The Chestnuts Care Home in Buckinghamshire is celebrating a record-breaking milestone after a resident and team member marked an extraordinary 16 years of friendship, a bond believed to be the longest of its kind in the home’s history.
When Ann Gibbins first arrived at the Aylesbury Care Home, The Chestnuts, in February 2010, she didn’t know a single person. Living with loss and loneliness, one person made this daunting transition into care seem like an exciting new chapter.
Already seven years into her career at The Chestnuts, Carla who is the home’s Activities Co-Ordinator, welcomed Ann with open arms and began laying foundations for a friendship that has continued to flourish for the past 16 years.
With Carla’s support and The Chestnuts ‘Never Alone Social Group,’ Ann was quickly introduced to new people by visiting other older people in the local area, which gradually built the longstanding friendships that still surround her today.
Ann said:
“I go to the ‘Never Alone Group’ where we visit other homes. Now I know everybody and everybody knows me!
A Calling
As Carla marks 23 years of dedicated service, her friendship with Ann is a testament to the home’s commitment to building meaningful, lasting connections.
Reflecting on her journey, Carla said:
The Chestnuts is a big part of my heart! It’s been quite a journey! I have taken on several different roles here and I have loved each one because it’s given me so many opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.
A Lifeline
For Ann, Carla has been far more than a team member. Their friendship has been a lifeline.
Ann said:
It makes me so happy to call Carla and all the people here my friends!
When asked what has made her stay at The Chestnuts care home for so long, she doesn’t hesitate.
My life is very good. Anything I want, I can get. Everyone’s so nice and helpful. They try and do anything for me, it’s my home.
Humble Beginnings
Ann came from humble beginnings, born in 1938 at the Royal Bucks Hospital. She grew up in Wing and spent 45 years living on the same street, Stewkley Road.
She attended Wing Church School yet left at 15 to begin work in a laundry service. The job was physically demanding, folding endless sheets as they came off the rollers. She later gained employment at the local greengrocers before taking what she still describes as her favourite job; serving hot drinks in the restaurant at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
Away from work, Ann filled her life with simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She loved knitting, meeting with friends at the local pub, and looked forward to holidays in Skegness.
But as time went on, she found herself becoming increasingly more estranged from the activities and people she loved.
Today
Today, that’s all changed. Since joining the The Chestnuts, Ann has resumed the lifestyle she so desperately missed, and now she shares it with a broad community who share the same view on life, stating that:
“living is defined by what is most valuable to you.”
Ann and Carla’s story is a profound reminder that choosing to live in a care home is about much more than just finding support.
Where health and social care continues to evolve, Agincare care and nursing homes like The Chestnuts advocate for these progressive developments in care and support.
For Ann, her stay has provided a sense of belonging that she sums up simply:
Staff become like family, and every day offers something to look forward to.
Registered Manager Lianne McLeish said:
I am incredibly proud to celebrate stories like Ann and Carla’s, which truly reflect the values and culture of The Chestnuts. The compassion and dedication shown by our team are what make this such a special place.
Carla consistently puts the best interests of our residents and The Chestnuts at the heart of everything she does, and her commitment has had a lasting impact on so many lives. Her friendship with Ann is a wonderful example of how meaningful relationships can enrich the lives of our residents.
I feel privileged to lead such a dedicated team and look forward to building on the excellent foundations already in place, ensuring every resident continues to feel valued, respected and truly at home.
The Chestnuts Care and Nursing Home provide 24-hour specialist care, including support for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Offering a peaceful retreat with landscaped gardens and convenient connections to the town centre, The Chestnuts can accommodate a wide range of preferences.
For more information about The Chestnuts and its services, please visit Luxury Aylesbury Care Home | Nursing Home Buckinghamshire | Agincare