A life of service, connection and community with The Meadows. Meet Doreen.

On November 19, 2022, Doreen moved to The Meadows after being diagnosed with dementia and identified as being at high risk of falls. Though this was a challenging time, Doreen brought a lifetime of cherished memories and a remarkable dedication to helping others. Since arriving, her days have been filled with meaningful activities, new friendships, and opportunities to reconnect with the passions that have defined her life. This is Doreen’s story…

At The Meadows, we believe in celebrating the incredible lives of our residents and honouring their contributions. Doreen, a long-time resident of Matlock, is a shining example of someone whose life has been full of purpose and selflessness.

One of Doreen’s proudest achievements was her work with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to elderly residents in her village regardless of the weather. She has countless heartwarming stories from those days and fondly recalls the deep connections she made.

She spent years visiting older adults in her community, bringing cakes, companionship, and a listening ear. Her love for service extended further as she ran a local toddler group and sold poppies for the Royal British Legion, dedicating her time to causes that mattered deeply to her.

Doreen’s long-standing support for the Royal British Legion invited her to participate in the prestigious Remembrance Parade in London. It was a treasured memory, representing her dedication to veterans and their families. Her efforts were recognised in 2012 when she received an award from The Matlock Mercury for her extraordinary contributions, along with a lifelong subscription to the newspaper. At The Meadows, we ensured Doreen could continue this connection by arranging for her paper to be delivered to a nearby shop, where she looked forward to the chance to collect it weekly and chat with the staff.

Last year, Doreen expressed a heartfelt wish to take part in a remembrance parade once again. With the support of our team at The Meadows, including breakfast assistant Joy, we made her dream come true. Together, we crafted a poppy seller’s tray filled with handmade knitted poppies. On Remembrance Sunday, Doreen proudly joined our Dementia Care Coach, Janet Peat, in Alfreton to watch the parade. Later, she walked to the war memorial and met a veteran named Steve.

“I feel so proud and happy to have taken part in the Remembrance Parade today,” Doreen shared, her joy unmistakable. “It has always been an important day to me and has rekindled many wonderful memories and proud moments.”

Although Doreen couldn’t attend this year’s parade, we found another way to honour her connection to the occasion. Jeremy, a friend of The Meadows, visited in full uniform to distribute poppies to residents. Doreen’s eyes lit up with recognition as she shared stories of her days as a poppy seller representative. It was a poignant moment of pride and nostalgia.

Since moving to The Meadows, Doreen has also embraced a newfound love for day trips. From shopping excursions and visits to Matlock to attending church services and participating in events at The Meadows, her life has been enriched with excitement and purpose. These outings have allowed her to connect with others, rediscover old passions, and create new memories.

At The Meadows, we are privileged to be part of Doreen’s journey, ensuring her life remains vibrant, fulfilling, and meaningful. Her story is a testament to the power of community, connection, and honouring the traditions that bring us happiness and pride.

For more information about The Meadows and how they can help your loved one, contact 01773 520491 or email them at meadows@milfordcare.co.uk.