Richard joined in December 2022 and has become a valued member of the home’s community. In this heartfelt article, Richard’s daughter shares her family’s experience of working alongside the Dovecote Manor team, highlighting the positive impact that strong family involvement, collaboration, and person-centred care have had on Richard’s wellbeing. Her story demonstrates how meaningful partnerships between families and care teams can help enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia and complex care needs.

“My father Richard has been a much-loved member of the Dovecote family for almost four years. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to caring for others, first as a doctor and GP, and now as a resident receiving care and support himself.

Family has always been at the heart of Richard’s life. He and his wife raised four children and enjoyed a busy family life, accompanied by three beloved cats! He was always smartly dressed and took great pride in his appearance.

Away from medicine, he had many interests. He enjoyed building steam and traction engines, woodwork, collecting clocks and reading. One of his most memorable projects was a miniature railway that he built in the family garden. He was also an enthusiastic reader and believed that “a room without books is like a house without windows.”

Richard was fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement with his wife. They spent their time gardening, visiting garden centres, enjoying holidays and weekend breaks, and having coffee at John Lewis. They were also very proud and amazing grandparents.

Following his wife’s death, Richard moved to Dovecote Manor. His wife had previously visited the home and felt reassured that he would be safe and well cared for.

Over the past four years, his Alzheimer’s disease has progressed, and he now requires support with all aspects of his care. Despite speaking very little, he continues to enjoy company and appears to respond to conversations with staff and family.

As a family, we have provided a digital photo frame that shows photographs from his life. The images, which include family photographs, landscapes and memories from years gone by, provide opportunities for team members to talk with our father and help maintain those important connections with his past.

One of the more recent challenges has been managing contractures in Richard’s hands. This has been particularly poignant given that these hands once cared for so many patients during his long medical career. Following difficulties with hand care, we explored different approaches. After researching possible options and consulting specialists, Richard was considered suitable for Botox treatment to help relax the muscles in his hands.

This treatment took place in Oxford earlier this year, and the results have been encouraging. His fingers are now easier to gently open, making hand hygiene and nail care more comfortable for Richard and easier for those supporting him. The treatment will need to be repeated, but it is already contributing positively to Dad’s comfort and quality of life and there is even hope that one day, he might be able to use his thumb and forefinger to enjoy one of his favourite treats, a chocolate Twirl!

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Dovecote for the compassion, patience and dedication shown in caring for our father.

There is a particularly special connection in Richard’s story. Many years ago, he regularly visited elderly patients at the very site where Dovecote now stands. Today, he is receiving care in that same place.

A life spent caring for others has come full circle.”