Patricia and George’s Story

Patricia and George’s story

Patricia cares for her husband George who first became familiar with our services back in 2023 when George spent 9 days in our Inpatient Unit. They are now supported by Compassionate Neighbour, Wendy. Patricia also attends a local Support Hub to spend time with people in a similar position to hers. She shares her experience.

Benefiting from our Compassionate Neighbour programme

“Our first experience of Rennie Grove Peace was when George stayed at the Inpatient Unit in Watford in October 2023.  He had amazing care there for 9 days and then became well enough to leave.  

“George is in a wheelchair and it’s hard to get out and about.  Someone from Rennie Grove Peace suggested that George might benefit from a Compassionate Neighbour coming to visit us at home.  George wasn’t keen on the idea at all.  He didn’t feel like he needed any help.  As George’s carer, I often feel quite isolated and lonely, so I was keen for us both to have some companionship, so I convinced George to try it.  A few weeks later Wendy came for her first visit. 

“When Wendy visits, we tend to go out for walk and a coffee, taking George out in his wheelchair.  It’s simple things, but we don’t leave the flat much, so we really value it.  Now the weather is colder, we sit and chat over a coffee and a biscuit.  We chat about all sorts, holidays and family.  I can also be open with Wendy about how I feel being a carer, something that is harder to discuss with family. 

“For me, as George’s carer, I really value the company and someone that will listen.  We live in a small flat and it is very lonely.  I do sometimes go out shopping or to run errands, but I’m always on edge, worrying about George at home on his own.  He does have an alarm around his neck, but I still worry when I’m out.  George sleeps a lot too, so our flat can be very quiet.  Wendy understands what being a carer is like, having cared for her husband for so long. 

“George enjoys Wendy’s visits. I think George was worried that it would be awkward having someone come to the house that we didn’t know, but conversation has always flowed. They both share a love of reading, so they chat about that sometimes.  She really brings him out of himself.”

Providing respite for carers

“Last year, Wendy suggested George and I try going to a Rennie Grove Peace Support Hub in Potters Bar.  I went first to try it out and I now go every month.  We do lots of different things, sometimes art, sometimes music, and always lots of chatting.  There are carers there like me, and people who are unwell.  It’s a welcome break from caring and it feels nice to be out and amongst people who understand.  The first time I went to the Support Hub, I made a seascape in a jar, something I never would have done on my own!  Another time, a local musician performed for us. I was worried it might be awkward and a bit intense, but it’s the opposite – always fun and relaxed.  There are people from the hospice at the Hub too, so I know I can chat with them, and they can put me in touch with other types of local support if we need it.”