3 April 2019
Finding Maycroft Manor
Anne shares her story of finding the right care home for her mum.
The realisation that your parents’ needs can no longer be met at home is a difficult thing to come to terms with. Sometimes you come to this realisation as a result of a sudden crisis and other times, it is a gradual decision you make over time. My mother lived in Dorset with my brother and at times, it was difficult to see him struggle caring for her. With mum’s increasing mobility problems, she spent most days watching television, going out only for hair appointments, but even that quickly became too hard for her.
My father had spent the last few weeks of his life in a care home, and we visited many in Weymouth at that time. During this period, I often saw living conditions that shocked me. I came across Maycroft Manor Care Home in Brighton last spring while looking for a temporary respite home for my mum. My mother spent a happy two weeks there then and it was reassuring to know that she had been well looked after. Because of this, when it came to looking for permanent care home for mum, Maycroft Manor stood apart for a host of reasons.
Firstly, the team members are absolutely lovely, providing a welcoming atmosphere that has the feeling of one big family. Everyone working at Maycroft Manor Care Home always greets you with a happy hello and a smile when you arrive. Nothing my mother desires is ever too much trouble. Excellent care also extends to the family. For instance, I have felt supported when my mother had several hospital admissions and because of this and other reasons I have nothing but praise for the care team.
Maycroft Manor is clearly a purpose-built care home, designed with the residents’ needs in mind. Although Maycroft Manor is a large home, it has a cosy feel, with two dining rooms on each floor.. There are two lovely lounges on each floor, where residents can sit with families, watch TV or look out at the garden. Then there is the bistro, where residents and visitors can enjoy refreshments, read a newspaper, chat to friends or take part in a quiz or other entertainment. Maycroft Manor is the only care home I have visited that has anything of this variety. The team members go such a long way to help residents experience a life as close as possible to being at home and the residents always have their say.
The lifestyle team always make sure something is going on and they try to tailor activities to the resident’s interests, from bingo to fine art appreciation. I have seen my mother blossom at Maycroft Manor. In some ways, it’s like I have her back. Her sense of humour is better than ever!
When looking for a home you want somewhere where you know your parent can be happy, and somewhere that will look after your parents’ care needs, enabling your parent to live as full a life as possible.. At Maycroft Manor, I am fortunate to have found somewhere that has met all those needs and more.
Anne Pearce
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