How respite care was a break for us both

“Mum lives a few doors down from me in Biggin Hill. She lives independently in a retirement flat where there are pull-cords for use in an emergency but there isn’t always someone on site. I’m her first port of call if she needs anything. I manage all her shopping and I’ll pop in two or three times a week.

“I’d planned to go on holiday to Israel and both Mum and I were feeling anxious about the thought of her being alone for all that time. Mum’s Christian faith is very important to her and so I enquired about respite care at Christian homes near to us. Unfortunately, none of them offered respite care. Someone suggested we tried Milward House, which is slightly further afield for us but because her faith is so important to her Mum was willing to travel.

“From the moment we walked in we were both really impressed. The home was clean and the staff were incredibly friendly and caring. During her time at Milward House, Mum was able to join the devotions in the lounge, including some led by the local vicar. She really enjoyed being able to sing hymns with other people. These days, she finds it too difficult to get to church and so being able to join in with collective worship was very special.