Care home residents reveal the secret to a happy marriage

This Valentine’s Day care home residents across Sanctuary Care homes have shared their advice on how to maintain a loving, long-term relationship.

Irene and Billy (pictured above) 

Irene Spence, age 95, from Seaham, celebrated her 70th wedding anniversary with husband Billy, age 94, in September 2023. When asked the secret to a long, happy marriage, Irene said: “Love. That’s how our relationship has withstood the test of time. Billy and I have loved each other since the day we met. We bicker sometimes, but our love has always remained strong.”

It was love at first sight for the Durham couple, who tied the knot in 1953 after catching each other’s eye leaving a movie theatre. They now live together at Cedar Court Residential and Nursing Home in Seaham, where they remain inseparable.

Roy and Betty 
Roy Fellows, age 86, recently celebrated 66 years married to his wife, Betty, aged 87, who lives at Lime Tree Court Residential Care Home in Bilston.

Roy visits Betty, a former factory worker, at the Wolverhampton care home twice a day, often reminiscing on happy times spent at a local dance club, where they first met. To this day, Betty dances around the home with a smile on her face, reliving those moments shared with her husband.

When asked his advice for keeping a marriage strong after all those years, Roy said: 

“Be honest with one another, love each other and for me personally, always listen to Betty!”

Michael and Joy 
Michael and Joy Hinton, who live at Lake View Residential Care Home in Shropshire, will be married for 59 years on 6th March 2024. The pair, who met on a blind date, also shared their advice on dating for the younger generation.

“Pull together and share everything. This is something we have always done in our marriage. Don’t rush the relationship, take your time with each other, and try not to give up easily.”

Sylvia 
For Sylvia Bland, age 86, from Lyons Court Residential Care Home in Essex, the key to a happy relationship is simple: “share and be polite.”

To others, it means “showing tenderness, sharing feelings, and understanding each other.” Whilst one resident joked that the foundation for a happy marriage is to “keep away from your husband!”

To mark Valentine’s Day, special celebrations will be taking place across Sanctuary Care homes for residents to enjoy with their loved ones, fellow residents, or significant others.

Dannie Sheldon, Home Manager at Lake View said: “As Valentine’s Day holds special memories for many of our residents, it’s a great opportunity for us to come together with them and their loved ones to reminisce and reflect on times gone by. 
 

“Celebrating these meaningful moments within our care homes helps to create a sense of continuity and community for our residents, which we know is so important for an enriched and fulfilled life.

“And for those for whom Valentine’s Day holds no allure, then it’s yet another opportunity to just celebrate life together – any excuse for a party!”

For more about life with Sanctuary Care, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7422.