From End Of Life Care To New Independence At 95

When Maureen came to live with us at Inglewood Nursing Home in May 2022, she was 95 years old and was admitted for end of life care. At that time she had a syringe driver in place and was believed to be in the final stage of her life. She was receiving full nursing care in bed and needed full support with all aspects of her daily care. The focus then was on her comfort, dignity and making sure she felt safe, settled and well cared for.

In those early days she was unable to get out of bed and relied completely on staff for her care and support. Our priority was to make sure she was comfortable, listened to and treated with kindness and respect at all times.

As time went on, the staff adopted a consistent person-centred approach, taking time to really get to know her and understand what mattered most to her in both her care and her wellbeing. They worked alongside her with patience and kindness, always guided by her comfort and what she felt ready for. Alongside her clinical needs, they placed real focus on her happiness, confidence and overall quality of life. With gentle support, encouragement, some physiotherapy, compassionate care and her own quiet determination, she slowly began to do more for herself.

Little by little she moved from being bedbound to sitting up, then standing and eventually walking with the support of a walking aid. Each small step was supported at her own pace and shaped around what she felt able and confident to do, with her comfort and dignity always at the centre of her care.

Today she is able to move around the home with her walking aid and enjoys being part of daily life. She has found renewed confidence in herself and takes comfort in the familiarity and companionship around her. She has also enjoyed a trip out to The Blue Bell Garden at Arlington, a moment that brought real joy and would not have felt possible when she first arrived.

Her story is a gentle reminder that every person carries their own strength and their own story. While she came to us for end of life care, her journey has shown how important it is to look beyond immediate needs and take a truly person-centred approach that values wellbeing, dignity and quality of life in every moment.

When Maureen first arrived with us at 91, she was receiving end-of-life care and was completely bedbound. Seeing her now up and walking with her frame and enjoying trips out is nothing short of incredible.” – Rani, Home Manager

“Maureen’s journey shows just how powerful personalised care and determination can be. To see her go from such a fragile state to enjoying a day out means so much to all of us.” – Jibu, Nurse

Her progress has come from a combination of her own determination and the steady, compassionate support of the team who have cared for her with patience, respect and a genuine focus on her overall wellbeing throughout.