DEMENTIA CARE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE


Having lived in five different care homes, Susan O’Neill was struggling to settle at each one. How did a specialist dementia care community facilitate the transformation she needed? Orchard Care Homes reflects on the journey.


As Susan O’Neill’s dementia quickly progressed and her needs changed, her family sought a dementia-specialist care home in the Middleton area, and came across Langfield Care Home.


Susan had lived in five different care homes but struggled to settle at each one, having previously experienced persistent falls and mobility issues.


The move to Langfield, part of the Orchard Care Homes group, proved to be the key to Susan’s amazing transformation, thanks to its innovative Reconnect Community.


David, her devoted husband of 56 years, talks about the changes he’s seen in his beloved partner and offers hope to others in similar situations.


David and Susan met through mutual friends at 14 and 15 and quickly became inseparable. Now, at 76 and 77, the couple has three children and four grandchildren, who bring them immense joy.


When Susan was diagnosed with dementia, David admits he felt overwhelmed by the news but tried his best to support her.


He said: “She knew exactly what was happening to her, and she hated it. I told her it would be fine, but honestly, I had no idea whether it would be fine or not because I hadn’t experienced anything like this before.”


Susan had lived in five different care homes but struggled to settle at each one. As her dementia progressed and her needs evolved, her family decided to find a specialist care home in Manchester.


They were recommended Langfield Care Home, for their specialist dementia care and personal, home-away-from- home environment.


Lustre Ntungwe, Clinical Deputy Manager, recalls meeting Susan for the first time: “When I first met Susan, she was drowsy, unable to have a conversation and was using a wheelchair.


“Susan was receiving one one-on-one care due to her ‘high risk’ of falling – but from looking at her extensive list of medication, we were able to identify the root cause of her symptoms, and with adjustments to her medication and a personalised treatment plan, Susan began to regain her strength.”


David says he is impressed by the personalised care his wife Susan receives at Langfield, which he believes truly sets it apart from other care homes.


“I've never seen anything like this,’ he says. "The care team


ensures Susan feels purposeful and engaged in the activities she enjoys every day.”


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The Reconnect model empowers residents to stay independent, connected, and active in ways that matter to them.


For Susan, this means participating in simple, meaningful tasks that bring a sense of normality and comfort, like dusting and tidying.


Lustre explains: "Susan was a housewife who took great pride in keeping a clean, tidy home. When she engages in familiar activities like dusting or wiping down surfaces, she becomes more relaxed.”


Vivienne Daly, Home Manager at Langfield adds: "Since Susan joined us, we've focused on light rehabilitation exercises and daily walks, helping her use a walking frame. She now enjoys exploring the home, trying out the ice hockey table, and spending time in the garden room."


David, who visits Susan daily, shared how dementia has changed their relationship and how he’s adapted. He said: “I can’t get through to her old memories anymore; I believe they’re gone. What I can do, however, is make memories in the present – and that’s what Langfield does so wonderfully.


“They help us create these moments together by organising special days, activities and events, which I didn’t see in Susan’s other care homes.’


www.orchardcarehomes.com www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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