A deep understanding

At Pine Martin Grange there is a deep understanding of the impact of Alzheimer’s and the fact that there are still a wide range of activities that people living with it can still enjoy.

It was that understanding in part that led to Jane Atkinson deciding her husband Geoff would be better off living at Pine Martin than elsewhere.

“Some places don’t seem to grasp that you can develop Alzheimer’s and still be fit and active,” said Jane.

“Residents were expected just to sit around all day in front of a telly and for Geoff that wouldn’t work.”

Geoff, 74 and Jane, 73, have been married for over 50 years. They knew each other vaguely as children and when they met up in London after university romance blossomed.

Geoff developed Alzheimer’s in his sixties and as the condition became progressively worse it became clear he would need the full-time care of a residential home.

“Geoff came to Pine Martin for respite and we decided this is where he should move to,” said Jane. “You feel part of a community, everyone is so welcoming and I do feel the staff look to support family as well as the resident.”

Jane added: “One thing Geoff definitely appreciated was the wide corridors, the place is purpose built and there is lots of space, lots of places to walk and Geoff liked to roam all over.  He is now unable to walk – that transition was handled well by Pine Martin Grange and he seems very content.”

Geoff’s children, John and Sarah, and the four grandchildren aged 6-11 also appreciate the space of Pine Martin including the gardens.

“They love to visit, the grandchildren can run around in the garden, join in the fun activities, play board games and enjoy lots of treats,” said Jane.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, a person’s needs can change and Jane recognises that Pine Martin Grange is aware of that.

“You can start to have difficulty swallowing so the food needs to be cut smaller or pureed, however in making that change they still take care to ensure it is appetising, nutritious and there is choice,” said Jane. “They do look to meet the individual needs of the resident and their family.”