Keeping Mum and Dad Together

At Newbury Manor, we understand that moving into care is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. For many families, it is not simply about finding the right care, but finding a place where loved ones can continue to feel safe, supported and connected to the people who matter most.

For Carol Broome from Oldbury, that was especially important when she began looking for care for her parents, who had been married for 73 years and needed different levels of support while remaining close to one another.

"We had always wanted to keep them at home if we possibly could," she said. "They had built their life together there, and as a family, the thought of moving them into care was incredibly difficult."

In April 2025, Carol's husband suffered a fall and was admitted to hospital, where he spent several weeks in critical care. At the same time, Carol was caring for both of her parents at home, with her father receiving palliative care and her mother living with dementia.

The situation became increasingly difficult after her mother suffered a fall in June 2025, leaving the family struggling to manage changing care needs while also navigating healthcare services and supporting Carol's husband through his recovery.

"I felt completely overwhelmed," said Carol. "I was trying to care for Mum and Dad at home, support Dad with his palliative care needs, advocate for my husband while he was in critical care, speak to healthcare teams and find the right help, but it felt as though everything was moving too slowly when we needed support straight away."

As Carol explored care options, one concern remained above all others. She did not want her parents to be separated.

"They had been together for 73 years, so the thought of them being split up was heartbreaking," she said. "I understood that they needed different types of care, but I also knew how important it was for them to remain close to one another."

After hearing positive recommendations about Newbury Manor, Carol contacted the home and spoke with manager Kam Kaur.

"I felt understood, supported and reassured after the first conversation with Kam," said Carol. "At a time when I felt overwhelmed and unsupported, her understanding and willingness to help immediately reassured me."

Following a prompt assessment by Kam and Clinical Lead Nilu Bhattarai, arrangements were made to support both parents. Although separate rooms were initially required, the team quickly arranged neighbouring rooms so they could remain close to one another while receiving the individual care they needed.

"It worked so well for them," Carol explained. "Dad had the quiet space he needed, but Mum could still visit him, and they were close enough for that bond to remain part of their everyday lives."

For Carol, one of the most reassuring aspects of Newbury Manor was the way every member of the team took the time to get to know her parents as individuals.

Her mother received compassionate dementia support from staff who understood her needs, while her father was supported with specialist nursing care for pulmonary fibrosis.

"Mum needed people around her who could understand dementia and respond with compassion," said Carol. "The staff learned what worked for her, and that made such a difference."

She also remembers the warmth shown to the whole family, particularly when the team helped celebrate her parents' 73rd wedding anniversary.

"The staff made it feel personal and special, and those are the moments you hold on to, especially when you know someone's health is becoming more fragile," she said.

Sadly, Carol's father passed away in March 2026 after spending around ten months at Newbury Manor. While it was an incredibly difficult time, Carol took comfort in knowing that her mother remained somewhere familiar, surrounded by people who knew and understood her.

"The way the team manage Mum's dementia is compassionate and professional," she said. "They help her feel safe, comfortable and reassured, and that gives our family peace of mind."

Looking back, Carol believes Newbury Manor provided exactly what her family needed during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

"It was emotionally very hard, because no family takes that step lightly," she said. "But Newbury Manor gave Mum and Dad the care, dignity and support they needed, while also keeping them close to one another, and that meant everything to us."

Manager Kam Kaur said: "We feel very proud to have supported Carol and her parents, and her kind words are testament not just to one individual, but to the whole team. I'd like to thank Carol for sharing her experience, and also thank my team for being there for this family when it was most needed."