Proud as punch to be Resident Ambassador – meet Edith

When Edith moved into our Hastings home, unable to walk following a stroke and brain haemorrhage, she never imagined that today she’d have such an active role to play in the running of the home.

As Resident Ambassador, Edith spends time getting feedback from her fellow residents at Hastings Residential Care Home in Malvern on everything from the menu to the activities, which she shares with the team. She welcomes new residents, has run knitting and cake decorating sessions and even looked after a fellow resident’s dog, feeding and taking her for walks.

“I love it, especially talking to the residents – and its great fun,” she says of her role. “I take my book round and ask if there’s anything I can do for them.”  

A talented baker, Edith spends time in the home’s kitchen and is currently making Christmas cakes for every floor.

A sense of achievement – enriching lives

During her knitting sessions, Edith taught the residents how to make blankets, which they donated to the local hospital for newborn babies. “My mother taught me to knit when I was six,” she explains. “I love knitting and have taught some of the other residents.”

For Edith, who is 80 years old, it gives her such a sense of pride that she can share her skills with others. “I’m so grateful – it makes me feel like I’ve achieved something, especially considering where I was when I moved in,” she adds.

Without doubt Edith’s most treasured memories so far are of looking after the dog of one of her fellow residents. Sadly, the dog recently passed away. Knowing how much joy she gave Edith, Home Manager Sue suggested she choose another dog to live with her at Hastings, something care assistant June has been helping her to do, even taking her to a rescue centre in Cardiff.

Edith, who was a nurse for 27 years, has even raised over £900 for Macmillan Cancer Relief by shaving her head, something she plans to do again this year with the support of the team. “I was thrilled to bits to do it,” she says. “It was so much fun – I’m one of those people who will do anything for a dare!”

For Edith living in a home where she can be so independent and live the life she wants to live is very special, as are the team caring for her. “The staff are absolutely brilliant – this is like a family and I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she adds.

For more about life at Hastings or any of our other care homes in Worcestershire, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 917 0478.