From a residents' family - Rosevale

"We needed a home where we knew mum would be safe and well looked after and Rosevale is the perfect place." - Christopher Bailey

Sylvia Cunningham's life was turned upside down when she went from being a very fit active pensioner to being diagnosed with dementia – in the space of only three months.

The 79-year-old went to the gym twice a week and did swimming aerobics, but this ended when she was told she was suffering from vascular dementia, which is caused by problems in the supply of blood to the brain.

Sylvia entered hospital in January 2010 and after receiving treatment her family were left with the hard task, particularly given she had been so active just months ago, of finding a care home for her.

Sylvia's son Christopher said friends recommended the two Wellburn care homes in York, Rosevale and Grimston Court.

Christopher said they really liked both and even after visiting other homes in the area they knew it came down to a choice between the two.

The family eventually chose Rosevale because Christopher lives only ten minutes walk away and many of Sylvia's friends are also close by. Sylvia moved into Rosevale in March 2010 and after an understandable period of adjustment, she is now well settled and realises she is in the best place.

Christopher said: "We needed a home where we knew mum would be safe and well looked after and Rosevale is the perfect place.

"She takes part in nearly all the activities that are held in the home and the visitor book is always full of people who have come to see her and take her out as much as possible. She also makes every effort to go on the organised trips."

"She is still very active and whilst being diagnosed with dementia came as a huge shock to everyone, she is coping really well, with the excellent support of her friends, family and the Wellburn team at Rosevale."

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