Choosing a care home is one of the most important decisions a person or family can make. At Rotherwood Healthcare, we believe trust is built through openness, experience, and genuine, compassionate care.
The following case studies from Lynhales Hall, Hampton Grange, and Gwen Walford share real examples of how personalised, flexible care supports individuals and their families at different stages of their care journey.
Each story reflects lived experience, thoughtful decision-making, and the impact of consistent, person-centred care. Names are shared with respect and permission, offering honest insight into how our teams support residents with dignity, reassurance, and professionalism.
Living with Alzheimer's disease in a calm, supportive environment
Care setting: Lynhales Hall Nursing Home
Care needs: Dementia care, complex nursing support
David moved to Lynhales Hall in February 2021 following a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. His medical history included cardiovascular risk management, digestive conditions, and previous surgery, which meant he required both nursing oversight and personalised dementia care.
Before his diagnosis, David had spent much of his life working in agricultural machinery and had a strong connection to the countryside. These interests remained important to his sense of identity and wellbeing after moving into care.
Initially, David lived in the main house. As his dementia progressed, he became increasingly distressed and unsettled. Following a best interests meeting involving his family and the care team, a decision was made to move him to the EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) unit. This environment provided greater structure and reassurance, helping to reduce agitation and anxiety.
As David's health declined further, the care team carefully reviewed his needs again. It was agreed that returning to a quieter area of the main house would provide greater comfort and calm during his final months. This transition was handled gently, with continuity of staff and close family involvement.
Outcome: David's care journey demonstrates the importance of flexibility and ongoing review. By adapting his environment as his needs changed, the team ensured he remained comfortable, supported, and treated with dignity at every stage of his life.
Balancing independence, safety, and comfort
Care setting: Lynhales Hall Nursing Home
Care needs: Dementia care, nursing support
Brian joined Lynhales Hall in May 2021 at the age of 83 following a diagnosis of vascular dementia and hypertension. On admission, he moved into the JSU EMI unit, where the environment allowed him to remain mobile while staying safe.
Brian was known for walking with purpose and curiosity. The care team recognised the importance of allowing him freedom of movement while providing reassurance and supervision. Staff supported him with gentle guidance, ensuring his dignity was preserved while prioritising safety.
As Brian's dementia progressed, his mobility declined and his needs increased. The care team worked closely with his family and social care professionals to review his support plan. It was agreed that a move to the main house would better meet his need for a quieter, more supportive environment.
This transition allowed Brian to receive enhanced personal and nursing care, while remaining in familiar surroundings with staff who knew him well.
Outcome: Brian was cared for with compassion and respect until his passing in February 2025. His journey highlights how responsive care planning and partnership with families helps ensure comfort, safety, and dignity throughout later life.
Living with dementia while staying connected to faith, creativity, and nature
Care setting: Hampton Grange
Care needs: Dementia care, anxiety support, complex neurological needs
Annette lives with dementia, anxiety, and a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition, alongside physical health needs including eczema and asthma. Her faith as a Jehovah's Witness is central to her identity and daily life, and this is fully respected within her care, including her personal healthcare choices.
Annette experiences high anxiety and occasional hallucinations, and requires support from two members of staff for mobility. She uses a wheelchair and follows a modified diet tailored to her needs, with flexibility on days when she feels fatigued.
Understanding Annette as an individual has been essential to supporting her wellbeing. Her long-standing love of birdwatching — a hobby shared with her late husband — continues to bring comfort and connection to her past. Time spent in the garden offers calm and reassurance, helping to reduce anxiety.
Creativity has always been important to Annette. Although tremors have affected her confidence with painting, lifestyle coordinators gently encourage her to take part in creative sessions, adapting activities so she can continue expressing herself while supporting hand strength and mobility.
Animal therapy sessions are another meaningful part of Annette's routine, particularly her interactions with dogs, which bring her visible comfort and joy. She also takes part in the home's wellbeing exercise programme, determined to preserve her mobility for as long as possible.
Outcome: Through a combination of respectful care, emotional understanding, and tailored activities, Annette continues to live with purpose and comfort. Her story reflects how compassionate, individualised support can help people remain connected to what matters most to them.
Maintaining independence, purpose, and connection
Care setting: Hampton Grange
Care needs: Dementia care, Parkinson's support
David has been a resident at Hampton Grange for several years and lives with dementia and Parkinson's disease. As his mobility needs increased, the care team supported him through the process of securing an electric wheelchair, significantly improving his independence and quality of life.
With his wheelchair, David is able to move freely around the home, access the community, and take part in outings — restoring a sense of freedom and confidence that had previously been limited.
Gardening is a major part of David's life. He takes great pride in tending to his own garden area just outside his room, enjoying time outdoors and connecting with nature. Birdwatching is another passion he continues to enjoy regularly.
David is known within the home for his kindness and sociable nature. He actively encourages others to join in activities and is often involved in events ranging from bingo to poetry sessions. Staff regularly invite him to help lead gardening activities, recognising both his enthusiasm and his desire to help others.
Outcome: David's experience shows how the right support, combined with encouragement and respect for personal interests, can help residents remain active, valued, and engaged members of the community.
Living well with dementia while staying active, independent, and connected
Care setting: Gwen Walford House
Care needs: Residential care, early-stage dementia support
Wendy has been a resident at Gwen Walford House for just under a year. She initially moved into the home with her husband, and they spent much of their time together. Following the recent loss of her husband, Wendy has shown remarkable resilience and determination to continue living a full, active, and independent life.
Despite living with early-stage dementia, Wendy remains positive and engaged. She values routine, purpose, and mental stimulation, all of which play an important role in supporting her wellbeing.
Puzzles are a particular passion for Wendy. Recognising this, the home's lifestyle coordinators introduced a Scrabble club tailored to her interests, allowing her to socialise with other residents who enjoy similar activities. Wendy has also taken on a meaningful role within the home, helping to organise and maintain the communal puzzles in the lounge — a responsibility she takes great pride in.
Gardening is another important part of Wendy's life. She owns her own gardening tools and looks forward to participating in the gardening club, where residents work alongside the gardening and landscaping team to plant flowers and shape the outdoor spaces. This gives Wendy both enjoyment and a strong sense of purpose.
Wendy also regularly takes part in the home's wellbeing exercise programme, including armchair exercises designed to support mobility and independence. She enjoys walking when possible, recognising the physical and emotional benefits it brings.
Outcome: With the support of the care and lifestyle teams, Wendy continues to live with confidence, independence, and purpose. Her story reflects how personalised residential care can support emotional wellbeing and independence, even during times of significant change and loss.
Staying independent, sociable, and active in later life
Care setting: Gwen Walford House
Care needs: Residential care, independence support
Colin, a gentleman in his 90s, lives independently at Gwen Walford House and enjoys good overall health. While there are signs of mild forgetfulness, this does not currently impact his daily life, and his wellbeing is monitored by the care and clinical teams.
Colin is known for his warm, sociable nature and his enthusiasm for forming friendships. He enjoys building relationships with both residents and staff, making him a valued and well-liked member of the community.
He is a regular participant in the wellbeing exercise programme, particularly armchair exercises led by lifestyle coordinators. These sessions provide both physical benefits and valuable social interaction. Colin also enjoys walking in the gardens and spending time in the local community.
Creative activities are another source of enjoyment for Colin. He regularly takes part in arts and crafts and creative reading sessions, often encouraging others to join in. He is always open to trying new activities and frequently supports fellow residents, reinforcing a strong sense of community within the home.
Outcome: Colin's experience demonstrates how an active lifestyle, social engagement, and supportive residential care can promote physical health, mental wellbeing, and independence well into later life.
These stories reflect how care at Rotherwood is:
They also demonstrate the experience of our teams in supporting people living with dementia and complex health needs through thoughtful, well-considered care decisions.
Every person's journey is unique. If you would like to understand how care might be tailored for you or a loved one, we encourage you to speak with one of our teams or arrange a visit to experience the environment first-hand.
Our teams are always happy to listen, answer questions, and provide guidance with honesty and care.
