Lady Sally Grylls Honoured at The Elms

Story Type | Hartford Heroes

Written by
Steve Hinsley

Updated date : Tuesday 28 November 2023
Published date : Friday 24 November 2023

Hartford Care welcomed Lady Sally Grylls to The Elms earlier this month, to present her with a plaque in recognition of her continued dedication and contribution to the care sector on the Isle of Wight.

Lady Grylls, who lives locally to The Elms, has been an enthusiastic campaigner for people living with dementia and was an instrumental figure in the introduction of Dementia UK Admiral Nurses to the Isle of Wight. Admiral Nurses specialise in dementia, helping family carers gain the necessary skills to assist with dementia care and promoting positive approaches to living with and improving the quality of life for everyone involved by providing medical, emotional, and psychological support from diagnosis through to end-of-life care and bereavement.

Lady Grylls’ connection to The Elms goes back over 50 years; Sally used to stay there with her father when it was a boutique hotel and when the building later became a care home, her father was the first resident and he lived there for 12 years until his death in 2000, aged 94. Sally also has further links with Hartford Care, having stayed at Highfield Nursing Home in Ryde in 2014 for rehabilitation care following a broken leg; she has been a great supporter of Hartford Care ever since. Lady Grylls, comments: “I’m thrilled to be presented with this plaque, The Elms carries many special memories for me and it’s wonderful to see many of the original staff again – two of my father’s carers, Caroline and Ann, are still working at the home now. I’m very proud to have helped introduce Dementia UK Admiral Nurses to the island and it’s been a pleasure to give my time to help the care sector – it is the ‘love’ link which connects every generation together.”

The Elms offers residential, day care, nursing, dementia, end of life care and respite care at its characterful 48-bedroom home. Residents benefit from specialist nursing care, large, landscaped gardens and enjoy a full schedule of activities, entertainment and outings to suit all tastes.