World Parkinson's Day: Chris's story

Chris was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease when he was around 30 years old, and as the disease has progressed, requires specialist nursing care from the in-house team at Thames House. He’s lived there for around six years, following a failed placement at another care home. 

As well as supporting his medical and health needs, the team supports Chris to keep active and continue doing the things that he enjoys. 

He's the Service User Ambassador for the home, and represents other residents at Service User Council meetings. He’s the home’s founding ambassador, and has been involved in projects such as developing the company’s service user holiday policy. 

This role gives Chris a sense of purpose – he says: “I’ve always been a busy person and need things to do. Being an ambassador enables me to put my ideas forward and get involved in different things that are going on, as well as find out information about the home.” 

Chris is also involved in staff recruitment and induction at the home – he sits in on interviews and gives new starters a welcome tour when they first join. He enjoys this role as it enables him to give staff a unique insight into the role and how people like to be cared for. 

Chris enjoys getting involved in activities and events at Thames House, and has made close friends with two other residents and many of the colleagues – who he regularly challenges to games of chess! 

His next big project is to renovate the garden, and is working with the Activities Team and other service users to pick out new garden furniture and accessories for the makeover. 

Despite Chris’s Parkinson’s disease progressing, he feels supported to continue to make choices about his care and how he lives his life – and our goal will always be to make his every day better. 

He says: “The staff are very good and the Manager is the best – I wouldn’t leave the home because of her. She listens to me and what I want (… and lets me get away with murder!).” 

Complex care for people living with Parkinson's Disease

If you’re looking for a specialist nursing home for someone living with Parkinson's Disease, get in touch with our Referrals Team on 01709 565777 or referrals@exemplarhc.com.