years was filled with so much love and joy, growing up with his older sister, Joan.

After leaving school, Alan found himself working at Cardiff Docks as a riveter and as he reached the age of 17, he made the decision to join the First Battalion Welsh Guards in 1946. Alan's military service spanned 22 years, and he cherished every moment of it. He participated in prestigious ceremonial duties, including Trooping the Colour, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, and even lining the route for Winston Churchill's Funeral. He had lived in various locations during his service, from Surrey to Cardiff, London to Malaysia, with a brief stop in Borneo while in Malaya.

Alan’s life took an unexpected turn when he met his wife, Gladys during a holiday in Appledore. They married in 1950 and went on to have four children: David, Teresa, Gwyn, and Ceinwin (known as Kim), each born in different corners of the world. Life abroad had been a rich tapestry of experiences for Alan and his wife Gladys. In Libya and Malaysia, Alan enjoyed swimming and exploring Roman cities, he especially loved savouring new cuisines. In Malaya, he developed a passion for collecting butterflies and mounting them in glass display cases.

After retiring from the army in the early 1990s, Alan took on a new role as a security guard at Llanwern steelworks in Newport, while residing in Chepstow. He remained closely connected to the royal world as a Yeoman of the Guards, participating in events like Charles and Diana's wedding and the opening of Parliament.

As Alan and his beloved wife Gladys embraced retirement, they embarked on numerous adventures together, creating cherished memories around the globe. Alan's pride shone through in his possession of a Royal Victoria Medal, a symbol of his dedication and service.

Alan and Gladys family continued to grow, as they welcomed six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren into their life. Though Alan had faced the loss of his beloved wife, Gladys in December 2020 and the sudden loss of his sight in 2021, his brave spirit remained unwavering.

Alan's life has been full of remarkable experiences and unwavering dedication, and although Alan now lives with Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home, his commitment to his services still shines through. With the support from the team, Alan is able to maintain his disciplined routine, including having a clean shave every day, a practice he has upheld throughout his life. This seemingly simple act of shaving holds great significance, as it was a vital part of his military routine. For someone with Dementia, the familiarity of this daily ritual is crucial, as it provides a sense of continuity and comfort. Each person at Heanton will have different support needs, different life story, and by understanding this life history, we are able to create a home that enables our family members to live a true continuation of life.

For Alan, Heanton is not just a place of residence, but a home where his commitment to his service is remembered and celebrated by everyone around him. Within these memories lies the essence of who Alan is, a testament to a life lived passionately through his years of service for his country.

To find out more about Heanton visit our website at www.heantonnursinghome.com

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Unveiling the Heartbreak of a Dementia Diagnosis with David Shepherd

Alzheimer's is a heart-wrenching disease that inflicts relentless pain and sorrow on both you and your loved one. Witnessing the gradual decline of someone close to you can leave you feeling helpless and devastated. With each passing day, it feels as though you are not only losing a part of them but also a part of you. One of the most agonising parts is the beginning before their diagnosis, when you don’t know that there’s anything wrong and the weight of the unknown bears down on you. I had the privilege of speaking with David Shepherd whose wife lives with a Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple and he wanted to share his story with you today.

In the two or three years before my wife, Catriona’s, diagnosis it was challenging. Initially, I didn't think there was anything medically wrong and I still carry enormous guilt that I didn’t realise sooner. I found I often got angry and frustrated when Catriona forgot things, I just thought she wasn’t concentrating but needless did I know she was already struggling, and my reactions must have made things even scarier for her. One day she drove to the supermarket and couldn’t park the car, I really didn’t understand why, but it became more apparent that there was an underlying issue. The struggle was in getting her to admit it and accept that she needed to see the doctor. It took over 6 months of gentle persuasion to take Catriona to her first appointment. 

Catriona was finally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2014 after a long and tortuous process. When we received the diagnosis, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions. I was filled with what felt like a torrential downpour of desperation mingled with a glimmer of relief. The desperation I felt within me came with floods of tears, as I knew that this cruel illness would relentlessly steal away the person I love and cherish. Catriona never really accepted that she had the illness and so life continued to be a struggle and I felt that I was walking on eggshells every time we came close to talking about it.

Everything changes when your partner has Alzheimer’s. Eventually, you become a full-time carer – and that really does mean 24 hours a day. It’s exhausting but I had no choice, Catriona wasn’t safe to be left on her own for a moment. By that point, you can’t go out because they can’t go out. My world became as small as hers – just our four walls.

We were fortunate that the diagnosis took place at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in London, as they are the experts in dementia. After the diagnosis, we had some time with a nurse, who gave us guidance on what to expect, where to go for support and answered any questions we had, it was very comprehensive. We had twice-a-year appointments at the hospital, and visits from various people from the local Memory Clinic, to monitor the progress of the condition, and Catriona even got involved in some research projects. We were directed to a local charity that specialised in young people living with a Dementia, which provided a helpful support group along with activities for Catriona.

When we embarked on our journey to move to Devon in 2015, the level of support drastically changed. My heart sank as we walked into the office of our new GP, with hope filling our hearts for a similar level of help. We poured out our worries and concerns, seeking assistance, but the words that came from the GP struck us with devastation, leaving us shattered and disheartened. The GP said there was nothing he could do to help other than signpost us to the Alzheimer's Society. So, life continued on, taking each day as they came trying to live as normal life as we possibly could.

In the summer of 2020, I made the heartbreaking decision to move Catriona into a Care Home which was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It came to a point, the place we had called home for many years, a place full of love and memories, our sanctuary, was no longer the safest place for her. Due to her increasing mobility and balance issues, I knew that I had to find a home to keep her safe, but this was at the height of the COVID-19 Lockdown. It meant that I couldn't visit the home beforehand to see what it was like, but, far worse, it meant that once she was led away from me, from the garden at Heanton Nursing Home, I would not be seeing her again for many, many weeks. That remains engraved in my memory as the saddest, toughest day of my life.

The team at Heanton arranged video calls that offered a glimpse into her world, but in truth, those virtual encounters could never replace the warmth of her presence, the touch of her hand and the comfort of being by her side. I would sometimes find myself by the river in Bideford, looking up and across in the direction of Heanton and thinking about her, wondering how she was and what she was doing.

Once visits were possible, that definitely helped me deal with the transition, as it started to lift some of the guilt that I was feeling about having sent her off to live in a care home. The recent relaxation on the rules about having to wear a mask has really helped - Catriona was able to see my face again for the first time in over 2 years, and that helped her recognise me, I hope, and certainly led to more of her warm smiles.

Navigating the journey of caring for a loved one living with a dementia is undeniably challenging. Despite the heart-wrenching moments and the profound changes that Alzheimer's brings, we cherish the memories and the unwavering strength human connection can bring to us.

Heanton Nursing Home, wholeheartedly understands the immense struggles that Alzheimer's disease brings to the lives of those affected and their loved ones. David visits Catriona most days, sometimes bringing his band to play music which brings solace and joy to her and other family members within the home. At Heanton, our commitment extends beyond our family members; we embrace the opportunity to be a guiding light for their loved ones, offering unwavering support as they navigate the complex and emotional journey Alzheimer’s brings.

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

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