The key to a long and fulfilled retirement is about more than simply bricks and mortar. Helping people stay in their own homes longer, maintaining their independence and dignity, is a key role of the St Monica Trust and central to this is the on-site help available to every resident through the Trust's provision of a flexible Care and Support service. Much more than a warden service, it involves anything from help with domestic chores such as shopping or cleaning, to assistance with bathing and dressing. Residents can use just as much or as little help as they need, whenever or wherever they might need it.

Sally Courtney (pictured) is a resident of Westbury Fields retirement village opened by the Trust in 2003. Her key worker pops in seven days a week, three times a day, just to make sure everything for Sally stays right on track. Meals are important for Sally who is diabetic with low blood sugar, so each visit is an opportunity to check that she has eaten her meals, taken medication or prepare an all-important snack. But for Sally, the regular care and support is worth so much more. “My support worker is like a friend to me,” confirms Sally. “She helps me with all kinds of things and does my hair. She takes me shopping for clothes and even helped me buy new furniture.”

Marjorie Parker still lives independently in her home at 90. She enjoys a visit from a
St Monica Trust Care and Support Worker, Kelly, twice a day during the week. At the weekend she has regular support from her family. Finding it hard to maintain her balance, she's able to enjoy an afternoon walk with a bit of help from Kelly, who also tackles the household chores that Marjorie finds hard to do.

Says Marjorie, “It's just lovely to know someone is popping in. Kelly brings special equipment so I can get in and out of the bath in the morning. She helps with the ironing and sorting out my clothes, which is getting difficult for me, and she makes sure I've got something on the menu for lunch or tea. We normally get out in the afternoon, sometimes in the car for a trip. Those couple of hours make all the difference.”