Albert’s Reconnect story: How specialist dementia care changes more than just one life

After 7 years of being cared for by his wonderful wife, Collette, Albert Wood joined Green Park Nursing Home’s newest Reconnect community on Christmas Eve last year. After hearing about the positive impacts our innovative, person-centred style of dementia care has had, not only on Albert but also on Collette, we were excited to sit down with Collette and the team at Green Park to find out more.

Albert and Collette will have been married for an incredible 50 years on their next anniversary in November. Since then, they have dedicated their lives to making amazing memories with each other, travelling the world and finding new hobbies. They are now able to continue making these memories from the comforts of Green Park.

“We have been everywhere. We’ve done places like Egypt and America and loved them all. That said, our favourite trip was probably Istanbul. We loved the unique culture and ways of life” added Collette.

As Albert’s dementia progressed, their time together changed too and they had to alter their lifestyle. Collette has bravely shared with us the story of Albert’s dementia progression from when he was first referred to the hospital around 7 years ago.

“It was obviously very difficult during those first appointments. Albert was only confused sometimes, so there were many times when he couldn’t understand the need to go to his appointments. He would say to me ‘I don’t need to go there, I’m fine’. Over time, of course, his dementia progressed and he needed more care than I could provide for him at home.”

After being recommended Green Park by various health professionals, Collette went to see the home for the first time.

“I didn’t know much about Green Park before that initial visit, and didn’t know the area particularly well. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, I immediately noticed how bright and welcoming the home is. The spaces are lovely and modern and it’s in a great location for me to visit every day. It really is a hidden gem.”

When Albert first came to Green Park in November, he joined a dementia nursing community. Although this care model suited Albert in many respects, it was clear to the team that perhaps Albert would benefit from living in a Reconnect community.

The main ethos of our Reconnect communities is to offer genuine inclusion and support residents to remain independent, engaged and interested in daily activities of their own personal choice. We believe people living with dementia can live a fulfilled and active lifestyle and should be able to continue with the hobbies which they’ve always enjoyed. In Albert’s case, this has included providing quiet spaces, private dining experiences and opportunities for bird-watching.

Since joining the Reconnect community, Deputy Manager Lisa-Marie has seen a notable reduction in Albert’s distress levels.

“We have seen a significant decrease in Albert’s stress levels over the past 4 months, and in his tearfulness too. It has really put Collette’s mind at rest and that is so important to us. Collette sees that Albert is treated as a human, rather than simply a resident. It means that as husband and wife, their time together is quality time and it’s something to look forward to for them both.”

Not only has Collette noted that this decision gave Albert the final push he needed in coming out of his shell and allowing himself to settle in fully, but she also acknowledges the support network she has gained from the team on Sandringham. It has provided her with an extended family.

Since Albert moved into the home, Collette has received a particularly amazing level of support from Nicola, Dementia Support Worker at Green Park. Dementia Support Workers are more than just support workers, they plan activities and provide a high quality of specialised dementia care, thanks to their Dementia Promise training. This is a role exclusive to our Reconnect communities. The bond that Nicola and Collette have formed shows that supporting relatives is just as important as supporting the residents.

“The day that Collette first came in to visit Albert, she was so nervous. She introduced herself to me and I just knew she needed someone to reassure her, so I gave her a big hug. I gave her a great big hug and said ‘Come on, let’s see Albert together’. Ever since that day, we’ve just built a relationship. It’s just been her and Albert their whole lives and if I can help her in any way, I will. She’s a beautiful lady inside and out.”

Collette has complimentary lunch with Albert when she visits the home, with a variety of delicious dishes on the menu. There are smaller rooms available where they can eat together too if they wish, which is great for Albert sometimes as he doesn’t like too much loud noise. Although a simple gesture, creating these intimate dining experiences helps reflect the homely environment both Collette and Albert have always loved.

Lisa-Marie told us: “Collette and Albert made vows to each other, they’ve spent many years eating together as husband and wife and there’s no reason that they shouldn’t still get this time together now. It’s no fuss for us and we absolutely love Collette, she’s part of the Green Park family.”

“On a Reconnect community, team members have specialist dementia training and there is a higher ratio of team members to residents. This has ultimately meant that the team have been able to get to know Albert on a personal level and provide him with a more therapeutic person-centred care approach. It also means that the team can better support Collette, which is just as important to Albert as it is to us here at Green Park.”

The principles of the Reconnect care model are paving the way in creating a whole new method of dementia care. As Lisa-Marie, Deputy Manager at the home, has touched on above, this care model helps people reconnect with themselves due to the attention they receive from those caring for them. Reconnect communities are changing lives and Albert’s story is an excellent example of how this care model positively impacts the lives of people living in the communities as well as their loved ones.

Lisa-Marie also recognises the necessity to support relatives as much as possible. She told us that she has recently started Relative Support sessions where people can get together with others who relate to their situation, and it encourages them to share experiences and develop these friendship groups outside of the home too.

Collette and Albert also used to like outdoor activities such as bowls and bird-watching. Luckily for the lovely couple, there are lots of large windows and wildlife books so they can still watch the birds outside and take advantage of the homely activities.

The team at Green Park are excited to get Albert and Collette outside in the garden playing games together as the weather gets warmer, and are particularly looking forward to planning something special for their wedding anniversary later this year.

Albert and Collette’s story is one of love, compassion and adaptation. It serves as a heartwarming example of the wonders of a Reconnect community. Not only does Collette have an extended support system during this period of transition, but she goes home knowing that Albert is happy, engaged, and most importantly, in safe hands.

A massive thank you to Collette and to Albert for sharing their beautiful story – it’s a love we all hope to find. Thank you also to Nicola, Lisa-Marie and the Green Park team for the hard work they provide day-in, day-out to ensure the happiness and peace of residents and families alike - it really is just one big family.

Green Park Nursing Home in Warrington is a charming home which provides a wide variety of care types from short-term respite care all the way to specialist dementia care. The home has 3 amazing Reconnect communities and is full of hard-working, dedicated people. If you’d like to find out more about the home then visit their page or call them on 01925 791121.