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 homes
is that they will lose their independence. Many people worry about missing out on the activities that
they used to love doing in the comfort of their own home, or the freedom of popping to the shops or
seeing 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 part
in a range of activities happening around the home – all while benefitting from the 24/7, loving care
provided by our team.

The same as our other two Guild Care homes, Haviland House and Caer Gwent, we have a wellbeing
co-ordinator, Marie, at Linfield House who organises a schedule of stimulating activities for our
residents to enjoy each week. Many of these take place in the home – such as poetry reading, gentle
exercise classes including yoga and a weekly cinema club. However, we also organise group outings
to 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 out
independently and have been robustly risk assessed by our team enjoy taking in the sea air. We’re
also lucky to have the beautiful Victoria Gardens on our doorstep, which some residents like to visit
if 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 dedicated
team we have mean that all needs – including dementia care – can be fulfilled. We offer rooms with
ensuites 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 loved
one to enjoy later life, rather than feeling lonely or isolated – highlighted by our 9.8 review score on
the Carehome.co.uk website.

One family member told me: “Mum could no longer have a fulfilled and safe life in her own home, so
her only option was to move into care. This seemingly huge compromise turned out to be the best
decision we could have made.

“Linfield House gave her a new extended family in the staff and carers. It proved that going into care
didn’t have to be a sad or diminishing option for anyone who needs help to continue to have a good
life.”

Moving into a care home doesn’t have to mean an end to independence – it’s the start of a new
chapter. It’s an opportunity for people to continue doing all the things they did previously, but in a
caring and safe environment.

To find out more about Linfield House, get in touch with our friendly enquiries team on 01903 327
327 or email [email protected]