Beth’s new home.

Some time ago I received a round robin from the daughter of a friend to say that Beth, her mother, was no longer able to cope on her own and was now settled in a local care home.  We were never close friends but enjoyed each other’s company and sympathised with each other’s creative efforts  We once took a play to Western Super mare which she had written; the male parts were played by two girl friends and I was the heroine - on crutches, as I had -  carelessly- actually broken a leg a week before the performance.  The audience assumed it was part of the play.

She had great parties whilst her husband was still alive and barbecues which were such fun, it didn’t matter that you couldn’t see your partner for smoke – indeed it added to the wild hilarity.  It was at one of these parties that she told me a secret which I kept for over 20 years until our old quartet of friends were having coffee with her one morning, and she told them.  They couldn’t believe I had known all that time and I realised I could keep secrets.

There have been disquieting items about care homes recently but the outside appearance was attractive, full of character and with a lovely view from the car park.  We were ushered into a very large room with a TV and seating arrangements at one end and a dining area at the other and there was Beth seated at a large round table and holding court with her daughter and grand-daughter.  Over the years we had heard so much about them (Beth once went to Italy with her grand-daughter) it was lovely to meet them in the flesh.  We offered to come back another time but they insisted we joined them.

We were greeted with a dazzling smile from Nell when Joy reminded her who we were, and there were warm hugs for both of us.  Most of the staff I saw came from warmer climes and emanated a relaxing calm and good nature.  The time passed pleasantly – there was much to talk about – experiences we had shared and exchanging past memories with Beth’s family.  I could see through the large windows a vast, lovely garden but Beth had a Zimmer frame near her chair so it was better that we stayed put.

Tea was served with wicked looking cakes but Joy and I felt we should abstain and enjoyed watching the grand-daughter –with no figure worries- tucking in.

Joy was interested to see at the far end of the room – it was out of my sight- an elderly gentleman being hoisted by a machine, from his wheeled bed to an arm-chair.  In her retirement she worked in a care home and now pays the price with a painful back – things have improved in some ways for carers.

When Beth’s family had to leave we decided to stay a little longer to avoid an exodus from Beth.  Soon we noticed that she was completely engrossed by something at the far end of the room.  She has always been an animal lover and soon we were approached by a tall rangy, woman with a brown and white, silky-haired cocker spaniel looking much younger than her 7 years.  From then on we were superfluous and there were doggy hugs and kisses.  Apparently she is a regular visitor and probably the most loved.

Soon it was time to bid an affectionate good bye to Beth – the whole afternoon had been cushioned with genuine warmth.  As we were being shown out I asked the meaning of a notice at the bottom of a stairway saying:

AUDREY STOP.

It seems Audrey used to have a bedroom on the first floor but then she became a bit unsafe on her feet so now has a ground floor room and the notice is to remind her as she approaches the stairs.

I really pray that MTL and I can end our days in our own home – large as it is, but at least we know there is a safe, happy place nearby.