Deryl's Story

Age UK Lancashire became a beacon of support for Deryl and his family.

At the age of 88, Deryl, found himself struggling with loneliness and the challenges of living alone after the passing of his beloved wife, who battled dementia. His life took a further turn for the worse when he was diagnosed with dementia himself whilst he was still grieving for his wife. However, his story took a positive turn when he was introduced to Age UK Lancashire and their Support at Home service.

Deryl and his wife shared a lifetime together, spanning over 66 years, filled with love, companionship, and a shared passion for gardening. As Deryl faced the realities of the impact of dementia, he found himself struggling to keep up with the gardening and with the upkeep of his home.

Following the recommendation of his social worker, Deryl's daughter reached out to Age UK Lancashire, seeking support and guidance for her father's situation. This led to a meeting with Lucy, Age UK Lancashire’s Personal Independence Coordinator, who provided valuable information about available services and support networks.

Lucy made Deryl and his daughter aware of various local groups and support options tailored to Deryl's needs. This included Lucy helping them with an application for Attendance Allowance and a Blue Badge, both applications were successful for Deryl.

The most significant support Deryl received was the introduction of Kath, a compassionate and dedicated Age UK Lancashire staff member from the Support at Home Service. Kath, a Support at Home worker, not only assisted with household chores but also provided companionship and emotional support to Deryl. Her weekly visits brought joy and a sense of connection back into Deryl's life, alleviating his loneliness and fostering a newfound sense of independence.  Age UK Lancashire became a beacon of support for Deryl and his family.

Deryl said:

“Kath really brightens up my week! She takes me to buy flowers, then takes me to the cemetery to visit my wife. She sometimes takes me to the barbers too. She is marvellous and a whizz when cleaning and taking care of my home, but always makes time for a cup of tea and a good old chat with me, sometimes even a game of dominoes.”

In addition, Kath has been really encouraging and supportive with Deryl doing some gardening and assisting him with seeding plants and watering them.

Donna Studholme, Director of Operations at Age UK Lancashire said:

“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support Deryl and his family through a challenging period.

Our Support at Home Service has been supporting older people in Lancashire for over 15 years. The service itself is so much more than house chores and cleaning, whilst this is fundamental, our staff offer wellbeing support and go above and beyond to meet the needs of our clients.”

With the support of Age UK Lancashire and the companionship provided by Kath, Deryl's quality of life improved significantly. He regained his confidence to live independently allowing him to remain in his own home surrounded by memories of his beloved wife. The burden on his family lessened, knowing that Deryl was in capable and caring hands.

Deryl's experience serves as a testament to the invaluable service and support provided by Age UK Lancashire and its staff. For individuals and families facing similar challenges, contacting Age UK Lancashire can make a profound difference in enhancing quality of life and promoting well-being in later years.