A daughter paid tribute to care staff who looked after her dad – with the help of top radio DJ Simon Bates.
Maureen Evans, 57, praised the work of staff at the Bodlondeb care home. in Wrexham, who took care of her father Wilf Ball who had Alzheimer’s Disease.
Mr Ball was at Bodlondeb, which is part of the Pendine Park care organisation, from 2011 until he died in January 2013.
Maureen’s moving tribute was read out by ex-Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates on his flagship ‘Our Tune’ feature on Smooth Radio.
It was a followed by the Simply Red hit, “That’s How Strong My Love, which she dedicated to her dad, and her mum Peggy, who passed away in 2003.
Full-time foster mum Maureen said: “A few days after my dad passed away I heard the song by Mick Hucknell on the radio. It reminded me of how I felt it was like how my mum and dad were with us. The song really touched me.”
Though initially upset at not being with him when he died, Maureen was comforted by the fact that the nurses and the staff at Bodlondeb, whom he knew, and who knew him, were with him when he passed.
Maureen, who used to run a book stall on Wrexham market, said: “I’ve told plenty of people about Bodlondeb. It’s like a five star hotel.
“My dad had an amazing active social life at Bodlondeb. They had him up doing things. He was always clean, always shaved, hair cut.
“Everything was just perfect, as perfect as how you would want him to be looked after. That’s how people deserve to be treated.
“The staff here are so committed. All of the nurses and the rest of the staff are committed to doing the very best for the residents. I just think that it was the best place for dad
“People are more than happy to point the finger when things are wrong, and so they should. But equally so, when things are right that should be pointed out as well. I think good practice deserves recognition.
“I used to come quite a lot, as often as I could to see my dad, and you were always made to feel welcome. There was always a cup of tea here.”
Maureen has fostered over 30 babies in eight years.
She added: “I’d always bring the babies with me to Bodlondeb because Ian was working, The babies were always made to feel very welcome as well.
“When my dad moved to Bodlondeb it was like a weight had been lifted.”
The registered manager of Bodlondeb, Ann Chapman was blown away by Maureen’s tribute.
She said: “I felt so incredibly proud that the staff had given her dad a lovely life full of fulfilment, and I felt proud when she talked about the professionalism of the nurses, and the kindness of the staff.
“Maureen paid such a wonderful tribute. It was absolutely heartfelt. We became an extended family to her, and that was wonderful because her journey was really bumpy with her dad until he came here.
“To know that we made a positive impact on anybody, that’s really fabulous.”
“Wilf was an absolute gentleman through and through who loved life. He was warm and developed a lot of friendships on the unit.
“When Maureen took the opportunity to move her dad here then we were able to give Wilf a life that he deserved. He enjoyed life, was great fun, and very caring.”
“We think that it’s very important to provide that social aspect and stimulation for the residents where they’re supported by a very professional, warm, giving team.
“But we don’t just support the residents. We support the whole family.
“Maureen became part of our team, and the care was shared with Maureen’s input. She’s an incredible lady.
“Collaboration with family and taking what they have to say on board is essential.
“Maureen still comes and visit and her ties with Bodlondeb are strong.
“She’s made lots of new friends, and they share a common interest. They want the very best for their loved ones. To be part of that is so wonderful.
“All of their feelings are felt by others, so they share that and they’re able to cope better because they know they’re not on their own.”
