Life in a care home: Reg's story
6 September 2007
Read Reg's experience of moving to a care
home.
Reg Hurlstone is a lifelong bachelor whose abiding passions have
been racing and playing darts.
Born in Slough in 1928 he has lived in the Langley area since he
was three years old. His working life has included working in
aviation engineering, two years National Service, and 22 years
working for Slough council, mostly in the gardens department.
When Reg first thought about moving into a care home, he was
unwell and unhappy. His only close relative had died and he found
living alone did not work for him any more.
He lost interest in his hobbies and pastimes, and his quality of
life started to suffer. Reg then became ill and spent five months
in hospital.
But, with the help of social services, he moved into a care home
- Longcroft in Langley – and has never looked back.
A move for the better
Since moving, Reg has been back to see the racing at Ascot with
his main carer, Barbara. “The last time I went was 1984 when I lost
a lot of money!” he says.
Reg is full of praise for Barbara and he has made many new
friends. He regularly goes out with other residents for fish and
chips, pub lunches and to the shops. In fact, anything he chooses
to do.
He says: “It’s good to have company - and someone to do the
cooking for you! I have kept my independence though, and living
here has given me my confidence back. I’m very happy here.”
Reg has also regained his lively sense of humour. “The only bad
thing they do in this place is make you get out of bed in the
morning,” he adds, with a smile.
Does Reg have any advice for anyone thinking about living in a
care home? He says: “I’d tell them to come here.”
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