When it comes to care homes, the words ‘friendship’ and ‘love’ may not always spring to mind. A common misconception is that those in residential care can end up leading a lonely and grey existence, but when it comes to Stone’s Shoemaker Place, this could not be further from the truth.
In fact, the team at Stone’s Shoemaker Place work tirelessly to ensure their residents continue to lead full and valuable lives, including local couples who wish to remain living together, despite one or both having care needs.
Tim and Margaret Pickstock moved to Shoemaker Place in January of this year. The couple, who have been together for an incredible seventy years this year, lived in the Potteries prior to moving into the care home.
Having met and married in Blackpool in the 1950s, they eventually settled in Staffordshire and owned a women’s fashion and bridal shop called “Hi Fashion Satin and Lace”. They owned the shop for over 25 years before retiring. Back in the day of running a business together, they did everything together as a couple. Tim said, ‘Margaret was always there with her pen and paper while I had my spanner and hammer.’
Shoemaker Place’s Care Home Manager, Rebecca Murphy said,
‘For many couples, the idea of moving into a care home means being separated from the person they love. Shoemaker Place is home to several married couples, and I am delighted that we can support them to stay together.
Not only can they enjoy our facilities and the activities in the home, but there is also the opportunity to develop new friendships with both staff and fellow residents. We love having Tim and Margaret here, especially knowing how happy they are together.’
1 comment
Weston
Great idea couples should be able to live together , happy to read this info