Respite care gave me companionship

Following several falls at home, Donna Taylor came to Bridge View House Care Home in Dundee for emergency respite care just before Christmas, having injured her ankle.

Having spent four weeks in the home, it has given her an appreciation of what it is like to have people to interact with whenever she wishes; a sharp contrast to life at home.

Lockdown changed my life overnight

Donna explained: “I’d felt isolated at home. I am a sociable person but I just felt like my life had changed overnight. I couldn’t go out in the community due to the risk of getting Covid, so I relied on my home carers for companionship. 

“My social worker suggested coming to Bridge View House for a period of time, to help me recuperate and have some social interaction in a safe place.”

For more information about respite breaks or other care packages, please call our Enquiry Support Team on 0800 917 0478.

A team with hearts of gold

After self-isolating in her bedroom and having a negative Covid test, Donna was delighted to be able to socialise with residents in her ‘bubble’.

She said the safety procedures the staff followed provided great reassurance. “I felt like I was in a safe little bubble and the staff were keeping me safe.”

Donna very quickly settled into life at Bridge View House. She said: "Nothing was too much trouble for the staff - they have hearts of gold. I was nervous about coming, but I love it here and don’t want to leave.I’m not looking forward to going home as I have become used to having company whenever I need it."

Nothing was too much trouble for the staff - they have hearts of gold. I was nervous about coming, but I love it here and don’t want to leave.

Donna, resident

Companionship means so much

Aside from the care she’s received, the home-cooked meals and activities, Donna said the companionship has meant so much. She added: “I felt very isolated at home but not in here. Don’t get me wrong, I love the carers that help me at home, but they are not with me 24 hours a day and can only give me so much time. At Bridge View House, staff are around all the time - if I need them they are there. I’ve had a lot of laughs and have even managed to get my hair done!

“I am grateful to the staff for helping me and encouraging me to mobilise, because now my ankle has healed and I can walk like I used to and have some independence back.”

Donna, who is significantly younger than the other residents at Bridge View House, has decided that when the Government restrictions are lifted, she will be returning to the home to volunteer and spend time with her new friends.

Home Manager Katie Finnie said: “Donna is a ray of sunshine and we will be sad to see her go. She is so happy all the time and has such a lovely personality - we will miss her.”

For free advice about different care options, please call our Enquiry Support Team on 0800 917 0478. Alternatively you can email them at care.hub@sanctuary-housing.co.uk or join them using the Live Chat icon on the website.