Enjoy later life at Jewish Care’s Sunridge Court care home
MOVING INTO a care home can seem like a big step. But it can also help tackle many of the issues that come with living at home alone as we age. Barbara Brill has been a resident at Jewish Care’s Sunridge Court care home in the heart of Golders Green for almost three years. Barbara has always been independent and values her own space. Now 90, she grew up and lived in London all her life and married her late husband Arthur, at 38 years old. However, after he passed away in 2019 and when the pandemic hit the following year, Barbara began feeling lonely.
She says: “I have never really minded being by myself, but during and after the pandemic, I really had enough, and I felt extremely lonely.
“I must say, since moving here, my issue of loneliness has improved drastically because I know there is always somebody around. I don’t need support from the staff all the time, I am quite happy to go up to my room on my own, but when I need it, I know someone will always be there for me. I feel contented living here.”
In addition to the warm and friendly atmosphere, Barbara, says, “The activities here are good. We have a variety of great guest speakers. A memorable one was when the chairman of Ajex came to speak to us which was very interesting.”
Keeping connected to Jewish culture and identity is important for many residents who live at Sunridge Court care home, including Cyril Savage, who’s about to turn 90. He says: “Every Friday night, myself and another resident make the kiddush together. She will light the candles and I say the brachot over the wine and challah.
“And then, on a Saturday morning we have a Shabbat service at 11am where we have the rabbi and his wife come and take the service. We have a few different couples who have turns leading the synagogue services. I like being involved, it keeps me connected to my Jewish identity.”
Cyril has two children, Adam, and Mandy who has one child. Throughout his life, Cyril worked in management in menswear and his late wife, Sheila, was a secretary.
“Sheila and I got married in 1956,” he says. “I was 22 and my wife was 18.”
Cyril’s decision to move into a care home came after he began having a few falls in his flat. He says: “The carers here are all wonderful and the food is very good with plenty of choices.
“I also join in on the daily activities. This morning we had live yoga. We typically alternate between yoga on Zoom and in real life. During live yoga, we all sit in a circle and do different stretches, it is real fun. I also enjoy the social aspect of living here. You become friends with different people of all different ages and backgrounds. There is a big mix of us.”
Many people come to residential care when they’ve been living at home on their own and feel that being part of a community with a social life and activities is important to them. They may also be feeling less confident and able to live independently, if for example a carer is leaving, or if they’ve had a fall, or been unwell or in hospital, and know that their care needs may be increasing. Vic Fitzwalter is the registered manager at Sunridge Court care home. He says: “We care for our residents at Sunridge Court and highly trained staff get to know each person well when they come to the home, so we really understand their likes and dislikes and are there to support them with their needs. When you come to the care home you will join a warm, friendly community. You can stay connected to your Jewish identity with a vibrant life, enjoying delicious kosher meals prepared by our chefs and celebrating Shabbat and festivals throughout the year.
“Our residents also enjoy looking out to our beautiful, landscaped garden from the large sun lounge all year round and there is plenty of fresh air and green space to enjoy in the warmer weather. If you are thinking about making the move to Sunridge, you can enjoy a short-term stay at one of our private en suite bedrooms. You can do a virtual tour on our website or book a private tour.”