One of the best things about living in a residential care home is the like-minded company. When I lived at home, I would have carers visit, neighbours would look in on me and I was always incredibly happy to see each and every one of them, however what I really craved was a friend. Someone who had lived through the same experiences that I had. Someone with whom I had things in common, who would understand my jokes and 50-year-old references. Someone to sink a pint with and to play cards with.

I’ve had many good friends over the years. I had work friends who I would socialise with at least once a week. I had my friends from the social club who I would play darts and snooker with. I had a great social life. I would often think of those times when I was alone at home, I missed them.

At Westhill Park I am surrounded by friends, all a similar age, and all with similar interests. It has given me a new lease of life to have people around me again. Together we take part in lots of activities, many I’ve never tried before. We venture out to the local parks, shops, and pubs. We visit museums and places of interest, and we enjoy each other’s company.

My absolute favourite activity is our gentleman’s club. We watch sport, play dominoes and pool and we drink beer and whiskey and brandy, and we chat, the more we drink, the more we chat and the more we chat, the more we laugh. It is wonderful.

I really am living life to the full here, I haven’t felt so happy and contented for a long time. I’m part of a community again and it feels great.