FAMILIES COME TOGETHER IN MEMORY OF LOVED-ONES

 A special service has been held at a Plymouth nursing home for people who have lost a family member over the past year.

The ‘remembrance’ evening was organised by staff at Freshfields in St Budeaux, which cares for up to 36 residents with dementia.

The event included the release of balloons individually dedicated to the departed and a reading and prayers led by lay-preacher Joanna Bounds.

“We hold this event every November in memory of residents who have passed away over the past year,” said Freshfields’ manager Su Fuller.

“Some people may not have been back here since their family member died because they still feel too raw, and it helps gives them closure.

“Often the relatives will have become quite attached to the staff over the time their loved-ones were with us.

“The reality of watching someone you care about who may no longer recognise you can be enormously difficult for people.

“Part of our job is supporting them and keeping them up to date with how they are getting on.”

Staff laid on refreshments and the balloons, tied with small gift cards, were released into Plymouth’s night sky.

Freshfields, run by Camelot Care, overlooks the Tamar Estuary, in the North West of Plymouth.