It didn’t take Claire Harrison long to decide that Ivybank House would be perfect for her father, Ray Mutter, who at 87, was struggling with dementia and becoming increasingly unsafe at home.
Claire explains: “We looked around almost every care home in Bath to find the right one for Dad, but there was something about Ivybank that stood out from the start. The first member of the caring team we spoke to told us they’d come in on their day off to celebrate a resident’s special birthday. Seeing that level of passion and commitment amongst Ivybank’s team told me all l needed to know about the home. Three years later we haven’t regretted our decision for a second.”
Ray Mutter was born in Wales and his family moved to Birmingham before the outbreak of WW2. He was a graphic designer before becoming a Baptist community pastor, with a diverse and thriving congregation. Ray, who was doing a boxercise class well into his eighties, is a social and gregarious character despite his dementia, and Claire knew she was looking for a home with a special kind of family atmosphere for him.
“Dad really loves it here,” Claire continues. “Most importantly I know that he is safe and well cared for. He has made some really special friendships with both the caring team and other residents, and I think he’s very popular here. Sometimes I’ll go into his room and see a little gift one of the carers has brought him. His face really lights up when he interacts with them, which is wonderful to see.”
Although Ray has a lovely sunny room, decorated with all his familiar possessions, he is rarely to be found there. He prefers instead to enjoy the social areas of Ivybank House, sitting in the garden, or taking a trip out in the home’s minibus. He has a cooked breakfast every morning and the occasional tipple in the evening.
“Our hugely positive first impressions about Ivybank House were right,” says Claire. “I feel so lucky that Dad is safe, happy and being so well looked after in this lovely home.”
Ivybank House is a 43-bed care home in Bath which provides a range of high quality care services, including residential, dementia, respite and day care for residents. It has a 9.9/10 rating on carehome.co.uk, the leading care home review site.
To find out more call 01225 837 776, or pop in to Ivybank House – no appointment necessary!
Stunning views over Bath City – Person-centred care – Home-from-home environment – Varied and engaging activities – Delicious and fresh meals – Spacious rooms with views 24-hour assistance
ivybankhouse.co.uk
Ivybank House, Ivy Bank Park, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5NF