Moving into a care home doesn't always begin with a crisis or an urgent decision. For one local couple, a two-week stay at Rotherwood's Colwall Care Home provided support when they needed it. It also allowed them to experience care-home life for themselves.
After a serious operation, Dr Lynn needed time to recover and was temporarily unable to care for her 95-year-old husband, Robin. The couple decided to spend two weeks at Colwall over Christmas. What began as a practical solution left them with something else: confidence about where they would like to live if they need care in the future.
“We were so impressed. When we need to have care, we shall certainly be coming here, without a doubt.”
At almost 90, Dr Lynn leads an active life in Colwall.
She attends local groups, studies Welsh and Spanish and participates in a philosophy group in the village. She also cares for her husband, Robin, who is 95 and needs some day-to-day support.
When a serious operation left her temporarily unable to provide that support, they needed another option. Rather than making a permanent move, the couple came to Colwall Care Home for a short stay while she recovered.
It meant both could receive the support they needed without having to make a long-term decision.
Colwall Care Home wasn't unfamiliar to the couple.
As local residents, they had watched the home being built. Its village location had caught Dr Lynn's attention before she ever expected to stay there.
“I watched the whole thing being built up, and I thought, that looks really nice.”
Being in the heart of Colwall also meant remaining part of a community she already knew. The village shop is across the road, while local clubs and groups remain nearby. For someone who values an active community life, that connection mattered.
Walking through the doors gave Dr Lynn a different impression from simply watching the home being built.
She and Robin were surprised by how spacious it felt, particularly the sitting rooms with their high ceilings and large windows. The garden and surrounding views also stood out.
But their stay allowed them to discover much more than the surroundings. They could experience what everyday life at Colwall was actually like.
One concern was particularly important following Dr Lynn's operation.
Having recently left hospital after being seriously ill, she wasn't sure what would happen if she needed medical support during her stay.
Knowing nursing care was available 24 hours a day reassured her. She did need nursing support during the night and found having someone available particularly valuable.
“It was wonderfully reassuring to know that there was a nurse on hand at all times.”
The support wasn't only clinical. She remembers staff being kind, approachable and willing to answer questions. Even something as simple as someone making a hot chocolate during the night contributed to the feeling that help was close at hand.
Knowing what to expect before arriving helped make the temporary move easier.
The couple met with Colwall's manager beforehand and had the opportunity to learn more about the home. When they arrived, everything had been prepared for them.
“We felt we were going to be welcomed into a community.”
That sense of community continued throughout their stay.
The couple stayed at Colwall for two weeks over Christmas, so everyday life came with plenty of festive activity.
There were Christmas parties, entertainment, films and games, alongside a special Christmas lunch. But Dr Lynn appreciated that activities were available rather than compulsory.
“There was so much going on… you didn't have to be there, but it was all available for you.”
The food made a particularly strong impression. She remembers meals being carefully prepared and presented, with special attention given to the Christmas table and celebrations.
One of the things Dr Lynn enjoyed most was the rhythm of everyday life.
There were people to talk to and things happening around the home, while she and Robin could still decide how they wanted to spend their time.
She met other residents, enjoyed the surroundings and knew support was available if either of them needed it. For her, that combination brought reassurance without making every day revolve around receiving care.
She also valued the warmth of the staff.
“You never feel alone. That's important as well.”
As someone who already enjoys reading and learning, she particularly noticed the library and the opportunities for interests such as painting and drawing.
A short stay also gave the couple an opportunity many families don't have: they could experience a care home without immediately committing to living there permanently.
They saw how the home operated during the day and night. They experienced the food, activities and nursing support. They also got to know the people who would be caring for them. That helped turn an unknown future decision into something more familiar.
Dr Lynn describes Colwall as combining warmth with something equally important: reliability.
“You have to have the love, but you also have to have the efficiency.”
She found that things happened when they were supposed to, while the team remained warm and approachable.
After two weeks, Dr Lynn and Robin returned home, but their stay changed how they think about care in the future.
Rather than having to wonder what living in a care home might be like, they now have first-hand experience of somewhere they would feel comfortable returning to.
“When I look back now, I'm so delighted that I decided to come here.”
If the time comes when either of them needs longer-term care, Dr Lynn says they already know where they would like to go.
A temporary stay in a care home can be useful for different reasons.
Someone may need additional support after leaving hospital, while their usual carer may need time to recover or take a break. It can also provide an opportunity to experience life in a care home before considering a permanent move.
At Colwall Care Home, our team can talk to you about your circumstances, the support you need and whether a short stay could be suitable.
Contact Rotherwood Healthcare to discuss care at Colwall or arrange a visit.
