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Charles Best describes the value of being
resident at one of the RMBI’s Homes
I wanted a cup of tea, but could not raise
the energy to get it. That’s when realisation
dawned that I needed care. Having had
nine years as a widower, and having to do
everything myself, I was now at the mercy
of a relentless resurgence of my childhood
polio which, I was told, was progressive.
However, the thought of going into
care was quite alarming. Some hard rational
thinking and planning was needed, but I had
no capital to pay for a daily help, and I was
having serious problems with leg fatigue
and the consequential stumbling and
occasional falling.
Where on earth could I get the help I
needed, and hopefully retain some degree
of self respect? It took long enough for the
penny to drop, but eventually I telephoned
my Lodge Almoner, who obtained
brochures and literature on the RMBI.
The nearest residential care home was
at Leicester and readily answered all my telephoned
questions, even offering a guided tour
for me and my family. As I had no family, my
close friend took me to Devonshire Court in
Oadby, where we arrived in time for the midmorning
tea trolley!
We were shown around by the manager,
who offered me use of a wheelchair to
avoid walking problems. We saw a typical
room and the various facilities available to
residents, which included two electronic
organs and a grand piano (music to my eyes),
use of an outdoor bowling green and putting
green, and spacious grounds.
The notice board had a miscellany of
coming events – shopping trips into town,
outings to tea rooms, pub crawls (a sort of
excursion into the countryside with a few
breaks for refreshments, either at tea rooms,
a pub, or a garden centre). Theatre visits did
require a modest fee, otherwise apart from
personal purchases there were no charges.
Transport was by the Home’s minibus.
Wheelchairs were welcomed at most venues
visited. There were regular events within
the Home, especially coffee mornings
hosted by local Lodges. I was afraid there
might be a holiday camp-style routine, but
there was no compulsion to join in.
I made a formal application as soon as
possible and was surprised to find a vacancy
had arisen within a few weeks. The ordeal
of putting my house on the market, deciding
what I might be allowed to take, packing
and actual moving is best glossed over, but
on admission everything was done for me.
Gradually the room took shape as my
home. My large television was permitted
as was my invalid scooter. Subsequently,
my computer, desk, printer, fax/phone,
and three-in-one were brought up to me
and installed.
I now have everything I need to
personalise my new home. The staff are
superb, nothing is too much trouble, and
they cope well with any problems which
arise – within, or outside the home. This
must be a reflection of the good
management.
Devonshire Court has been my home
since December 2006, and during my first
few months here I was asked many times
how I liked it. My answer was (and still is)
the same – “I love it here, to the extent that
if you want to get rid of me, it will take a
court order.”
Helping older people
20 Great Queen Street
London wc2b 5bg
T: 020 7596 2400
Fax: 020 7404 0724
Email: enquiries@rmbi.org.uk
Web site: www.rmbi.org.uk
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Left:
Charles Best relaxes at his computer
Right:
The RMBI care home, Devonshire
Court, at Oadby, Leicestershire
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Copyright 2002-2007
MQ Magazine
Web site created by Mark Griffin
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