What the Meath Means to us

I believe that the Meath is so uniquely special, it should be used as a blueprint for all residential care homes throughout the UK. Each person is cared for with sensitivity and a recognition of his/her individual needs, which profoundly affects the life of anyone needing care. It doesn’t feel like a care home – when you are there, it feels like you’re part of a family!

I have so much in my life that I want to do. Before I lived at the Meath, it didn’t seem likely that I would get the chance. But with the help and opportunities that I have now, I have even taken up sports. It’s wonderful! I have always said to myself, don’t let your disability stop you doing things –take a chance in life and have a go… and now, I feel I can!

A.F., 27, has been living with complex epilepsy since the age of ten. She manages her condition with medication and is assisted by charities like the Meath to live a full and productive life:

The Meath and Changing Perceptions have helped to give me independence and enabled me to learn new things. They help me to look at the positive things I can do. Anything that involves arts and crafts, I love. I’ve got lots of friends here, too. It’s a really wonderful place.

As far as N. is concerned, I have never seen her so well. Everyone who deals with her is wonderful, she goes from strength to strength, even at her age.

On Yoga classes provided by the Meath:

It helps me to feel calm especially if I have had a bad day with my seizures. It slows me down and helps me focus on one thing when my mind is jumbled and is all over the place and I feel clearer afterwards.

The physical side of yoga has really helped my weaker side. I love the relaxation when I can visualise squashing all my worries about my medication and seizures into a ball and throwing them out to sea. I come out of the session clearer and less worried about life and ready to take on the next thing.