Life in a care home

Read our story about what it can be like to live in a care home.

People have very different experiences of using care services. Some are good, some are bad. Here is one person's story.

Ruby is 93 and lives in a care home in Surrey. Here she talks about her experiences of what it’s like to live in a care home.

“Being Welsh, I’ve always been fiercely independent and like to do things for myself.

“I worked in a shop and didn’t retire until I was 88 – even then, I would have liked to continue.

“So for me, that’s been the only slight drawback to living in a care home. I no longer have the same independence.

“But I could no longer stay in my own home. I had two falls. So I came to live here in 2004.

“I was very upset and nervous, but I think that’s only natural really.

“It’s a big step to change your life in such a way, and was difficult getting used to the new routine.

“Anyway, all the staff were very kind to me.

“They were very sympathetic about how upset I was about having to give up my independence.

“Luckily, though, I knew the home quite well.

“I used to come to events here and often ended up helping out, like serving the coffee or something. So at least it wasn’t too unfamiliar.”

It took Ruby a while to settle in because she was so used to always doing everything for herself. But now, she says that she loves it.

Kind and patient staff

“I was pleasantly surprised by how kind the staff were, and so patient. What I enjoy most about it is the atmosphere.

“I’ve got used to enjoying the security, too. I would be frightened to be on my own at night, now.

“It’s very nice to have everything done for you.

“You can help out with the cooking, if you want to. But it’s nice, too, to know that you don’t have to.

“The food here is very good and I always enjoy my meals.

“There are plenty of activities for me to be involved in too. I can’t tell you if I have a favourite as I enjoy most of them!

“There’s always something interesting going on here - or else we go out.”

The home gives its residents a lots of say in the kind of activities they would like to do.

There a wide range, from musical therapy and aromatherapy, concerts, to plays and recitals in the evening.

There is also an effort to keep residents feeling part of the community.

They are encouraged to go and visit the doctor or dentist at his surgery, rather than have health professionals come to them.

“Sometimes my daughter comes to take me out. Or else, we all go out with one of the activities coordinators.

“I don’t feel out of touch, or forgotten. My daughter visits me frequently. My niece also comes - and my granddaughter.

“I’m very happy here now. All in all, I wouldn’t like to live alone again. I think that I made the right decision to come to the home.”