Martello Manor Gives Well-Deserved Day Off for Two Local Carers

Two local women who spend every day caring for their husbands, both living with dementia, were treated to a sun-filled afternoon of lunch, flowers, and spa vouchers this month, thanks to a new community initiative from Martello Manor by Boutique Care Homes.

The “Gift of a Wish” programme, which launches as a recurring monthly project, brought together local businesses and community partners to give something back to carers who rarely get the chance to stop. This month’s recipients, Julia and Jane, were taken to lunch at Maxwells Bistro & Bar in Hythe, gifted spa vouchers by Folkestone College’s Beauticians Department, and presented with beautiful bouquets courtesy of Sainsbury’s Hythe.

The moment the team arrived to surprise them tells the story better than anything else could.

Jude and Marlene, Manager of Martello Manor, found the two women sitting in the garden in the sun, holding hands. When they reported the scene back to Tracy, Chairman of the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum, it brought a tear to her eye. “I’m very fond of both of them,” she said. “Even though they provide care 24/7, they are always so positive.”

The initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Hythe Dementia Awareness Forum (HDAF), alongside Maxwells Bistro & Bar, Folkestone College, and Sainsbury’s Hythe.

Jude, who led the project at Martello Manor, was clear about the thinking behind it: “You cannot underestimate the positive wellbeing impact of letting a full-time carer know that there is recognition and gratitude for all the unconditional love they show every day. Seeing the ladies relaxed, albeit emotional, and in a position to support one another and feel able to take some time out to focus on themselves, was powerfully emotional. It was an honour to work with the community to make the gift of time, space and indulgence for these ladies.”

Unpaid carers – many of them spouses and family members of people living with dementia – provide round-the-clock support that often goes unseen. Gift of a Wish is Martello Manor’s way of changing that, one nomination at a time.

Julia was happy for her story to be shared, hoping it would shine a light on carers in the community. She received a handwritten card from the Martello Manor team alongside her flowers. For the staff, the afternoon was as meaningful as it was for the recipients.

Gift of a Wish runs every month. Anyone who knows a local carer who deserves a moment like this can nominate them by calling Martello Manor on 01303 768 286. Local businesses interested in contributing a service, gift, or experience are also encouraged to get in touch.