Why moving into a care home doesn’t have to mean an end to independence By Jolanta Harbuz, Home Manager at Guild Care’s Linfield House One of the most common concerns that we hear from someone moving into one of our care homesis that they will lose their independence. Many people worry about missing out on the activities thatthey used to love doing in the comfort of their own home, or the freedom of popping to the shops orseeing friends. However, we often find that residents gain a new lease of life when they join the Guild Care family.They create a wider circle of friends through getting to know other residents, and they can take partin a range of activities happening around the home – all while benefitting from the 24/7, loving careprovided by our team. The same as our other two Guild Care homes, Haviland House and Caer Gwent, we have a wellbeingco-ordinator, Marie, at Linfield House who organises a schedule of stimulating activities for ourresidents to enjoy each week. Many of these take place in the home – such as poetry reading, gentleexercise classes including yoga and a weekly cinema club. However, we also organise group outingsto the local shops and landmarks for those who would prefer to get outdoors. With our home being situated so close to Worthing seafront, residents who are able to go outindependently and have been robustly risk assessed by our team enjoy taking in the sea air. We’realso lucky to have the beautiful Victoria Gardens on our doorstep, which some residents like to visitif it is safe for them to do so. A lot of our residents tell us that they see it as a ‘home from home’ here. The facilities and dedicatedteam we have mean that all needs – including dementia care – can be fulfilled. We offer rooms withensuites and can accommodate couples, while our chefs cater to various dietary requirements. Equally, families feel comforted knowing that they have chosen a home which enables their lovedone to enjoy later life, rather than feeling lonely or isolated – highlighted by our 9.8 review score onthe Carehome.co.uk website. One family member told me: “Mum could no longer have a fulfilled and safe life in her own home, soher only option was to move into care. This seemingly huge compromise turned out to be the bestdecision we could have made. “Linfield House gave her a new extended family in the staff and carers. It proved that going into caredidn’t have to be a sad or diminishing option for anyone who needs help to continue to have a goodlife.” Moving into a care home doesn’t have to mean an end to independence – it’s the start of a newchapter. It’s an opportunity for people to continue doing all the things they did previously, but in acaring and safe environment. To find out more about Linfield House, get in touch with our friendly enquiries team on 01903 327327 or email [email protected]