When 83 year-old Margaret Buckley from Dalbeattie in Dumfries suffered a heart attack and was admitted to intensive care, she and her family feared the worst. When news arrived that corrective heart-surgery wouldn’t be possible because of Margaret’s already poor health and that she would now require permanent full-time residential care, they believed their fears had been realised.


But fast forward 12 months, and in what Margaret’s husband describes as an “unbelievable” turn-around, this strong and determined lady has given family, friends and carers cause for celebration after becoming well-enough to return back home! Here, You First talks to Margaret, her husband Frank, and the team at CIC residential care home, Munches Park, who all worked together to help bring about this amazing achievement…


“When Margaret joined Munches Park in April 2011 she had spent four months in hospital trying to recuperate; yet she was still so weak and frail, struggling to take even a few steps without help,” explains Home Manager, Carole McMurdo.


“But straight away, I saw Margaret’s determination to get well and I made a promise to her and her husband that the team here at Munches Park would do everything we could to help improve her mobility and get some independence back.”


Working closely with Margaret, her husband and a team of professionals from both inside and outside of the home, staff devised a specialised care plan that would aid Margaret’s rehabilitation and recovery.


First Steps Soon Margaret’s health began to improve and she found herself needing less care and support from staff: “Within only a few weeks, and much to mine and my husband’s amazement, I was starting to walk further and further distances, often on my own, a clear sign that I was getting better,” says Margaret.


“As her health improved, the team supported Margaret to try to build-upon and enjoy her independence,” adds her


husband Frank. “They encouraged us to go on short day trips to local beauty spots and this really raised Margaret’s spirits and helped aid her recovery.”


By September 2011, Margaret’s health had improved so much that she and Frank were even able to enjoy a night at a local hotel with their close family and friends, celebrating their Diamond wedding anniversary!


Only a few weeks later Margaret’s astounding journey was complete when doctors deemed her well enough to leave Munches Park and return to living permanently in her own home.


Homeward Bound “In all my 22 years of working in the care sector, I have never known a resident to return home after being admitted permanently into residential care. But Margaret was determined to get well right from the start and it has happened,” says Carole.


And whilst Carole credits Margaret and her wonderfully supportive family with helping


With the support of the team, Margaret’s progression continued; so much so that she was soon able to spend two nights at home, sampling Frank’s new found cooking skills! “It was fantastic to have my wife home for even just a few nights; in all our years of marriage we’ve rarely spent a night apart, so I had missed her terribly.”


8 | You First | www.c-i-c.co.uk


her reach this goal, Margaret’s husband Frank believes he knows where recognition is also due. He says, “I don’t know where we’d be without the support of all the wonderful staff at Munches Park. None of this change would ever have come about without their professionalism, dedication, care, and encouragement. We are both so immensely grateful and could never say thank you enough.”


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24