Heart-warming reunion at Tilford Care and Nursing Home
A couple who had been apart for the first time in 65 years had a heart-warming reunion this week at one of our care homes.
Five weeks ago 89-year-old Anthony (known as Pop) Williams went into hospital after a fall at home. On leaving hospital Pop, who has Lewy body dementia, moved into Tilford Care and Nursing Home in Farnham to recover and regain his strength and confidence with the help of the care team.
Together again
But being in the care home meant Pop and his wife Jean (86) were separated for the first time since he returned from serving with the RAF Police in Germany in 1955.
Jean has cognitive impairment, which means she has trouble remembering, concentrating and making everyday decisions. So the couple’s family concluded that the happiest solution was for Jean to move into Tilford too, meaning she and Pop could be together again, supported by Tilford’s dedicated care team.
A busy life
Pop and Jean met when Pop was 19 and Jean 16. They married in 1951 and had seven children. They began their married life in West Sussex – living in South Harting and then Midhurst – before moving to Thursley in Surrey, where they lived for 32 years. Jean worked as a nanny, and when Pop returned from Germany he became a Special Constable with Sussex Police.
Our care home’s part in the couple’s reunion
Tilford Care and Nursing Home manager, Lisa Kirtland, said:
Despite settling in well here at Tilford Pop obviously missed Jean enormously. He had no idea that Jean was moving in too and was overjoyed to see her again. We’re delighted to have played our part in reuniting them and are sure they’ll be very happy and comfortable here together at Tilford.
About Tilford Care and Nursing Home
Tilford Care and Nursing Home, in a lovely peaceful leafy spot five miles from Farnham in Surrey, provides high-quality, affordable residential, nursing and dementia care.
The home has 50 spacious bedrooms and communal areas where residents can meet, chat, eat and socialise together.
Social activities are a big part of life in our residential care homes and our nursing homes too. One of the best things about Tilford Care and Nursing Home is the interesting range of activities, even during the coronavirus pandemic. With its own enthusiastic activities co-ordinator, Gemma, there is always something fun to get involved in.
However, there is also space to find some peace and quiet, for any resident who fancies a bit of time by themselves.
Together, the Tilford team works hard to help residents comfortable, safe and secure. All the residents are encouraged to bring in their own personal possessions so they can personalise their room and feel at home.
