Living Life with Style, Friendship and Support
Told by her cousin Grace
Caroline has received full time live in care from Retons Care since February 2023
Living Life with Style, Friendship and Support
Told by her cousin Grace
Caroline has received full time live in care from Retons Care since February 2023
Caroline is 81 and lives in the house she grew up in, surrounded by artwork, family photos and a garden she still dreams of planting vegetables in. When her dementia diagnosis progressed, her family knew she needed full time support but not at the cost of losing the place she loved most. Retons Care helped her stay in familiar surroundings, with a carefully matched team that understands her personality, interests and the joy of good company. Below, her cousin Grace shares their journey.
The Caroline I Know and Love
My cousin Caroline has always been full of colour. She worked in art and design, taught classes in her twenties, and was part of a vibrant design team in London during the sixties. She wore silver mini dresses to Christmas dinners and never missed a chance to try something new.
She never married or had children, but she was rarely alone. She had a wide circle of friends and loved theatre, travel and good conversation. She went to Glyndebourne and Wimbledon. She knew every gallery opening in London and always had a dinner reservation somewhere exciting.
When she was diagnosed with dementia in 2019, things changed. She moved to Kent to live in the house her father had built. It was the home she had grown up in. I live nearby, and we agreed it would be better for her to be somewhere familiar.
How We Found Retons Care
At first, Caroline managed with support from family, but it soon became clear she needed more. She was forgetting meals, struggling to get dressed and becoming anxious about being alone.
I started researching care options and quickly realised that a care home would not suit her. Caroline dislikes unfamiliar places and had already told me she did not want to leave the house again. She still knew her neighbours and the woman who runs the butcher’s shop down the road. I wanted to keep that connection for her.
Retons Care stood out because they focused on people, not just tasks. When I spoke with a care coordinator named Jackie, I felt immediately at ease. She asked me about Caroline’s history, her interests, even her sense of humour. It felt like we were building a care plan around the whole person, not just a diagnosis.
Matching Caroline with the Right Team
Caroline now has two live in care workers who rotate on a regular basis. Veronica stays for three weeks at a time, and Margaret for one. The way they were matched to Caroline felt thoughtful from the start.
Veronica shares Caroline’s love for fashion and often helps her choose outfits. Caroline still likes to dress with flair, and they have fun matching scarves to cashmere jumpers. Veronica even helps style her hair, which gives Caroline a real lift.
Margaret has a gentle, calming presence. She enjoys reading poetry aloud, something Caroline finds comforting. Both women are incredibly kind, patient and completely focused on helping Caroline feel like herself.
Caroline calls Veronica her little ray of sunshine. When she gets confused or frustrated, Veronica makes her laugh or puts on music and invites her to dance in the kitchen. It might sound small, but it makes a huge difference.
Daily Life with Retons Care
With support from Retons Care, Caroline is still able to live the way she wants to. She chooses what time she gets up, what she eats and whether she feels like going out. The carers help her with bathing, dressing and medication, but they also take her to the park, walk with her to the corner shop and sit with her in the garden.
They have even helped her plant a few herbs and flowers. Caroline still talks about growing potatoes again next spring.
The house is spotless, her clothes are clean and well cared for, and most importantly, she feels safe. She has her paintings on the walls, photographs of her parents beside her bed, and a team that brings her comfort and laughter.
Peace of Mind for the Family
For me, it is a huge relief. I can visit as her cousin and friend, not her organiser or protector. I trust the team completely and know they will call if anything changes.
Caroline may not always remember where she has been that day, but she knows she is cared for. She lights up when she sees her carers. And when she does not have the words for something, she simply looks at them — and they understand.
“Caroline is a joy to care for. Every day we find something to laugh about. She has taught me as much as I have supported her. Being part of her world is a privilege.”
— Veronica, live in care worker
Great reviews. Happy people
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Sarah J., Client’s Daughter
Retons Care has been a lifesaver for our family. The caregivers are compassionate, professional, and go the extra mile to make my father feel comfortable and cared for.
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Michael R., Client's Son
The team at Retons Care truly understands our needs. Their tailored approach and constant communication gave me peace of mind knowing my mother is in safe hands.
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Emma L., Client
From the very first call, Retons Care made me feel supported. Their caregivers are not only skilled but also genuinely kind, bringing warmth and positivity into my home.
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David H., Client’s Son
Retons Care provided outstanding support for my father after his surgery. Their carers were attentive, patient, and truly made a difference to his recovery.
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Linda H., Family Member
We were nervous about arranging care, but the team at Retons made everything so easy and reassuring. Their communication and kindness have been exceptional.
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Fatima K., Client
As someone who values independence, I was worried about accepting care but Retons made it feel empowering. They listened and respected my routine.
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James T., Client’s Brother
What sets Retons apart is the personal touch. The carers quickly felt like part of the family, and my sister is happier and more comfortable than we’ve seen in years.
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Anita S., Client's Daughter
The flexibility and affordability were what drew us in, but the genuine care and professionalism have been the reason we’ve stayed. Absolutely recommend Retons.
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Claire P., Client
I’ve had live-in care from Retons for over a year now, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The team is consistent, compassionate, and always treats me with respect.
