Why 100-year-old Barbara says moving to Sandwood was the best choice
Here at Sandwood Care Home, our community is built on the wonderful people who live here, each bringing their own unique stories, spark and sense of humour. We sat down with Barbara, who has been a resident with us for five months, to chat about everything from her childhood memories to what makes her laugh every day.
Growing up and moving in
“Moving somewhere new can make you feel a bit nervous, and I certainly had a few butterflies when I first arrived at Sandwood. However, the moment I walked through the door, another resident smiled and said hello to me, and that simple act of kindness made all the difference. Now, five months later and with my 101st birthday just around the corner, I can safely say it was the best choice. This is my story of finding friendship, independence, and plenty of laughter here.
“When my grandson was looking around at options in the area, he thought Sandwood was the best one, and he was right. I was a bit anxious at first, but that warm hello from another resident put me right at ease. It’s funny how life comes full circle, because growing up in Mappleborough Green in Warwickshire, I was used to a busy house with nine of us, and we all got on wonderfully.
“My father was very strict though as there was no talking allowed at mealtimes! I always laugh when I think about my sister, who used to sneak out dancing and claim she was babysitting. My dad went out to find her, but she was having too much fun on the dancefloor to care.
“By the time I was 14, my dad took me to Berkshire to look after my auntie and uncle, which is around the time I learned to knit during lessons at school. People sometimes ask if I look back and think about things I used to worry about, but the truth is, I never used to worry about anything!
“That carefree feeling is exactly what I’ve found again here, because living at Sandwood gives me the independence to spend my days precisely how I choose. If I’ve had a busy day, my favourite way to unwind is reading my books, usually while tucked into my favourite spot in the house which is my armchair right next to the TV in the lounge. Mind you, if I could effortlessly master any new skill tomorrow, I would just love to be able to walk about a bit more, but I still make the most of every day.
Finding fun and good company
“What I enjoy most about daily life is meeting people, having a chat, and sharing a laugh. Mel and another resident, Marie, are the biggest characters here and they constantly keep me smiling. But it is not just about one or two people, because everyone here is lovely and kind to me. When my family and friends come to visit, that is the main thing they comment on. They always notice how wonderfully friendly everyone is, and how lovely it is that the residents are active and engaged rather than just sitting around looking at the four walls.
“Aside from the daily chats, I always look forward to the Seedlings group every Thursday. I love the exercises, mostly because some of us don't know our left from our right, and that always makes me laugh. We also had a wonderful time going to the mosaic opening recently, which was a beautiful way to see the new artwork and help celebrate 70 years of Abbeyfield.
“If I were running the activities schedule for a single day, I would throw in a surprise for everyone and set up a giant game of hide-and-seek throughout the house. I would also introduce a lot more sing-alongs, especially to my favourite song from my twenties, Gracie Fields' “Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye”.
Hearty food and wonderful care
“The comfort here extends to the kitchen, too, because the food is always good. On the lunch menu, I always enjoy fish and chips, but my favourite is shepherd's pie, though I do wish they would serve spotted dick and custard a bit more often!
“If someone was thinking about making the move to Sandwood, I would tell them straight that we are incredibly well looked after and the food is wonderful. If I had to sum up the very best part about living here in just three words, they would be friendship, caring, and the fact that nothing is ever too much trouble.”
Sandwood is a supportive and friendly care home in Sherwood, Nottingham, where you are greeted with a warm smile the moment you walk through the door. We offer a relaxed home where you can maintain your independence, enjoy great food and always find someone nearby to share a chat and a laugh.
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