At home surrounded by memories
Deirdre Gillett’s life has been marked by travel and adventure and despite now living with Parkinson’s Disease and the physical challenges that come with it, with the support of her daughter Tanya and Caremark Chelmsford & Uttlesford, she is able to continue living at home surrounded by memories of her foreign sojourns.
Supporting children with disabilities
Deirdre worked as an air stewardess with BA and later East African Airways, living overseas during a period when long-haul international travel (and certainly living abroad) was still relatively unique.
While working in Kenya during the post‑independence period, she met and fell in love with her now late husband, Frank, who was working in civil engineering within the aircraft industry.
The couple had two children, Tanya and Alister, and also lived for a while in Hong Kong before moving back to the UK.
After her aviation career, Deirdre retrained as a social worker. She spent many years supporting children with disabilities, later becoming a team manager and then moving into social work education.
Relieved when Caremark took over Deirdre’s care
She continued working well into later life before retiring. Her professional background means she has a clear understanding of what good care and support looks like.
Now in her late eighties, she remains mentally sharp, articulate and deeply engaged with others, despite living with Parkinson’s.
It was as a result of a fall three years ago that Deidre and Tanya had their first experience of Caremark as we provided support for a period whilst she recovered at home.
Then, in January 2025, Deirdre had to go back into hospital after becoming poorly and even though Tanya was pushing for Caremark to once again provide her mum’s care, she was allocated a different provider.
Their experience with this company was not a positive one so both mum and daughter were relieved when we took over Deirdre’s care on a permanent basis.
Caremark are off the scale when compared to anyone else
“From start to finish Caremark are off the scale when compared to anyone else,” says Tanya.
“I get a sense of real assurance from the office team, as well as quality assurance, which is really important. They took a great deal of time to understand what my mum’s needs were and what my needs were as well.”
We now visit Deirdre three times a day to provide personal care, medication support (particularly important due to the complexity of her Parkinson’s medication), companionship and anything else Deirdre desires.
This greatly assists Tanya who lives close to her mum but works as a full-time social worker and with Alister working and living abroad, she says our support has helped to reduce the load on her.
Deirdre’s still speaks Swahili and this has created meaningful connections with some of our staff who are on overseas sponsorship.
Tanya explains: “This has been a lovely asset to my mum and the quality of care and compassion the carers provide is absolutely second to none.
“Culturally they have a much greater degree of regard for older people and have a real understanding about care and care networks.
“They are 100% there when they should be there. They spend the time they need to, they know the way around the house, and they’ll push back positively if my mum says she doesn’t need something.
“We both couldn’t be happier with the support we receive.”
About Caremark Chelmsford & Uttlesford
If you, or someone you know, would like you care to be “off the scale”, please view our range of home care services in Great Dunmow or contact our team today on 01371 872178 to discuss your individual needs.