Haddon House Care Home

Nomination Number 2 – Toyah Weretelnikow (Support Team & Committee Member)

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This year I would like to nominate Haddon House Care Home in Clowne. September 2015 my Dad, at the age of just 60 years old, got a diagnosis of dementia. This is devastating as some will know. By September 2019 by Dad had to spend time in hospital and was unable to return home due to my Mum being unable to manage his needs. After a long stay in hospital it was time to find a care home suitable for him. Unfortunately, this came in April 2020 during the Covid lockdown. This meant that we were unable to visit homes and had to look at reviews, etc. We decided to choose Haddon House in Clowne as we had the recommendation from a friend. He finally moved there in May 2020 and we could not have asked for a better place for him to be. The staff are lovely, welcoming and very caring. The activities coordinator goes above and beyond her role. During this time, she Facetimed with us regularly so that my Dad could see our faces and talk to us. When they were able, they created a ‘pod’ attached to the patio style doors. We were then able to visit regularly and sit in comfort, with heat and a with a speaker so that my Dad could both see and hear us. Jacky was at every visit to encourage the residents to engage with the visit. We were eventually allowed into the home, we could see how amazing it is. They look after the residents so well and my Dad was very happy there. They put on lots of activities and events for residents to keep their minds active and support contact with families. They always do events in the care home linked to the outside world such as the Kings Coronation, Easter, Euro’s, Wimbledon, etc. They have also done events such as seaside day, country and western day and a monthly memory café where families can meet and talk to each other. Unfortunately, earlier this year my Dad became ill and passed away. During the 9 days we were sat with him they again showed us how amazing they are. All of the staff coming to see my Dad and you could see the real care they had for him. They also cared amazingly for us during this time, making sure that we were fed and hydrated. Each and every staff member, from the nurses, carers, cleaners, cooks and even the care taker, constantly coming to check on my Dad and us. Bringing blankets and chairs to make sure we were comfortable during this difficult time. I would not have had my Dad anywhere else! I know that it costs a lot for all of the activities they put on and any new resources they want to support residents such as moving pets, etc. I would love to be able to give back to them, the time they have given me with my Dad and others with their loved ones.