A Story for Glory by Dorothy

Glory has MS and was living independently in a lovely purpose built flat. An active, outgoing, friendly person she often had family and friends visiting.Not one to sit around she went out with friends, to church groups, MS group and was a member of the Disabled Christian Fellowship. Her life had, however, become increasingly difficult as the MS progressed and Glory was beginning to think about moving into residential care.

We met with her social worker to discuss this. I was unhappy with the idea because, although I wasn't sure what residential/nursing care would involve, I felt Glory wasn't ready for this.The decision was made for us when Glory had a sudden, massive stroke which left her paralysed down her right side.At the hospital I was told that, although Glory was feeding herself she would probably never be able to sit up, she would probably not be able to recognise me or any of the family and she would almost certainly not be able to speak again.I was devastated.

Glory, however, maintained her cheerfulness and seemed to accept the situation.Very soon it became clear that she could recognise me and all her friends and communicated very well despite her lack of recognisable speech.I started the hunt for a nursing home.I wanted her to live as near to me as possible and found one that I thought was perfect.It was only 10 minutes from my home, light, airy and purpose built.We moved Glory there from hospital.Quite quickly it became apparent that this was not the right place for her.The staff were caring but Glory was recovering much more than we all expected.She didn't enjoy sitting watching activities, but wanted to be part of them. I visited daily as Glory became increasingly unhappy there.

I had to resume my hunt.It was then that I came across the British Home.On my very first visit I knew this was Home.I can't thank Chris Morland highly enough for the warmth of the welcome she gave me and the understanding she showed that I was looking for a Home for Glory, not just a nursing home.Glory moved in June 2007.

Shall I tell you what Glory loves about BH?

Her room – and being able to choose her own colours.

The staff, the fun she has with them and the way they include her in all their conversations around her.

The activities – there's so much choice on a daily basis and then there are the special activities and concerts.The art room, the hairdressing and the manicures are Glory's particular favourites.

The physiotherapy and the physiotherapists.They set her on the way of freedom by recognising that her wheelchair was inadequate and arranging for her to have an electric one.That has given her the ability to explore and move around as she wants.

The space in the home – the high ceilings, the light, the room to move around.

The people:warm, friendly, loving people who give their time daily and weekly to encourage LIFE and fun.

The freedom to use the vehicles any time.That's given us enormous freedom by not having to rely on taxis.We've been to Wisley Gardens, Dulwich Park and Dulwich Picture Gallery.This year we'll explore even more.

Are there times she's unhappy?I don't believe she's ever really unhappy. I think there are times she wished there was more going on!! But – ho hum. We're all allowed to have a little 'down time' occasionally.

We call the British Home a village. Each floor is a street in the village with its own central common room.On the lower ground floor are all the 'shops' and activities with it's own warm, enclosed, cosy 'village green' where people meet daily for coffee, chat (gossip) and to be together. Then there are the gardens and space.

What impact has this had on the rest of the family?We love visiting – but know we don't have to be there all the time.We know we can rely on the staff completely.We don't have to be aware of every need and make sure it's met – they've already done it.She has people who really care looking after her.We can visit for fun and friendship.We know Glory has a real home – a place with friends, fun and love.What more can anyone want.