LIVING TOGETHER IS SO ENERGISING
Jonquil Solt, 87, lives in Leamington Spa, Warks, with Sarah Boudreaux, 27, a wellbeing practitioner and counsellor for Mind. They moved in together in March Jonquil says: I’ve always tried to live life to the fullest. In fact, I’ve had a wonderful time – I have always lived with horses and around the same time as I started my family, I set up a riding group for disabled people.
We formed Britain’s Riding for the Disabled Association and in 1991 I became chairman of the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee, which allowed disabled people to ride competitively. I was made an OBE in 2003 and met the Queen.
Yet I am also no stranger to challenges, and being diagnosed with dementia aged 81 in 2015 has been the biggest.
Day to day I’m fine, but it’s silly things like I put the kettle on to make tea and then forget. My husband Bobby used to look after me. But when he died last December, aged 97, a new solution needed to be found.
My son Quentin moved in for six weeks, but he had his own family to care for. So when he discovered Two Generations I was thrilled.
Finding Sarah has been life changing. It’s not just the practicalities, like having someone to remind me to take my medication and help with cooking, she’s a joy to have around.
Living with someone in their 20s is energising. I offer her relationship advice and in return she teaches me yoga. I feel as if I’ve known her for ever.
We don’t know what the future holds, but who does? For now, I’m just enjoying living with this beautiful, bright young woman.
Sarah says: One month after I moved in with my boyfriend, we split up – in the middle of the pandemic.
I quickly realised a flat share was going to be too expensive. Then I saw an advert for Two Generations and I was intrigued.
I went along with an open mind to meet Jonquil. I’ve always been open to embracing new opportunities.
We had our bumps to begin with. It’s not easy when you start living with anyone, and initially I worried it would restrict my life. But two months on, our relationship has blossomed and now I don’t see myself as her carer, I just care about her.
Mostly we’re happiest when we practise gentle yoga together. It’s great to trade skills. I’ve introduced her to hula-hooping and she’s shown me how to cook.
Jonquil has such a positive spirit that comes from a lifetime of helping people with disabilities and I’m really impressed with the huge amount she has achieved.
We are a funny, unconventional little family but I love living with my adopted grandmother.