Neighbours reunited in care home say 'it's amazing we've ended up living next door again'

Two women, who were neighbours for over 20 years, have ended up in the same care home living next door to each other again.

Sue Montgomery and Ruth Pryce who became friends after living in Saltford as neighbours, are now living next door to each other in St Monica Trust’s Charterhouse Care Home in Keynsham.

Former midwife, Sue Montgomery was one of the first residents to move into Charterhouse’s residential care unit when it opened in 2019. Ruth Pryce became one of her regular visitors

Charterhouse’s Residential Unit Lead, Tunde Ujlaki said: “Because Sue’s family lives a long way away, Ruth would visit Sue and help support her with things like doctor’s appointments, shopping and taking her out on trips.

“During that time Ruth got to know everyone at Charterhouse very well, so when she felt it was time to move into a care home, we were delighted she decided to come here.”

A former head teacher at a primary school in Bedminster, Ruth even has some ex-pupils among the care team at Charterhouse. “One of our occupational therapists is an old pupil of Ruth’s and she always calls her Mrs Pryce, just as she did when she was at school.”

“Ruth still likes to be in charge. She always organising activities for her fellow residents, bringing us her ideas for the unit, organising pastoral care visits and if there’s a birthday, she will always be the one buying a card and getting everyone to sign it.”

As well as being neighbours, Sue and Ruth attended the same church in Saltford and have a shared love of music. They can often be found having a sing-a-long with their fellow residents around the piano or having lunch together in the open-plan kitchen.

Sue said: “I feel very lucky to be here and it’s the best place for my lazy old bones. The staff are all lovely, we want for absolutely nothing and being here with Ruth is the cherry on the cake.”

Ruth added: “It’s amazing that we’ve ended up living next door to each other. From the first day I visited Sue, I’ve always felt part of the community here. We’ve all got to know each other very well and enjoy each other’s company.”

Charterhouse care home provides specialist residential care for older people and is situated within The Chocolate Quarter, St Monica Trust’s retirement village.

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