Christine Mills, an 82-year-old resident at The Polegate Care Home in Polegate, East Sussex, has spoken about how moving into the home has transformed her life, giving her a sense of safety, comfort and belonging after a difficult period living independently.
Christine, known as Chris, initially came to The Polegate for a short respite stay of four to six weeks but decided to make the move permanent after experiencing the warm and supportive environment. She has been living at the home since January 2026.
Reflecting on her life, Chris shared that it “has not been a bed of roses and been hard at times,” but says the care and kindness she has received at The Polegate has helped her feel secure and happy again.
“I have never met such friendly, caring and helpful staff,” Chris said. “I feel safe, clean and not frightened anymore. I can start to live and feel I can sleep peacefully at night.”
Before moving to the home, Chris struggled to manage on her own, including preparing meals and keeping her flat clean. Now, she says day-to-day life feels completely different. “I am happy and well fed. I just love the food here – I can’t eat it all as I get fed all the time,” she said with a smile.
Chris says what she values most is being cared for, respected and having people around her. “I’m looked after, kept clean and tidy and warm, and I always have someone to talk to. I feel valued and respected. All the staff are brilliant, so friendly and kind – nothing is too much trouble. It’s like living in a five-star hotel, luxury it is.”
She also spoke about how feeling safe at The Polegate has made a huge difference to her wellbeing. “I never felt safe in my home. I ended up on medication for my anxiety due to constant ambulances, police and fire brigade outside my flat. Now I have warm meals on the table, friendly caring staff around me, staff coming in for chats and activities. It’s luxury. Thank you – you don’t know what this means to me.”
Senior Wellbeing Co-ordinator Deborah Proctor said the team was delighted to see Chris settle so well. “When I went to introduce myself to Chris when she arrived, she told me she knew she was going to love it here because of the warm welcome she received from staff. She was genuinely worried about her future and returning home, so we supported her to speak up about what she wanted. We’re pleased it was such a brilliant result. Chris is a changed woman – she’s enjoying having her nails painted, her hair done and really embracing life here.”
The Polegate Care Home provides nursing care for older people in a warm and welcoming environment, with a focus on kindness, dignity and personalised care.
For more information on The Polegate, please visit:
The Polegate - Care home in Polegate, East Sussex | HC One