The Origin of Cheriton Home Care

The portrait of WJT Belsey Esq. which hangs in our office is a daily reminder of where we started and the quality of service we provide. Bill was and is the inspiration behind Cheriton Homecare. This is our story.

“I met Bill in 1997 as he was preparing to move back to his home Cheriton, after a short stay in a nursing home. I remember the day as if it was yesterday.

A mutual acquaintance had asked me to assist as Bill had just been diagnosed with the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. When I arrived, Bill’s tiny room was crammed with concerned family members and a number of nursing staff. The perplexing topic of conversation was Bill’s future care. All the while, Bill was standing by the window, gazing out, listening as if without a care in the world.

When he saw me, he looked me up and down, and his face lit up. Without hesitation, he pushed everyone aside with a polite ‘‘I beg your pardon,’’ to reach me at the entrance of his room. With a firm handshake he announced that he had been waiting for me.

We excused ourselves and walked outside. Bill asked why I was there, what was my purpose and intention, as he called it. Then he explained emphatically and in no uncertain terms that he did not need looking after and that I would do well to remember this. I agreed to do my best to treat him as a partner and not a patient.

As he listened to my responses to his questions he agreed that I would be suitable. He never did say for what!

I would take care of Bill until he no longer required my services. I had given my word and we shook hands on it: the deal was sealed. From that moment on I became ‘’the lad who does things’’ to Bill. It was the beginning of a journey that would change and enrich my life course.”