Phil

Phil and his wife Linda went through a difficult time after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and they were concerned about the effect his condition would have on their quality of life. However, they say they were both relieved to discover the range of services available to them through ECL, and Phil now enjoys attending the Millicents day centre, where he is able to interact with others in similar situations.

As Phil says: “Yes, I’ve got Alzheimer’s, but coming here has made me see a different way of life. I’ve got more confidence again to be out in the community, to be with my peers, and to adjust into a new life as I call it. A different life. Every day I come here there’s something different to do.”

ECL’s day opportunities for older adults enable people like Phil to make new friends, engage in different activities and learn new skills. Andy Smith, Area Business Manager for ECL, explains: “We try and move away from those traditional care home activities. The staff within the centres provide a personalised service for individual customers to ensure that we’re supporting them in the best way that we can. It’s more about building that social group, engaging in new activities. You’re never too old to learn a new skill.”

And Linda says she can see how Phil benefits from his sessions at Millicents: “The staff encourage him to mingle with everybody, to take interest in things he wouldn’t be interested in. I don’t want Phil to be an object, I want Phil to be an independent person. But when he’s here he can be himself and they make his day.”