Leeds dementia patient told to move out of care home due to redesign finds new home in time for 91st birthday
After her care home suddenly reduced resident capacity, dementia patient Joyce had to find a new place to live
A 91-year-old woman who had to suddenly move out of a Leeds care home due to refurbishment plans, has moved into a new residence and is now thriving.
Joyce Eyre was one of several residents at Middleton Lodge Care Home whose family was told they needed to find alternative accommodation last month due to the care home’s ambition to resign the ground floor.
The new plans aim to create facilities to “better suit the needs of dementia patients” according to a spokesperson from Orchard Health Group.
Joyce herself lives with dementia and her family were worried about the impact moving home may have on the 91-year-old.
However, they have praised Mulgrave House in Rothwell for allowing Joyce to move in and creating an “absolutely amazing” environment for her.
“She’s like a different person,” Joyce’s daughter Debra told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“You walk in and she’s sat with her friends and she’ll look up and she’s smiling.”
Joyce moved into Mulgrave House on July 30, and initially found the change difficult as her family predicted.
Debra said: When we first went in it was very hard. She started to deteriorate a bit because she was so distraught and she wanted to stay where she was.
“We were so worried about her, we thought we were losing her.
“Now she’s walking and she can smile - they treat her so lovely.”
Joyce has settled into the care home just in time for her 91st birthday which was celebrated with cake, candles and plenty of cheer.
Debra said: “The chef made her a birthday cake, she had cards and presents, and she just lit up.
“We all went to see her and the staff were coming over giving her cuddles, and she loved the attention.”