The right home support

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile and a fall or impact can lead to fractures and hospitalisation. This can result in people having to move into a care home however with the right home support in place this can be avoided.

Marjorie Longbottom suffered a number of broken bones following several falls at her home in Bradford. For many 92-year-olds that might have meant going from hospital into residential care, but Marjorie was determined to stay in her own house.

“Mum is tough as nails and she didn’t want to go into a home,” said her son Michael, 69. “She is still able to move about with her frame, loves a chat with visitors and hasn’t lost anything upstairs.”

A care plan was drawn up for when Marjorie returned home from hospital, but things didn’t go smoothly at first. The family were unhappy with the standard of care and five months ago the original care company was replaced with Caremark Leeds Bradford.

“The first company just didn’t seem to care and to me that is an important part of the job,” said Michael.

“Now with Caremark things are much better. I have seen them at work and the way they speak with mum you can tell they do care. They look after mum properly and with respect. They ask how she’s feeling and when they leave they always wish her a good night.”

Caremark visit Marjorie four times a day. Help her get up for breakfast, with dinner and tea and then return to make sure she’s taken her medication and is ready for bed.

A retired textile worker, Marjorie still enjoys watching Coronation Street and Emmerdale and is a big fan of Dancing on Ice.

“I visit several times a week and will phone her every day,” said Michael.

“It’s re-assuring to know Caremark are there four times a day to check she’s ok and for mum it’s someone else to chat with. Mum is happy with the service and to be in her own home and if mum’s happy, I am happy.