From day one

Jo Stamper first came into contact with Caremark Redcar and Cleveland when her husband Geoffrey received hospital treatment following a fall – and says she was impressed with our professionalism from day one.

Geoff had been fit and active all his life, but then in his mid-seventies started suffered memory loss, slurred speech and problems with his balance that led to a fall.

Frontotemporal dementia was felt to be the most likely cause, but it was clear Geoff could not live at home without help.

“Geoff did not want to go into a care home and that’s not what the family wanted either,” said Jo. “I’m just not strong enough to help him move and so the nurses recommended we speak with Caremark,” she added.

Caremark and the local council drew up a care plan for Geoff and carers now visit three times a day.

“I was impressed with their professionalism from day one,” said Jo. “I appreciate the way they talk with Geoff and how they treat him with the utmost respect.”

The couple met in Jo’s native Shropshire when Geoff was working down there as a civil engineer. They married nearly 60 years ago and settled back in Geoff’s hometown of Guisborough and then Redcar where they raised their two children Karen and Richard.

Both Jo and Geoff were keen squash and badminton players and also enjoyed touring the UK in their caravan and long walks.

We once did the Langbaurgh loop across the moors and coast in sea mist. It was 28 miles, it was worth doing, but I said after we finished ‘never again’, I was shattered”. Said Jo.

After retiring Geoff took a part time job as an exam invigilator at a nearby school and his care team includes ex-pupils now working for Caremark.

“He recognises their voices and although his speech has deteriorated, we can tell from his facial expressions that he enjoys the social contact,” said Jo. “There’s one carer who is in her fifties now who we have known since she was a baby, and she gets on very well with Geoff.”

Geoff has always had a healthy appetite and still enjoys his food. A keen football player in his younger days, the telly is always tuned to whatever match is on.

Dementia has robbed Geoff of his mobility and speech, but thanks to the family and the Caremark team, he still has a loving home.

“I do feel if he had had to go into a care home he would not be here now,” said Jo. “I cannot fault Caremark and I certainly couldn’t have managed without them.”