Geoff’s journey – “I stayed because I love it here at Ridgewood”
When Geoff arrived at Ridgewood Court Residential Care Home in Pensby, it was meant to be a short respite care stay to regain his strength after a spell in hospital. But within days, his mind was made up:
“I swore I would never go into a care home, but I loved it here. I thought ‘I could live in here’, and so I did – as quick as that! It was wonderful and everybody is so friendly.”
A new chapter
Geoff had been living alone since the passing of his wife Anne, who herself worked as a carer, 13 years earlier. “Until I came in here, I didn’t realise just how much I was stagnating at home,” he reflects. The move to Ridgewood Court has brought a renewed sense of purpose and companionship. “I like everything about it – it is lovely, there’s a lot of life here!”
A warm and welcoming community
From the moment he arrived, Geoff felt embraced by the team and residents. “They are all wonderful – everybody”, he adds, “Anybody that passes will say hello, come in, sit and have a natter.”
His daughter Nicky works at the home as a care assistant and his son John – who has cerebral palsy – visits every day.
Truly personalised care
Geoff adds: “I’ve had problems with my stomach and there are certain foods I can’t eat. The head chef is so obliging – they will come and see me and see what I would like. I suggest something and he says, ‘you’ve got it’, simple as that!”
“I was given 24 hours to live,” Geoff recalls how poorly he was during his hospital stay. “Now I feel fit as a fiddle.”
A renewed sense of purpose
A former landscape gardener, Geoff has found joy tending to the home’s gardens. “They said, ‘Would you like to help us run the gardens’ and that’s what I started doing!” He has lots of plans, including creating a pond with goldfish and continues to advise staff on planting and design, eager to return to the garden once he’s fully back on his feet.
“It’s been wonderful. I am genuinely really happy. The staff are all wonderful and I don’t miss being at home, not at all.” When asked why he chose to stay, Geoff’s answer is simple: “because I love it here.”
For more about life at Ridgewood Court, which provides residential, dementia and pre-bookable respite care stays, our Enquiry Support Team are here to help on 0800 331 7411.
