Lesley Harris – Manor Day Home beneficiary - Barnwood Trust

Lesley Harris – Manor Day Home beneficiary

Helping families do more than simply cope

Lesley Harris’ 88-year-old mother Edith is made of stern stuff. She worked full-time as a chef at the Royal Military School of Music until she was 83 – so when she started to show signs of forgetfulness and self-neglect, it was a real worry.

Edith moved to Gloucestershire to be closer to her daughter, but her situation quickly deteriorated. Edith became increasingly agitated, aggressive and argumentative, and was obviously confused and unhappy:

‘I didn’t know what to do with her’ says Lesley; ‘She had mood swings... She didn’t want to do this; she didn’t want to do that... I just didn’t know what to do.’

A lifeline for the overwhelmed

As well as working all day, and spending time settling her mother at night Lesley developed vasculitis; a painful and debilitating inflammatory condition.

As she became increasingly ill, Lesley’s ability to cope was undermined. Then, after a difficult year, a place was found for Lesley’s mother at Manor Day Home.

And what a difference it has made.

An exceptional place

Despite some initial reluctance, Lesley’s mother now loves the Day Home, as Lesley explains:

‘She loves everything. Doing exercises... singing the old songs... She has the hairdresser once a week, the chiropodist. She likes all the quizzes and bingo... and she loves the food. She used to teach top chefs and would be the first to say – but she can’t fault it. And I can’t fault the place at all.’

Lesley also has plenty of praise for Manor Day Home’s staff members:

‘I rely on the staff a lot’ she says; ‘If there is a change in Mum they would be on the phone to let me know. I get a lot of feedback and I put my full trust in everybody here.’

Freedom from worry

Now Lesley’s own health has improved, she has found a new lease of life, secure in the knowledge that her mother is safe and content.

And whilst it can’t be proved, she also credits Manor Day Home for slowing the progress of her Mother’s Alzheimer’s:

‘Manor Day Home seems to have kept Mum’s Alzheimer’s to a very low rate... All I can say is thank goodness for Manor Day Home...Everybody is treated with such respect and dignity’ says Lesley, adding; ‘It has changed the quality of my life in every way.’

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