Supporting Carers – Edith & Geoff’s Story

By Naomi Potts March 4, 2022

“It’s such a comfort to know she’s being well looked after, and it gives me a bit of a break”

Edith and Geoff married in November 1955. Geoff was in the Navy, and they moved to Chatham and Gillingham during his service. When Geoff went to sea for a year Edith returned to Edinburgh. Soon after, the couple decided to open their own antiques shop in the Bruntsfield area of the city. They had 31 very happy years running the shop together and brought up their young family at the same time.

Edith and Geoff loved to host parties, especially dinner parties, and Edith has always enjoyed reading and crosswords. Edith joined us at LifeCare’s ‘The Cottage’ day club in 2019. Coming along for the day gives Edith a chance to socialise and gives Geoff a little respite from his caring role. Edith enjoys the company of others at the cottage likes quizzes and reminiscing.

During the lockdowns, staff supported Edith and Geoff with twice weekly telephone calls. Once restrictions lifted staff made home visits, this enabled Geoff to go out for a relaxing pint and have a bit of time for himself.

Geoff is very appreciative of the considered support LifeCare gives to both Edith and himself.

Edith loves coming along to The Cottage to see all the team - Tricia, Hayley, Dianne and Montse. They truly run an excellent service; I couldn’t fault it. The pickup and drop offs are on time and Edith always comes back saying she’s had an excellent day.

The LifeCare team spent time getting to know us both, to understand what Edith likes – and doesn’t! They have a good giggle each day she is in, with lots of different activities going on and plenty of time to chat with others. It’s just such a comfort to know she’s being well looked after, and it gives me a wee bit of a break.

The team really went out of their way to support us through COVID, they would call me up for a chat to see how we were both doing, giving me advice when I needed it and then making doorstep visits as soon as they were able. I would highly recommend LifeCare to others, I think we would really struggle without it.

Geoff