Supporting a family to keep their beloved pet

Care Rights UK was able to support Jodi as she explored care options for her sister Maxine. Jodi very kindly agreed to write her story for us to share.

“My beloved older sister's health deteriorated very quickly and profoundly.  Our Maxine had been blind for years and had just celebrated her 60th birthday when she was diagnosed with liver damage, slight brain damage and severe vertigo. Our parents and her carers needed support to keep her safe, so with Maxine's agreement, we made the difficult decision to look for a care home for her. 

Finding the right home for Maxine very quickly was of paramount importance. We felt like rabbits caught in the headlights when we discovered how much they varied in price, specialisms, facilities and levels of care. Carehome.co.uk were an amazing support in finding by far the best care home we could wish for, New Wycliffe. 

Initially social services informed us we could only have £700 a week towards Maxine's care home fees. With advice from Carehome.co.uk, I contacted the home to ask about the possibility of reduced fees, which they accommodated. I contacted Care Rights UK, who explained that social services hadn't considered Maxine's complex health needs in the care budgeting. After a thorough financial assessment, social services agreed she could have more money towards her care home fees and pay an amount which was realistic for her. 

New Wycliffe were also happy for her to bring her beloved little French bulldog Lola with her, who was essential to Maxine's happiness and was her loyal companion. Care Rights UK advised that even though Lola wasn't a guide dog, if she was essential to Maxine's physical and/or emotional wellbeing we could insist she was allocated a place in a care home which would allow her to take Lola too. 

Lola, Maxine’s French bulldog

On arrival it was instantly clear that this care home was first class. The manager, Jaime,  really tried to get to know Maxine as a person as well as her care needs. He was very knowledgeable about physical and mental health conditions, which Maxine had experience of. The whole experience really changed my view of what a care home could be, this place was lovely and Max was very happy there. 

Sadly and quite unexpectedly, our beautiful, brave Maxine was admitted to hospital due to her Liver damage just as she was about to be granted permanency at New Wycliffe. She passed away a couple of days later after a brave fight. In her final days, we spoke to her about her new home, ensuring she thought she was going back to that happy place and would get better and thrive under their care.  

We miss Maxine every day and think of her all the time. If Maxine had gone into a different care home, the end of her life may well not have been so pleasant and comfortable as it was. Mum, Dad, my sister Anita and I will forever be grateful to Carehome.co.uk, Care Rights UK, Jaime and the staff at New Wycliffe. I feel very privileged to have met so many truly wonderful people on our sad, but necessary journey. “

Maxine