When Edna moved into Westgate House following a six-week hospital stay, she faced a difficult reality. Unable to safely return to living alone, she knew moving into a care home was the right decision, but it was not one she welcomed at first.
"I was just unhappy," Edna recalls. "It was so different to living in my own home. I just thought, 'Am I going to end my days in this little room?' I don't think I'm going to enjoy this at all."
Like many people, Edna worried about what life in a care home would mean. Although she had visited Westgate House with her son before moving in and had found it welcoming, arriving straight from hospital on a Friday afternoon, with no family living nearby, made those first few days especially difficult.
I was so unhappy when I came in here, and I'm happy here now. I call it my home.
Fortunately, small acts of kindness soon began to make a difference. In the dining room, Edna met fellow residents Barbara and Joyce, who helped her feel welcome. The care team took the time to get to know her, friends from the Wallingford community came to visit, and little by little she began to find her place.
A change of room also helped her settle. Around six weeks after moving in, Edna moved to a room overlooking the road. Although it was no larger, having a view of the world outside and seeing people come and go made a huge difference.
"I settled much more then," she says.
Over time, what once felt unfamiliar became somewhere she truly belonged.
"The carers were so kind. Everyone was friendly, and it was relaxed. We got used to life here."
Today, more than two years later, Edna enjoys a busy life at Westgate House. She takes part in activities and outings, spends time with friends, and is a familiar face in the home's bistro, where conversations and laughter are never far away.
For someone who has always enjoyed helping others, staying connected to her community remains important. A founder member of Tangent in Wallingford, Edna spent many years volunteering, including supporting Meals on Wheels and working in a charity shop.
That same spirit continues today. Edna recently completed 100 laps of the garden as part of a fundraising challenge, helping raise money for future resident outings and experiences. She has also celebrated some special milestones during her time at Westgate House, including her 100th birthday surrounded by friends, fellow residents and the team.
For Edna, life at Westgate House is about far more than receiving care. It is about friendship, purpose and continuing to be part of a community.
Remembering her own experience, she now makes a special effort to welcome new residents when they arrive.
"I think why I try to be friendly with new people coming in is because of how I felt," she explains. "I hope people don't feel the way I did. If you chat with them and, if they're worried about anything, try to help them, it might make it more relaxed for them."
It took time for Edna to settle into her new surroundings, but the change over the last two years has been remarkable. What once felt daunting and unfamiliar has become somewhere she feels comfortable, connected and supported.
The biggest change of all?
"I was so unhappy when I came in here, and I'm happy here now. I call it my home."
