Meet the Residents at Ashwood Park

Want to know how well your loved ones will be looked after? We recently asked two elderly care residents of Ashwood Park what they thought of their stay there. Here's what they said along with a little bit about their day to day life:

Edwin Hird

Edwin Hird

Edwin worked at Thornley Pit, and then joined the Army when the Pit closed. On leaving the Army, Edwin joined the Merchant Navy for many years until his retirement after the Falklands War in 1982.

After looking after himself for many years. Edwin started to become very forgetful, he was then diagnosed with mild Dementia. He is a very happy person, has always been a joker and is a loving member of his family.

Edwin came into Ashwood Park for 6 weeks trial and enjoyed the company and activities that are going on. He has never asked to go home since that day.

He loves his room which has views to the main entrance and gardens, he spends his time watching visitors come and go and he waves them in and out. One day he was not very happy because the bushes out of his window blocked his view, it was mentioned in a conversation with staff and the next day the bushes were trimmed. It made him so happy. Edwin finds the staff very kind and friendly.

Edwin loves meal times but prefers to eat in his own room. Nothing is a problem to staff, he used to have a banana every morning, he told staff and now every morning there is a banana with his breakfast. Edwin picks his own menu himself, he says it is like living in a hotel.

Edwin has spent many happy days in the garden sunbathing. Ashwood have provided sun chairs and umbrellas to protect him from the sun. Edwin is very content at Ashwood Park and that makes it easier for the family.

Mary Dunning

Mary Dunning

Mary was one of Ashwood Park's first residents who arrived 7 years ago after a number of falls at home. At first Mary came in for respite care but after a year decided to stay. Mary enjoys all aspects of her life at Ashwood, she enjoys daily activities and plays bingo up to 3 times a week. When the weather is fine, even though Mary is wheelchair bound, she enjoys going out in the homes' mini bus, or taking part in the night time entertainment. As Mary says there is always something to do.

"The meals are always very tasty and we are given a varied choice on a daily basis" says Mary, and even through she is choosey when it comes to meal times she feels kitchen staff always cater for her requirements.

Mary enjoys visits from her family and feels that they are always made to feel very welcome, even when the twins who are only young babies come other residents will call down to the lounge to see them. "We are just one big happy family" says Mary, "I'm very happy to be here and everyone is very nice".