18th March 2025 
 

Maintaining Social Connections

What started as a typical catch up between Bentley Park retirement living resident Pat and our Home Care Manager Mechy turned into a game-changer, when Pat realised just how many possibilities there are with SwanCare At Home.

Friends for Life

Pat Peters first moved to SwanCare Bentley Park in 2002, although it was only a few years ago that she noticed a need for extra support.

Pat completed an ACAT assessment to help identify what suitable services could be made available to her, and when the time came to choose a trusted home care provider, Pat felt there was no better option than SwanCare At Home.

Fast forward to January of 2025, Mechy visited Pat to discuss her current home care package, when Pat began chatting away about her dear friend Stella.

“Stella and I have been friends for over 50 years. We met after I responded to an ad by the Commercial Travelers Association, looking for a relief housemaid. Stella was already working there at the time, and when I joined, we hit it off right away!”

During her discussion with Mechy, Pat explained how herself and Stella had countless fond memories together, but that they haven’t been able to catch up for the past two years due to difficulties arranging safe and accessible transport.

“That’s when I reminded Pat that transport is one of the many services included in her home care package, and that it’s something my team would be more than happy to facilitate,” shared Mechy. 

Pat was over the moon, and with that, reunion plans were underway.

Enriching Lives for a Living

By Pat’s side throughout the journey was SwanCare At Home Community Assistant, Jamie Drzezdzon. Jamie joined the team in May of 2024, a decision she says came very naturally to her.

“From a young age, I always enjoyed spending time with older people. Their stories about how they grew up and the work they did always fascinated me,” she explains, “They would often teach me things, and I felt that I could learn a lot from them. This passion for engaging with older generations led me to a career at SwanCare.”

It’s clear to see why Jamie decided to become a Community Assistant, and now that she’s able to fulfil this role, we asked what it is about her job she enjoys so much: 

“I would have to say, just being there. Whether I’m chatting to them, offering a listening ear, or simply being someone who can make them smile, just seeing them be happier is my favourite part. The feeling I get when I leave, knowing that I have made a positive difference to their day, is incredibly rewarding.

Overall, I feel very lucky to be working for here and to be part of this team, helping residents fulfill their dreams and goals while being able to live independently at home.

Being part of such a supportive and dedicated community has been a truly enriching experience, and every day I am inspired by the resilience and spirit of the residents. It gives me immense satisfaction to contribute to their wellbeing and happiness.”

The Big Day

When Jamie heard about Pat’s request to see Stella, she jumped at the opportunity to assist. 

“I remember picking Pat up on the day,” says Jamie, “She had all her stuff ready to go, including a lovely bunch of flowers that a kind neighbour in the village got for Pat that morning. Pat was so excited to see Stella after all these years, and I was just as excited to be taking her!”

Jamie says she felt incredibly privileged to witness the special moment when the time finally arrived for the friends to reunite.

“It was such an amazing experience to be able to be there for Pat and Stella. To see them reunite after some time was so heartwarming, and the love between them was so special to see.

They chatted away like they had never missed a day of being apart! It was very moving and being able to watch it all unfold made me want to cry tears of joy that I was able to help create this special moment for Pat and Stella.”

Of course the occasion was just as magical for Pat, who when reflecting on the day said it’s one she will always remember and forever hold close to her heart.

“I remember coming home and feeling very much at peace now that I had seen her and been able to connect with her again. I was delighted. It meant so much to me,” says Pat.

And when asked if she wanted to organise another catch up with Stella, the response from Pat was simple: "Certainly!”