William's Story
William* has been a Freemason for over forty years. Although he has very poor sight and suffers from Parkinson’s disease he enjoys sitting in the gardens of the care home into which he has recently moved. When his son Stuart visits they always spend some time enjoying the scents of the flowers and sharing happy memories of years spent in the family garden.
Until recently Stuart was William's primary carer so he welcomes the chance to spend quality time with his father. Caring for William meant Stuart working early shifts, before driving to his father’s home to cook his evening meal, help him bathe and undress for bed. Stuart was exhausted by this schedule and constantly worried how he would cope if his father’s situation deteriorated further. After reading about respite care Stuart contacted the Charities and arrangements were made for a two-week respite break. This meant Stuart could get some much needed rest and his first holiday in over five years. It also gave William the chance to experience life in a care home which helped him to make the decision to make the temporary stay a permanent one.
*Some details changed to protect privacy