Joan’s New Chapter at Penwortham Grange and Lodge

Joan How, 90, has discovered a new chapter of her life at Penwortham Grange and Lodge Care Home. Joan moved into the care home with her now late husband John in 2023. Almost two years later, she and her granddaughter Angela share their journey from the loving care Joan has received to the joy of making new connections in the heart of Preston.

The decision to move into a care home was driven by Joan and John’s shared desire to stay together. As John began needing more support with daily life, the couple made the choice to move in, knowing they didn’t want to be apart. “We moved into the home because we wanted to stay together,” Joan says. They remained side by side until John’s health sadly declined, and he passed away.

Though Joan describes the heartbreak of losing John, she speaks warmly about the support she received from the team during that difficult time. "Losing John was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. But the support I received from the team at Penwortham made all the difference. They were there for me, no questions asked. It’s not just care, it’s kindness,” she shares.

Jayne, Activity Coordinator, adds, “Joan is incredibly strong and determined. We just wanted to be a friend to her and try to help her through one of the hardest periods of her life. We take pride in really listening to the people we care for and then putting their wishes and wants into practice. For Joan, she thrives in social situations where she can make others happy. We implemented  engagement activities tailored to what we knew she would enjoy.”

Joan’s vibrant social life at Penwortham is no accident. The team here is dedicated to creating an environment where friendships can flourish. As Home Manager Debra Banks explains, “Joan is truly the heart of our community. It’s a joy to see her surrounded by friends, especially in the afternoons when she and the other ladies gather for a good natter. Watching residents build these meaningful connections, just as they would outside of the home, is why we do what we do.”

One of Joan's most remarkable qualities is her natural ability to make friends. The team at Penwortham Grange and Lodge often speak about her gift for connecting with others. This talent is nurtured by the home’s warm, welcoming environment, where residents are encouraged to be themselves and form bonds. Today, Joan has a close circle of friends and spends much of her time enjoying their company. Whether it’s joining in with activities, attending church services, exploring the local community, or going on surprise outings like afternoon tea at Blackpool Tower, Joan is always at the heart of it all.

Jayne said, “We encourage friendships because it’s part of everyday life. People naturally form bonds, and moving into a care home shouldn't change that. We see friendship as something truly special, and we do everything we can to support our people in making new connections.”

As an only child, Joan says she has always been outgoing and has always loved meeting new people. Debra added, “Joan really shines when she’s around others. She’s formed some beautiful friendships here, and it’s lovely to see her chatting over a cup of tea or sharing laughter during group activities. She brings warmth and energy wherever she goes.”

Joan reflects on how life at Penwortham Grange has helped her overcome feelings of loneliness. “There are lovely people here,” she said. “I’ve learned to talk to people more and be with people more - and I like it.”

When asked how she feels about her new home, Joan added, “It’s nice. I’d rather be here than at home. I wouldn’t want to be in that big house by myself. Here, I’m surrounded by people.”

This experience echoes findings from national studies, which show that older adults living alone are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation, factors linked to poorer physical and mental health. Penwortham Grange and Lodge offers not just safety and support, but also daily opportunities for connection, companionship, and community - something Joan says has made all the difference in her quality of life and dealing with grief.

The team goes beyond providing basic care; they take the time to truly understand each resident. As part of this, they offer onboarding materials like a life history document, which helps them get to know each person’s preferences, interests, and any cultural or religious needs.

Joan was invited to complete this document, and it’s been a key part of her happiness here. From her love of travel and writing to her Catholic faith, the team has tailored everything to reflect what’s most important to Joan.

Joan’s faith is a central part of her life. She attends weekly Mass in the home’s multifaith chapel, where she can continue her spiritual practices without needing to travel to a church. “The chapel is such a peaceful place,” Joan shared. “Whenever I step inside, I feel comforted. It’s like a cloak of relaxation falls over me. My husband and I spent a lot of time there, and it brings me peace. Father Tim visits every week to offer blessings and communion, which I truly cherish.”

Joan and her late husband John were avid travellers and known for taking cruises frequently. Along the way, Joan made several pen pals from around the world.

Jayne shares, “Joan loves telling us about her pen pals. She enjoys writing and reading. In today’s digital age, where we can easily send a text or make a call, she remains passionate about keeping the art of letter writing alive.”

Residents are encouraged to continue pursuing hobbies and interests they’ve always enjoyed and even try out new ones, and Joan does this with great enthusiasm. Knowing her love for writing and connecting with others, the team was inspired by her penpal friendships. With Joan’s help, they’re planning to launch a penpal project that connects residents with people in the local community, other Orchard Care homes, and beyond. Joan is excited to make new pen pals and keep her cherished tradition of letter writing alive.

Joan’s granddaughter Angela shared just how special their bond is. “It was always me, Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandad. We were very close. Grandma filled so many roles - she was my gran, my second mum, a best friend, even a partner in crime. I had a wonderful childhood.”

Angela admits she had some initial worries when searching for a care home, given the negative stories in the media. But from day one, she felt reassured. “I think when looking for a care home, you always have that little worry in the back of your mind. But it’s the complete opposite at Penwortham. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and I finally have that feeling that she’s safe. Grandma is well looked after, always happy – she doesn’t stop talking about the food! She’s made loads of friends. She loves it here.”

Angela, who no longer lives close by, says, “Being able to keep up to date with everything she gets up to on Facebook is a big advantage, and it’s always so nice to see her living her best life at 90.” Angela and her family also love taking part in events at the home. One of her favourite memories is the Oscars-themed party, where residents and colleagues voted in fun categories and celebrated with a grand awards ceremony.

When asked if she would recommend Penwortham Grange and Lodge, Angela answered without hesitation: “Absolutely, yes.” She recalled meeting another resident on her grandparents’ move-in day who shared how happy they were living at the home.

“That moment stayed with me. It gave me confidence that we had made the right decision. And now, seeing how happy Grandma is, I know for sure that we did.”

Joan’s experience at Penwortham Grange and Lodge is a testament to the power of community, companionship, and compassionate care. It’s clear that at Penwortham, not only are physical needs met, but emotional and social well-being are nurtured, helping residents like Joan thrive.

For Joan, it’s a new chapter filled with friendship, purpose, and belonging – a place where she continues to live life to the fullest and fill her days with joy.

A big thank you to Joan and Angela for sharing their story with us, and to the entire Penwortham team for their dedication and hard work to ensure the happiness, safety, and meaningful engagement of all residents and families.

Penwortham Grange and Lodge Care Home, based in Preston, offers residential dementia care, short-term respite care, and residential care for older people in the Lancashire region. Want to know more? Call 01772 748576 or click the button below.