Doreen Smith, the daughter of a resident living in Cochrane Care Home in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, has written a beautiful poem in honour of the dedicated staff working there. She shared it with the staff at Cochrane Care Home, which is part of Anavo Group, where she also works as Activities Coordinator, and they were moved by the honesty and love it showed. May Porter, Doreen’s mum, has been living in a care home for 4 years, following mobility issues and her family being unable to look after her at home. Doreen says: “This poem is dedicated to my mother, and to the many wonderful people who work in care homes and make a difference to people’s lives every single day. “ “You’re not putting me in a home,” my mother said. “The thought of it fills me with dread.” But my mother needs the care I cannot give. The guilt I felt and much despair The day mum came to Cochrane Care. There was no need to feel this way With support and kindness shown every day. Caring staff who understand Offering reassurance that all is good Mum has settled well into her new home With lots of new friends She is never alone Tea parties and activities, there is lots to do And I get to join in too. By Doreen Smith, June 2021 Finding a care home for a loved one can often be an emotional, challenging and guilt-ridden decision. Doreen’s poem aims to recognise that those feelings are quite normal and she strives to alleviate any feelings of guilt with the reassurance she provides that all will be well. Cochrane Care Home, operated by Anavo Group, offers nursing, dementia, palliative and respite care and has particular expertise in assisting residents with specific medical needs, with a team of highly skilled registered nurses.
