Ardath is a home in every sense...
Lindy is the daughter of Georgie, who lives at Ardath care home in Bexhill. Here she shares her experience and advice to others who may be making the difficult decision to start looking for respite or permanent care for their loved one.
Lindy’s mum, Georgie, has been a resident at Ardath care home in Bexhill for nine years. You may have seen her letters and advice that we shared on the website in December - ‘Care home resident reaches out to those facing Christmas alone’ and ‘I never thought in a million years I could settle in a care home.’
Lindy said, “When our Dad died professional care for Mum was needed and Mum made that decision with my brother and I. She did not want any of her adult children taking on full time care but wanted a good, well-run residential home.
With a heavy heart, we set out to find the best we could. My brother and I, both living abroad, came home to visit all the care homes in the Hastings and Bexhill area. We soon worked out the well run, the impeccably clean, the homes with happy staff and a good atmosphere for residents and staff, and the homes in which the families as a whole were treated well. We believe we chose the best in Ardath.
Mums room is small but she likes her patio doors out to the garden and it is in a nice quiet wing of the home. Mum is social and loves quizzes and singing. She truly enjoys people and Ardath provides great weekly schedules of planned activities... very important for our bright and social Mum.
Within a few weeks of what seemed a heart rendering decision ... we know it had been the best. I could not imagine the loneliness and overwhelming responsibility of keeping the family home, but more-so neither could Mum. I feel we are lucky as we made the decision together.
I would say to any other family - do your homework and visit lots of different homes at all times of the day. Try a respite break, and listen and communicate with your dear parent or family member if possible.
Ardath is a home in every sense. Staff are like a big family that professionally and lovingly take care of the residents, and communicate and take care of the extended family. I hope this concept and recipe never changes!
Trust in Lindsey, the lovely Manager, and Carol, and each and every one of the amazing team, make all of our lives complete.
All I can say is thank you all dearly for all you do every day at Ardath for my Mum and every dear resident."
If you or a loved one are looking for a short stay at Ardath, we are currently offering one week free of charge to those staying with us for two weeks or more.