It’s been a tough year for Kath Loughran but she’s battled through and is now looking to the future in her new home at Longlands.
Daughter-in-law Valerie Mitchell is a regular visitor and has been impressed with the way staff have helped 83-year-old Kath to recover after she suffered a broken hip and shoulder following falls.
“After hospital treatment Kath wasn’t able to look after herself at home so moved into Longlands for a period of rehabilitation,” said Valerie.
“There’s no place like your own home but over the last couple of years its been clear Kath has been deteriorating and so she decided to make the move to Longlands permanent.”
Kath is now on the mend and is gradually improving. That, and the easing of lockdown, means she can take part in social activities at Longlands and enjoy the gardens. Val has noticed a big improvement.
“I visited the other day and hardly recognised Kath, it was amazing,” said Valerie. “She was up and about in a new dress, she’d had her hair done and we went out into the sunny garden and looked at photos of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Despite being 83 she’s come through hospital and lockdown and is laughing and smiling again.”
Kath was raised in Foxheads, Middlesbrough working as a cleaner and shop assistant. Widowed at an early age she raised her own son and then three other children when she married again.
“She has always followed the Boro and her sons all played football so there was always football kit soaking somewhere,” said Valerie.
“She used to love looking for bargains in charity shops and is a very good cook, her pastries and cakes are delicious.”
At Longlands Kath enjoys the combination of privacy and social interaction the home provides.
With Valerie’s help Kath has used furnishings from home and new curtains to decorate her en-suite accommodation. She particularly enjoys watching Emmerdale and shows on the Drama Channel, including Heartbeat and war films.
“With support she can now make the dining room for meals and bingo, there’s social interaction there which is very important and she has made a couple of new friends,” said Valerie.
She says with the help of the team at Longlands, Kath is getting back into the swing of things and looking to the future.
“We have had to rely on staff heavily over this past year and they have been absolutely marvellous. Whenever I ring they are so helpful and keep me updated,” said Valerie.
