“The staff at Don Thomson House don’t just care, they love” Penny and Susie’s journey

Susie, who lives with dementia, had said she wanted to remain in her own home, with care provided if needed. So, when her health and memory rapidly declined following a short illness, daughter Penny honoured her wishes.

It quickly became clear that in between visits from carers and family members, Susie wasn’t taking care of herself. Then at 3.30 one morning, Penny received an alarming phone call from the police, who found Susie walking around the streets in a state of complete confusion. Penny's daughter, Zoe immediately gave up work and between them they provided round-the-clock care in shifts at Susie’s home.

The situation was completely unsustainable. “The house was in absolute crisis – Mum wasn’t sleeping, Zoe and I wouldn’t sleep for days on end, we just couldn’t keep it going,” explains Penny. 

After finding Don Thomson House Residential Care Home, our care home in Harwich, the family booked a short respite break for Susie while they considered their options. To Penny’s surprise Susie settled very quickly and they’ve never looked back, with Susie proud to call it her home.

A home filled with love and laughter

Penny says: “The staff at Don Thomson House don’t just care, they love. They are like family. And I’ve never been in a care home with so much laughter!”

Susie now has the companionship of the caring staff and her fellow residents, as well as regular visits from her devoted family, who take her on some amazing days out.

Penny adds: “She’s often not in her room when we telephone, because she’s off round the home with her friends!”

And for Penny, they finally have that mother-daughter relationship back.

“We have so much fun now and I’ve got the best relationship that I’ve ever had with Mum, as I no longer have to manage her care,” she explains. “It’s taken the stress off me as I no longer have to worry about her wellbeing or safety – I’ve got none of those worries.”

“Mum is happier, healthier and thriving - it’s a joy to visit her.”

Now she has entrusted the team with the care of her mother, Penny, a carer herself, can see what really matters to families.

“I’ve never appreciated what it means when families say thank you to me. I didn’t really understand what they meant, but I do now.”

For more about life at Don Thomson House, or any of our other care homes in Essex, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 917 0478.