“The Meadows care home helped me reconnect with my late husband”

In September 2023, Shirley* who lives in The Meadows care home, Alfreton, expressed her love for tattoos and wished to have another in dedication to her late husband, John. Teresa, The Meadows care assistant, tells us the story:

“I was assisting Shirley with personal care one morning, when we began talking about our tattoos and what each one represented. Shirley admitted that if she could have anything in the world she would have one more tattoo in memory of her late husband, John.

“Shirley and John were very close. They had been married over 65 years and he will always hold a special place in her heart.

“I spoke to Shirley’s family and they said that it was a lovely idea. I could tell it meant a lot to them, as well as to Shirley.

“After speaking to the tattoo studio, they were just as eager as us to make this happen, as was Shirley. She was extremely grateful yet emotional, thanking everyone for their support and help during this sensitive time. 

“On the day of the tattoo I personally assisted her to the studio, where Shirley was overjoyed about having it done. She really opened up that day, and chatted about her marriage, family life, how they met, how much they loved one another and how she still thinks of him every day. I have to admit, I was emotional myself!

“When she saw the completed tattoo, she smiled with a tear in her eye and thanked everyone. On returning back to The Meadows, she couldn’t wait to show other residents and staff. 

“Her family couldn’t have thanked me enough for taking the time out to speak to Shirley about what was important to her and making their Mum’s dreams a reality”.

*Name has been changed to maintain confidentiality of the resident