On Valentine’s Day, there is nothing better than hearing a true-life love story. One of our clients was kind enough to share their story for everyone to enjoy.

With close to seven decades of marriage together, Ken and Iris have enjoyed an amazing life together; what other couples only dream of having. Back in 1945, where they met at an ice skating rink, Iris was working the women’s Army and Ken was about to discharge from the Airforce. After four years together, Ken and Iris married in May 1949 and in the same year, moved into their first home. Soon after, Ken and Iris had two children who have now given them three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In May 2015 Iris suffered a stroke and spent time in hospital and rehabilitation, on her return home early September 2015, Home Instead supported her with transition care, to help her settle in at home on her road to recovery. The exceptionally skilled CAREGivers offered a range of services including personal care and assistance, which helped Iris regain some mobility again. This included daily exercises and a walking aid. This also gave Ken much needed respite to take some time out for himself to recharge.

Iris and Ken have gone on to receive a Level 4 Home Care Package and were delighted that Home Instead were able to continue to provide them with the high quality care and support they’ve grown accustomed to receive from their CAREGivers.

In late November 2016, Iris had a fall at home and broke her leg. After her initial treatment, Iris has been in several care and rehabilitation facilities trying to regain her mobility. Throughout this period, Home Instead has been able to continue providing companionship and support services to Iris. Our CAREGivers accompany her on daily activities and weekly visits to the onsite hairdresser and provide her welcome company and companionship. While Iris has been in rehab our CAREGiver has had the opportunity to sit in on her rehab sessions, which will help immensely in supporting her transition care when she returns home in a few weeks.

The social support that Home Instead is providing also benefits Ken, giving him time to attend to the everyday tasks of running a home and keeping up with his interests and catching up with his friends.

Iris is looking forward to returning home in a few weeks and continuing her recovery and rehabilitation in the comfort of her own familiar home environment.

Once again, Ken and Iris can continue to live at home sharing their lives together with quality care and support from Home Instead CAREGivers to help them along the way.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Home Instead.