Making lives matter – ‘honorary handyman’ is a valued part of care home community

An Ilfracombe nursing home has shared the care journey of its much-valued resident ‘handyman’ who is a much-valued part of the home community.

Edenmore Nursing Home, which specialises in caring for people living with dementia, has published Peter’s story to share his care journey and highlight how important it is to provide a strong focus on maintaining his identity and staying connected to the things that matter most to him.

Since moving to Edenmore, the former civil engineer whose job took him around the world has become a valued part of the home’s community.

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For a time, he took immense pride in his role as an honorary member of the maintenance team. When a position was advertised, Peter was keen to be interviewed and gave a fantastic interview.

He regularly helped with small but meaningful tasks, such as sorting paperwork, supporting basic maintenance jobs and taking part in painting projects, including helping to paint a wall in Lundy House, one of the home’s households.

Above: Edenmore Nursing Home resident Peter finds being by the sea calming and helps to make him more grounded. Credit: Edenmore Nursing Home

Before settling in Ilfracombe, Peter lived a full and adventurous life. After a short stint in the army, he trained as a civil engineer, a career that took him across the world.

He worked in Nigeria, where his daughters Sarah and Louise spent their childhood and also in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Mongolia and Kathmandu.

Throughout those years, Peter was known as a fun, generous father and very much the life and soul of the party. His late wife Ann, who he called ‘Annapeg’, was one of five children. Her large family meant lively and loud get-togethers, filled with conversation and Peter’s unmistakable, booming laughter.

Later in life, Peter and Ann chose to settle in North Devon, close to her birthplace of Braunton and the coast they both loved.

Around eight years ago, Peter was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

While he continued to live with support for some time, the grief of losing Ann in January 2023, who had been his primary carer, had a deep effect on him. Following a short stay in supported living, it became clear that full-time support would be a better fit for Peter.

Peter also enjoyed accompanying team members on errands, such as pharmacy visits or supply runs. On one occasion, he joined a team member on a trip to Bristol to collect supplies in the work vehicle and was notably helpful throughout the day.

Today, he continues to offer to help in the office with paperwork and admin.

Above: Peter always enjoys seeing visitors at Edenmore nursing Home and especially chatting with local schoolchildren. Credit: Edenmore Nursing Home

Known for his famous cheekiness, Peter is quick to make others smile. A familiar exchange with the team involves him asking a question, listening carefully to the answer and then responding with a cheeky, “no one likes a smarty pants.”

Being in Devon has remained grounding for Peter, offering familiar surroundings and a strong sense of place and belonging.

The team have found that regular visits to the seaside offer a calming effect for Peter. Whether walking along the promenade, sitting quietly by the water or watching the waves, time by the sea brings him a sense of contentment and focus.

Peter also particularly loves when the home has visitors. At Christmas, children from the local school came into the home to sing carols and hand out handmade cards. Peter gave each a wrapped gift and sweets and thanked them personally for coming.

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Home manager Gayle Cooper said: “Seeing Peter feel settled, valued and purposeful – whether he’s helping with tasks around the home or enjoying time by the sea – is incredibly rewarding.

“He’s a real character, and we’re very proud to have him as part of our Edenmore family.”