Making it possible
Simon's story
I must say I was very impressed by how you handled everything, showing Judy care and attention at all times. It was clear that she really enjoyed her day out; she was interested in everything and very chatty and even struggling up the narrow stairs to the loo had her in giggles
Judy had been asking to go on the train, saying that she hadn’t been on one before. I spoke to her sister Helen and arranged for us to get the train to Moreton-in-Marsh. Helen met us there and we had a lovely day; we went to Birdland Park which Judy really enjoyed, and afterwards we went for afternoon tea before coming home.
It was a challenge for myself as well, as I don’t travel on the train, so I wasn’t confident about swapping trains in time to get the next one, but we managed it well. Judy was a pleasure to take out as she always is.
Judy has settled into Furber Road really well and seems to be enjoying living here after a lot of concern, as she lived at Hillside for around 25 years. Since Judy has lived at Furber Road, she has now visited her sister Helen twice in Oxford and Gloucestershire. Her next trip will be a holiday to the Isle of Wight to visit her other sister Caroline. Judy’s sisters are such a huge part of her life so we need to meet up as much as we can. With Judy being able to go down to visit her sister and having a staff team at Furber Road who are confident enough to take her, it can make all the difference to Judy and her sister’s relationship.
I was delighted to hear such positive comments from Judy’s sister Helen about the day we met up. I received a lovely email which said:
“Hi Simon,
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed our day out with Judy on Monday, and how grateful I am to you for making it possible.
Not many people would have been able to do what you did – taking Judy, with a wheelchair, on four trains, necessitating station changes, managing her needs and all the organisational admin, timing, tickets and money involved, and doing all this with a smile and such reassuring calmness!
I must say I was very impressed by how you handled everything, showing Judy care and attention at all times. It was clear that she really enjoyed her day out; she was interested in everything and very chatty and even struggling up the narrow stairs to the loo had her in giggles.
I had no doubt that Judy was in very safe hands all day, and I thank you for the attentive, mindful and courteous manner you showed to both Judy and me.
Best wishes,
Helen”