A Familiar Life, Gently Supported
In the charming seaside town of Whitstable, Trevor and Betsy have built a life full of gentle routines and quiet joys. Trevor, now 85, is living with dementia. His wife Betsy, 80, remains full of energy and wit—still tending to the garden and enjoying walks into town—but managing the home and Trevor’s changing needs alone was becoming overwhelming.
When their children suggested live-in care, Betsy was unsure. “I didn’t want to feel like we were giving up our independence,” she admits. “But what we’ve gained is quite the opposite.”
That was three years ago. Since then, live-in carer Shipla has become a vital part of the family —discreet when needed, fully present when called upon, and always there with a warm smile.
Tailored Support for Two Unique Journeys
Trevor and Betsy have very different needs—and Shipla’s role flexes gently between them. For Trevor, her support includes:
- Dementia-sensitive personal care, delivered with kindness and consistency
- Creating calm routines to reduce confusion and support memory
- Gentle prompts and supervision for medication and hydration
- Companionable activities like puzzles, music or reminiscing over old photo albums
For Betsy, Shipla is a reassuring presence—never intrusive, always respectful. She helps with:
- Household upkeep, including cooking, laundry and errands
- Walking Teddy, their beloved Yorkshire Terrier, rain or shine
- Offering Betsy the freedom to continue with her active lifestyle, knowing someone is always at home with Trevor
“We’re Still Us – Just with a Little Help”
What makes the arrangement special is the balance it brings. Betsy still shops at her favourite market stalls. Trevor still watches the seagulls from his armchair by the bay window. Teddy still curls up on the same tartan blanket. Nothing about their life has changed—and yet, everything feels lighter.
“Shipla has become part of our rhythm,” Betsy says fondly. “She gives Trevor the calm and continuity he needs, and she gives me the breathing space to enjoy being his wife, not just his carer.”
The Gift of Continuity
As time passes, Betsy and Trevor’s needs are changing—but so too is Shipla’s care. She’s gently increased her support with mobility, home safety and communication techniques suited to Trevor’s stage of dementia. Trinity’s care team remains involved, reviewing needs and adapting care plans, all while ensuring the couple feel in control.
A Relationship Built on Trust
Three years in, Shipla is more than a carer—she’s a trusted companion and guardian of the life Trevor and Betsy hold dear. Her presence offers continuity, dignity, and warmth—a single carer able to support the individual needs of two people, without disrupting the intimacy of their shared home.
“We didn’t lose independence. We gained peace of mind.”
— Betsy
