Good News Story

Supporting Peter – A Valued Member of Ilfracombe Nursing Home’s Community

Long-term family member (resident) Peter is a deeply valued part of life at Edenmore Nursing Home. Known for his sharp wit and dry sense of humour, he is quick to share a laugh or smile, bringing warmth and character to the care home. At Edenmore, Peter’s care journey is centred on helping him continue to feel like himself, with a strong focus on maintaining his identity and staying connected to the things that matter most to him.

Peter’s Journey

Before settling in Ilfracombe, Peter lived a full and adventurous life. After a short stint in the army, he trained as a civil engineer, a career that took him across the world. He worked in Nigeria, where his daughters Sarah and Louise spent their childhood, and also in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Mongolia and Kathmandu!

Throughout those years, Peter was known as a fun, generous father and very much the life and soul of the party. His late wife Ann, who he called Annapeg, was one of five children. Her large family meant lively and loud get-togethers, filled with conversation and Peter’s unmistakable, booming laughter.

Later in life, Peter and Ann chose to settle in North Devon, close to her birthplace of Braunton and the coast they both loved.

Around eight years ago, Peter was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While he continued to live with support for some time, the grief of losing Ann in January 2023, who had been his primary carer, had a deep effect on him. Following a short stay in supported living, it became clear that full-time support would be a better fit for Peter.

Since moving to Edenmore, he has become a valued part of the home’s community. For a time, he took immense pride in his role as an honorary member of the maintenance team! When a position was advertised, Peter was keen to be interviewed and gave a fantastic interview. He regularly helped with small but meaningful tasks, such as sorting paperwork, supporting basic maintenance jobs and taking part in painting projects, including helping to paint a wall in Lundy House, one of the home’s households.

Peter also enjoyed accompanying team members on errands, such as pharmacy visits or supply runs. On one occasion, he joined a team member on a trip to Bristol to collect supplies in the work vehicle and was notably helpful throughout the day. Today, he continues to offer to help in the office with paperwork and administrative tasks!

Known for his famous cheekiness, Peter is quick to make others smile. A familiar exchange with the team involves him asking a question, listening carefully to the answer, and then responding with a cheeky, ‘No one likes a smarty pants.’ On another occasion, he surprised everyone in the lounge by speaking in a Yorkshire accent and greeting people with, ‘Ay up me duck.’ When asked if he had ever been to Yorkshire, he happily admitted that he hadn’t.

Being in Devon has remained grounding for Peter, offering familiar surroundings and a strong sense of place and belonging. The team have found that visits to the seaside offer a calming effect for Peter. Whether walking along the promenade, sitting quietly by the water or watching the waves roll in, time by the sea brings him a sense of contentment and focus. Team members have seen that he returns more relaxed and settled following these outings.

Peter also particularly loves when the home has visitors. Just this Christmas, children from the local school came into the home to sing carols and hand out handmade cards. Peter gave each of them a wrapped gift and sweets and thanked them personally for coming. For Peter, children have always brought joy into his life. He is now the proud grandfather to seven grandchildren!

Home Manager Gayle shared: ‘Seeing Peter feel settled, valued and purposeful – whether he’s helping with tasks around the home or enjoying time by the sea – is incredibly rewarding. He’s a real character, and we’re very proud to have him as part of our Edenmore family.’

Edenmore Nursing Home provides 24-hour nursing and residential care in Ilfracombe, North Devon. To read more stories about the people living and working at Edenmore Nursing Home, please visit https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/latescaret-news/