From a residents' family - Ryton Towers

“At Ryton Towers there is great attention to detail ensuring that people living there feel it is a real home-from-home” - Larraine and Alan Rising

When Ena Dixon contracted Parkinson’s Disease her family knew she would not be able to live independently indefinitely.

Despite living in her home for over seven years with the help of her family, after a number of falls at home, including an accident where she fractured her hip in three places, Ena’s daughter Larraine and her husband Alan, realised that despite their best efforts to provide care for themselves, there was no other option but to look for a suitable residential care home.

Having lived in the Ryton area of Gateshead for the majority of her life, Lorraine and Alan were keen that the 88-year-old remained in the area so she could be close to her loving family.

They visited one care home in the area but although it was brand new they thought it was too “clinical” and “institutionalised”. It was at this stage they visited Ryton Towers, which is owned by Wellburn Care Homes.

After looking around the home they quickly made up their minds that this was the perfect place for Ena. By coincidence Ena used to pay her bills at Ryton Towers when it was used as a local council office.

Lorraine and Alan opted for a double room for Ena as they were keen that she could take as much of her personal possessions as possible. Ena moved into Ryton Towers in July 2009 and Lorraine and Alan say they are delighted with the choice they made.

Alan says: “What struck us immediately about Ryton Towers was how homely it was. The other home we visited was very impersonal, clinical and institutional but Ryton Towers was the exact opposite. It felt very homely and you could see there had been great attention to detail ensuring that people living there felt like it was a real home-from-home.

“Ena settled into the home really quickly and we put this down to the fantastic support she has received from staff and other residents. We are now safe in the knowledge that if she does fall, there will be experienced people there to help her at all times.”

“We were worried about Ena’s weight when she moved into Ryton Towers but she loves the food and has put on over a stone whilst living there.”

“Ena is a bit of a loner but she does get involved in the various activities in the home and one of the nicest things is that whilst staff always encourage her to take part they also respect the fact that sometime she prefers to be by herself.”

“We have nothing but good things to say about Ryton House.”

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