Testimonial
Lorna White, Parkwood Care Home Manager
I have truly appreciated the opportunity to meet a wonderful group of inspirational people
and the passion they share for achieving positive outcomes for those we care for. It is
through the Elizabeth care/ 360 Forward initiatives that I have had the chance to regain focus
and reflect; understanding what we do as a home, where we are now and where we would
like to be. I have no doubt that in order to achieve positive outcomes for now and the future
it is paramount that as a home we build & foster a positive culture, relationships and
behaviours. The care sector is poorly funded, we live in an ageist society and bad news sells,
however despite these obstacles we can achieve excellence in care. It’s the smallest things
that can make the biggest difference. Care and care homes are a new chapter/ journey in
life- where people with a little extra support can still achieve wonderful things and live a
varied & fulfilling life.
As a testament to what we have learnt and how that knowledge has influenced the home I
would like to share with you the following-
“My father-in-law (aged 96 years) was admitted to Parkwood in July this year with
deteriorating health and increasing care needs. He passed away on 2nd December 2014; this
was very much in line with the GP's expectations. Parkwood was my family's first experience of
a Care/Nursing Home. But a real eye opener! The care, concern and patience afforded by
Lorna Smith and her Staff are a credit to their profession.... the staff ...took my father-in law
immediately as the newest member of 'their family'. His wife (aged 93 years) wished to visit her
husband morning and afternoons, not a problem for anyone - a cup of tea always offered.
Many times we entered his room with staff already assisting him without them being aware we
were outside his door - the care and dignity being shown him was, in my humble view,
exemplary, be it changing/washing him or getting him to eat or drink. Speaking to some of the
more mobile Residents (some who had been there years) just added to our own thoughts of the
Home - this is their Home - they want no other! In a funny sort of way we will sorely miss our
visits to the Home, the staff became our friends/acquaintances rather than Carers. I would
highly recommend Parkwood, Plymouth to anyone”
22 1 15