A family. A heart. A home...
Here at Brookside we cherish the stories told by our residents and listen intently as we are regaled with tales of family, travels and lives well-spent. These tales help us to better understand each person who comes to live with us so that we may give them the individual time and care they deserve.
Here we share our heart-filled story with you so that you can understand how Brookside organically grew into the family-run, compassionate care home it is today…
The Story of Brookside Residential Care Home
In 1995 a local elderly gentleman moved into Brookside and quickly settled in at home with John and Linda Clarke and their family. After losing his beloved wife, Mr Harold Tailby drew huge comfort from their home from home and he quickly became a part of Clarke family life, thriving from being part of a real loving family once more. Harold had been at another care home for some time but liked the idea of a smaller place and somewhere that was family run.
John and Linda's granddaughter Shannon would visit regularly and Harold would look forward to time with a youngster and laughed along with Shannon and would sit for hours doing colouring with her. He also loved the family dog Bobby and would feed him secret doggy treats when Linda was busy in the kitchen.
Harold was a keen gardener and would spend time in the garden with Linda while she was gardening and Harold often gave her advice on the individual flowers and plants in Brookside gardens.
Harold often shared family dinners with Linda, John and their daughters Sarah and Helen and joined in with the fun and laughter (of which there was lots!), as well as enjoying regular visits from his own family and friends. Harold lived with the family for several happy years and the Clarkes gained as much joy from their additional family member as Harold did from them.
Driven by a genuine love for the elderly and a real passion for providing care for people in their twilight years, the Clarke family then extended their family home to make space for two other elderly people. Brookside was born.
Brookside today
These days, Brookside is a well respected professionally-run care home for the elderly where our qualified staff work hard to maintain excellent standards regulated by Care Quality Commission (we also won the 2018 award for Top 20 Care Home in the East Midlands! from the UKS leading review site for care homes).
But at the core of our care home is a real family, with real love, and a very big heart.
Brookside’s founders Linda and John officially retired in early 2018 and their daughters Helen and Sarah have now taken the reins and ownership of Brookside from their parents, along with the help of an experienced and qualified invaluable team of staff who exude real compassion and faultless care. John and Linda still live next door and, because their hearts are still very much with the residents and staff of Brookside, they are still able to pop in to enjoy and share the laughs with familiar faces.
Our live-in manager mirrors the family ethos at Brookside; she lives here and takes an active part in activities within the home and interaction with our lovely residents.
A real family for your family
We know that choosing a residential home for your loved ones is one of the most difficult heart felt decisions for you and your family. We are confident that once you see (and feel) the beautifully-kept loving care home that Brookside is then this decision will be a little easier for you.
Please do drop in to meet us and let us show you exactly how open, caring and welcoming a care home should be. We aim to alleviate your concerns with a tour of our family-run home so please call and speak to us, or pop by at any time.
We look forward to extending a warm welcome to you and your family – as you become part of ours.
