“It’s her home and she’s safe there” – Christine and Betty’s journey

It wasn’t until Christine’s father became ill and passed away that she realised just how challenging caring for her mother Betty, who lives with dementia, had been for him, and how far her dementia had deteriorated. After stepping into his shoes, it was clear Betty needed more support to keep her safe.

“When I realised how bad she was, the guilt was incredible,” Christine explains. “She was up and down all night and didn’t sleep at all, she would just catnap and wasn’t safe on her own in an unsecured environment.”

A close friend recommended Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home in Chester, so Christine made a visit.

“The staff couldn't be kinder – they are genuinely caring. And the home has a lovely, warm feeling about it,” she explains.

Since Betty moved in eight months ago, Christine couldn’t be happier with her choice.

“The staff have been wonderful since the beginning - settling and supporting both mum and me. I've had more than one hug from them, and it’s taken the weight of the world off my shoulders,” she says.

“We were able to bring things over from her flat before she moved in, and the staff helped us put her pictures up in her bedroom and make it look really nice, so it felt like home. She’s got a lovely room with her own en-suite.”

And knowing Betty is safe gives Christine a huge sense of comfort.

“We’ve taken her out for meals, and she wants to go back there afterwards – it’s her home and she feels safe there. She’s warm and comfortable, she enjoys the food and having her hair done in the salon there – that’s like a trip out for mum.”

For Christine the care Betty receives is of upmost importance.

“A doctor visits every week in person, which dad would have thought was brilliant,” she explains. “She’s weighed every week and I know if there’s ever a problem, they will call me. It’s very reassuring – it’s a lovely place.”

For more about life at Upton Dene, or any of our care homes in Cheshire, our Enquiry Support Team are here to support you on 0800 917 0478.