Augusta Court care home celebrates love and friendship this Valentine’s Day

Residents at Augusta Court care home in Chichester are celebrating Valentine’s Day by sharing stories of long lasting love and new friendships formed within the care home community. 

Des Hodnett has lived at Augusta Court care home for thirteen years. Though he lives alone, the memories of his long and loving 45-year marriage to Viv, who passed away in 2010, remain at the heart of his story.

Des and Viv married in September 1965, at Eastergate Parish Church. Together they built a life full of love, raising three children and becoming proud grandparents to six grandchildren. When reflecting on what made their marriage last, Des credits love, care, and thoughtful appreciation. He says:

It’s about understanding and supporting your loved one’s life ambitions, desires, and fulfilment plans, and working together to achieve mutual harmony.  

Des offers advice to couples starting their own journeys together.

Listen, discuss issues and learn from each other. Nobody is perfect, so you need to learn to compromise and go through life without bearing any prejudices.

Relationships require a careful balance of patience and thoughtfulness, he explains “when issues arise, take a moment to consider the consequences of any actions you take.”.  

And above all, Des holds onto one principle that has remained constant in his life: Honesty. “Be honest with each other and with everyone you meet, because that’s the foundation of trust.” As he reflects on his life with Viv, Des keeps their wedding photos close. “I have the one of our wedding in my room,” his words a quiet tribute to a love that has lasted beyond a lifetime.

Valentine's Day at Augusta Court is also about the friendships and companionship that form between residents. Roger recently spent three weeks at Augusta Court for respite care, during which time he formed a meaningful friendship with fellow resident Bill. What began as a chance meeting between two strangers blossomed into a genuine bond, and even after Roger's respite stay ended, he continues to make the journey back to visit his friend. 

Magdalena Zajac, Home Manager at Augusta Court, said:

Valentine's Day reminds us that love comes in many forms - from Des's beautiful memories of his marriage to Viv, to the new friendships like Roger and Bill's that we see flourishing here every day. At Augusta Court, we're proud to witness these connections form and grow. Whether it's the wisdom of a 45-year marriage or the meaning of a new friendship, these relationships are what make our care home the community it is.

Bill said:

We met by chance during Roger's respite stay, but the friendship we've built has meant a great deal to both of us. We'd sit and chat about everything - our families, what we used to do for work, places we'd been. It's been wonderful having someone to talk to, and I always look forward to his visits. It brightens my day.

For more information about Augusta Court, please click here.