Finding Home at Lee House — Dorothy’s Story

Finding Home at Lee House 

Once a dedicated teacher, Dorothy Symonds, now 88, found a welcoming community at Lee House, a residential care home in Wimbledon. Her story highlights the importance of companionship and support for those in their later years.

From Teaching to Tranquility 

“I worked as a teacher of English literature in a secondary school for about 30 years and was promoted to head of department for some of those years. When I was 55, I was put in charge of introducing the internet into the curriculum. I found it difficult to devise a plan of action on teaching the internet, as it was something I wasn’t too familiar with, and to put it into practice at a fast pace. I didn’t want to be under that sort of pressure, so I opted for early retirement.”

A New Chapter

“My flat in Wimbledon was my home for 17 years, but unfortunately I became very unsettled there during the pandemic, and panic attacks became a regular issue. Although I liked the flat, the services and facilities weren't available that would have been useful for someone like me, living alone. I felt that I needed some extra support.

“A friend suggested that I should approach Lee House to see if they could offer me some respite stay. She said I may feel better after some proper rest and peace of mind knowing that there was always someone around to take care of me. I had heard of Abbeyfield, but I didn’t really know much about the organisation. Nobody really wants to think about going into care, so when it came to it, I felt scared and I didn’t want to leave my home. I never really considered moving on a permanent basis, nevertheless I approached Lee House towards the end of 2022 for a few week's stay – and I never left! What I have gained has more than made up for anything I may have lost, and I can honestly say that, since moving in, my panic attacks are now firmly in my past.

"I truly feel at home here, and there is a special kind of togetherness."

“Once I decided to make the move permanent, I was fortunate enough to have a friend who arranged to bring everything I wanted to bring from my flat. All I had to do was unpack the boxes – which, funnily enough, I still haven’t finished doing! I was encouraged by staff to make my room my own. It was great to be able to put my photos up, keep my music collection and my books. I had to leave my computer behind as there wasn’t space, but it was ancient, and I’m planning on getting a tablet soon. Despite my initial dislike of computers and other electronic devices, I do appreciate that it would be challenging to get the most out of life without one today.”

Finding Home at Lee House

“I like that Lee House is tucked away, compared to my previous flat, which was in the town centre. It was so important for me to safe and secure, especially in the wake of the panic attacks I had beforehand. It's very peaceful here, there's no noise from traffic, and when I first walked in the door there was a fresh, clean smell. First impressions are important, and I immediately knew that this was the place for me.

“Living here has greatly impacted my life, I don’t regret my decision at all. The biggest benefit is that everything is done for you (the cooking, cleaning, laundry, and so on) and I never get bored. I am free to indulge my favourite hobby, which is reading. I could never have too many books and I desperately need to get another bookcase to accommodate them all! Since moving in, I met another resident who introduced me to detective novels, which I had not previously tried – but I absolutely love them now. They are somewhat of a novelty and make a refreshing change from the classics that I am used to from my teaching days – though I still enjoy them too.

“There are plenty of organised activities here to get involved in as well, and I try to do most of them, mainly to have a chat with the other residents, even if the activity itself isn’t one of my favourites. I enjoy the quizzes, the physical fitness classes and the entertainers and singers who come in.

“We mark the special occasions, I’m not really a ‘Christmas person’, but it is nice to have the companionship that Lee House gives you, particularly at that time of year. The staff went to great lengths to get us in the festive spirit. There was a brilliant fête last summer too, where we had a bar with proper booze!”

Community & Friendship

“I particularly enjoy the outings we go on at Lee House. Recently, a few of us were taken out to the local Marks & Spencer, it was a long time since I had been to a department store, so I really embraced the opportunity to go. It didn’t matter that I didn’t get anything; just going out and being taken care of was wonderful. I’m a big tennis fan, and we’ve been on a tour of the Wimbledon grounds, which was truly fascinating. I like getting out and about, and I do have the freedom here to go into the village when I want, but I find it tough at times, so it is lovely to be taken somewhere by someone else on occasion.

“I have met some fantastic characters here, and I’ve made a few very good friends. Lee House is a unique place, and the staff are brilliant. They ensure that you feel at home, well looked-after and are enjoying later life here. There’s less of a focus on getting older and the atmosphere helps keep you in a positive frame of mind, focusing on what you can do and what you want to do.”

A Home from Home

“Moving to Lee House has worked out extremely well for me. It’s important for me to be in a ‘homely’ space, and that feeling is aided by the fact that I got to stay in the area I know so well. The relatively small number of beds here makes it just the right size for me as well. I truly feel at home here, and there is a special kind of togetherness. We are a real community and that is something I really like. If anyone was in the position that they felt they needed to look at Lee House as a place to spend their later years, I’d tell them they would be a fool to miss it.”

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