From Volunteer to Resident: How Des Found a New Sense of Purpose at Casa di Lusso

For Des, Casa di Lusso Care Home was already a familiar place long before he became a resident.

In 2018, Des began volunteering at the home after his wife became a resident, receiving dementia care. He regularly visited her and quickly became a familiar face to the team and residents. Following her passing, Des continued to volunteer at Casa di Lusso as a way of giving something back to the people who had cared for his wife.

Although his volunteering paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, Des returned once restrictions were lifted and continued to be a valued part of the home.

Over time, however, Des became increasingly frail and isolated while living alone. He also began experiencing falls, prompting conversations with his family about whether he would benefit from having more support around him.

Taking Time to Consider Care

Des was initially unsure about moving into a care home permanently. Having lived independently for many years, the idea of leaving his own home was a significant decision.

In January 2026, he decided to try a three-week respite stay at Casa di Lusso.

The familiarity of the home and the team helped Des settle, but the experience also gave him the opportunity to discover what life in a care home could look like for himself.

When his respite stay came to an end, Des returned home. However, it wasn't long before he realised that something was missing.

He had become accustomed to having people around him, being part of the Casa di Lusso community and having opportunities to help others. After talking it through with his family, Des made the decision to return to Casa di Lusso permanently in March 2026.

Now aged 91, he has settled into his new routine and continues to find plenty of ways to keep busy.

Keeping His Sense of Purpose

One of the most important things to Des is feeling useful.

He continues to volunteer within Casa di Lusso, particularly with the laundry team, where he enjoys ironing. He takes great pride in his appearance too and is rarely seen without his trademark suit and tie.

Des also enjoys helping the team with the tea trolley, supporting other residents during activities and spending time gardening.

His desire to remain independent extends to his own room. Having watched members of the laundry team using the hoover, Des decided that he wanted to do the same. The team found him a mini hoover so he could clean areas of his own room himself.

For Des, this might seem like a small thing, but being able to contribute and look after his own space is an important part of maintaining his independence.

Rediscovering Social Connections

Before moving to Casa di Lusso, Des had become increasingly isolated. Today, socialising is an important part of his daily life.

He enjoys sitting in the café or finding a quiet communal area to read his books. He has also formed friendships with people at the home and regularly goes out into the local community with friends, while friends also come to visit him.

He enjoys taking part in activities and is often happy to lend a hand when other residents are getting involved.

His days now have a mixture of routine, friendship and purpose, from helping with the laundry and gardening to reading quietly with a book or joining others for an activity.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Des's journey has come full circle.

What began as a connection to Casa di Lusso through his wife's care eventually became years of volunteering, before the home became his own permanent home.

Sareena, Home Manager at Casa di Lusso, said:

"It is wonderful to see how settled and happy Des is. Knowing that he feels safe, supported, and able to maintain his independence means a great deal to our team." Sareena, Home Manager.

Daniela, Senior Carer and Head Chef, added:

"Des often tells us how much he appreciates feeling safe and supported. Seeing him build friendships, maintain his independence, enjoy the activities on offer, and look forward to mealtimes each day is exactly what person-centred care is all about. He regularly compliments the quality of the food and enjoys sharing meals with friends, which has become an important part of his daily routine."

Today, Des remains as active and independent as possible, while enjoying the companionship and reassurance that comes from being part of a community.

He still likes to help where he can, still takes pride in his appearance and still enjoys having a purpose each day.

For someone who was once concerned about leaving his independence behind, Des has found that moving into Casa di Lusso has given him a different way to maintain it, surrounded by people he knows, opportunities to contribute and a community that has been part of his life for many years.

Thinking About Care for Yourself or a Loved One?

Every person's journey into care is different. If you're considering residential care or respite care in Somerset, the Casa di Lusso team is available to answer your questions and help you explore whether the home could be right for you or your loved one.