Resident Story: Jim’s Life In Bloom At Sandmere

When Jim moved into Sandmere Care Home in October 2024, it was meant to be a short stay. At 95 years of age, he had been struggling with a leg wound that affected his mobility and independence, so he decided to spend four weeks at the home to see how he settled in. Six months later, Jim decided to make Sandmere his home and very much part of daily life at Sandmere, where his brother also lives.

Jim was married to his wife Jean for 63 years before she passed away six years ago. A proud father of four and grandfather to nine, family remains at the heart of his life and they visit him often. Alongside this, Jim continues to stay involved with his fully operating farm and has always had a passion for gardening, flowers and growing vegetables.

Although his mobility now makes gardening more difficult, Sandmere has helped Jim reconnect with the hobby he loves most. His room overlooks the gardens and he now gets involved in the home’s gardening projects, advising on planting schedules and choosing flowers for the raised beds. Last year, he even grew tomatoes in the greenhouse for the kitchen to use. Jim’s family feel that reigniting his passion for gardening has given him a renewed zest for life.

Jim is often happiest when spending the morning in the garden and comes to life when sharing his plans for the greenhouse and flower beds with staff and fellow residents. He especially enjoys it when other residents join him outside.

“Every conversation I have with Jim feels like I learn something new,” says Roxanne, Deputy Manager. “Staff have all enjoyed the fruits of his hard work in the garden.”

“Jim is witty and charming and we find it hard to say no to him because he is always cheeky and offering us sweets,” says Violet, Care Assistant. “When he grows fruit or vegetables in the garden, he always wants us to take some too.”