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 Shoemaker Place, this could not be further from the truth.
In fact, the team at Shoemaker Place, our new 66-bed luxury care home in Stone, 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 both moved to Shoemaker Place in January of this year. The couple, who have been together for a whopping seventy years this year, lived in the Potteries prior to moving into the care home. The couple said, ‘We are well looked after at Shoemaker Place. It is a real comfort to know you are monitored, there’s good food, and pleasant and helpful staff.’
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”. The shop was situated on Stafford Street, opposite the Kings Arms. 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.’
Tim and Margaret on holidays in Egypt
The couple say they enjoy living together in Shoemaker Place as nothing is too much trouble for the staff, the home is safe with cheerful residents and the opportunity for loved ones to visit when they please. They owned plenty of dogs and cats during their seven decades together and both enjoy watching what the different local dogs get up to on the field opposite Shoemaker Place’s beautiful, bright lounge. They said, ‘people come and see us freely, and we have a nice room with a view.’
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.’
Borough Care’s motto is Life in Colour and encourages every resident to live the most fulfilled and valuable life. Last month, Borough Care was named one of the Top 20 Mid-Size Care Home Groups in the UK, based on hundreds of reviews from residents and their loved ones. We recently unveiled plans for a new 76-bed care home in Uttoxeter, opening at the end of 2024.
