A loving couple

When a loving couple have spent many years together it can be heartbreaking if ill health leads to them having to be parted.

But with the right home care support in place they can continue to live in their own home, as is the case with Peter and Marlene Wood.

They met as teenagers and now, both 84, have been together for 65 years. Recently Peter has been diagnosed with Parkinsons and has also developed mobility issues.

“Looking after dad on her own has just become too much for mum,” said daughter Paula.

“It was very important to them both to be able to stay together in their own home so as a family we looked into how that could happen.”

A home support package was drawn up which sees carers from Caremark Leeds Bradford visit the couple in the morning to help Peter get up and in an evening to help him get ready for bed.

Peter and Marlene also receive regular visits from their three children and four grandchildren.

“We see them as often as we can and it gives us peace of mind to know that a carer will be there every morning and evening to help dad and check everything is ok.” said Paula. “The carers have been very good and when you are unable to go out it’s nice to have that daily contact with people.”

Before retiring, Peter was director of a glazing firm and Marlene a secretary.  They liked holidays and trips to the cinema and Paula remembers as a child the family would enjoy days out in the Yorkshire countryside.

The couple’s love of the movies remains to this day, as they still enjoy settling down together in front of the telly for a good murder mystery film.

“Staying together in their own home is very important to mum and dad and with the right support in place that can happen,” said Paula.

“My advice to anyone who notices a difference in their loved ones would be to go to the doctors as soon as possible, get a diagnosis and then a care plan can be drawn up.”