A care home in Histon has "transformed" the life of a former doctor’s receptionist by reconnecting her to friends and colleagues she’d lost contact with due to the onset of dementia.

Jean Falkingham, age 86, worked for 30 years at the Firs House surgery on Station Road, but her progressing dementia meant she was becoming isolated at home.

Since moving into Bramley Court, the team have supported her to become part of the community she gave so much to.

Jean’s daughter, Anne, said: “The home makes so much effort to keep her engaged with her former colleagues and the community she was a key part of for so long. I'm so happy to see her thriving.

“Before mum moved into Bramley Court, she had lost most of her social skills and used to cry a lot which was heart-breaking for me.

“She felt isolated and didn’t have the opportunity to socialise with others. I was initially worried about how it would go but the move was seamless and mum has settled in very well.”

Ely Standard: Jean with one of her new friends, the care home’s resident dog, Pip.Jean with one of her new friends, the care home’s resident dog, Pip. (Image: Springup PR)

The team at the home have reconnected Jean to her former work colleagues by organising meet-ups at local cafes and inviting her friends to visit her at the home on Chivers Way.

Anne was her mum’s carer before she moved into Bramley Court and the home also offered Anne access to training courses which significantly improved her well-being and her relationship with her mum.

The move to Bramley Court has also been a chance for Jean to make new friends, including the home’s resident dog, Pip.

“Pip has helped enormously, making mum feel at home here,” added Anne. He used to sleep with her at night which helped her to relax and she loves seeing him every day.”

Anne is delighted to see her mum enjoying life again and said: “Dementia is still sadly so stigmatising, I don’t want to hide mum away.

“I want her to live her best life and she definitely does at Bramley.

“She often says to me how happy she is and that makes me so happy too.”