“I’m happier now than I have been in years!” – Alan’s journey to Watlington

When Alan, who lives with debilitating health conditions lived alone, he felt socially isolated and extremely down.

Fast forward to today and he’s whole-heartedly embraced his new life at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home in Oxfordshire, where he loves having companionship.  

Alan, who is 64 years old and lives with Cerebral Palsy and arthritis, admits he’d become a “virtual recluse” before moving to the home in February 2023. He’d had several falls which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay.

After being told he needed permanent care he discovered the home and has never looked back!

“I’d felt so down before, but I came here and everyone was so nice and happy and the home is so bright,” Alan explains.  

“I’m happier now than I have been in years and just love being part of a community again! It makes you feel like you are still living and that it’s worth living.

“The staff are lovely and will do anything for you, I think of them as friends. Some of them have been here for over 10 years, and the residents are good fun too.”

Alan feels so at home, he has reignited an old hobby. With the support of the team, he’s started running his own quizzes for his fellow residents and is actively involved in providing feedback to the team. He recently suggested raised planters would be a great addition for the gardens, for residents in wheelchairs. These are now built and ready for the spring!  

Getting so involved in how the home is run enriches Alan’s life, giving him a sense of purpose and belonging.

“I’m so pleased and it’s nice to feel useful for a change,” he adds.  

Alan has come so far, he’s been able to start working part-time remotely from the home, something he hadn’t done for a year before moving into Watlington, which has been wonderful for his independence.

For more about life at Watlington, or our other care homes in Oxfordshire, our Enquiry Support Team is here to talk on 0800 331 7422.