Jane has been a childhood river adventurer, an art student and a model.  Now retired, she's going to exercise classes, art sessions, and feeding geese and sheep, with her carer Hajia Zemiat Oyeleke (Zemi), from Walfinch home care Oxfordshire.
 
“With Zemi as my live-in carer I can continue enjoying my favourite activities. I still love creating art, especially life drawing in pencil and charcoal, and Zemi takes me to a local session,” says Jane. “She also takes me to a seated fitness class – and often joins in, so it's good for both of us - and we go out to restaurants and coffee shops, singing songs together in the car on the way.”
 
On Jane's birthday, Zemi arranged for a hairdresser to come to the house to help her get ready. “She looked like a princess!” says Zemi, who then accompanied Jane on a family river boat trip. Jane says: “It reminded me of my childhood. My family had a restaurant beside the Thames at Cookham, and I used to have adventures paddling in a small rowing boat on the river.”
 
When the weather is good, Zemi takes Jane to feed the sheep and geese at a local farm, or to the park and garden centre.
 
Kam Gill, Managing Director of Walfinch Oxfordshire, says: “Zemi and Jane are a lovely example of our Wellness with Walfinch care philosophy.  We have redefined care as Time to Thrive, so we offer clients help with attending events and activities such as ability-appropriate exercise classes, or arts and crafts sessions – whatever the client chooses. Walfinch is redefining the concept of care to include more physical and social activities.”
 
Zemi adds: “We enjoy activities together, such as cooking, and I learn a lot from Jane.  I often ask her to help me choose my clothes when we are going out.  As a former model, she knows what looks good.  We discuss our destination in the car on the way. It helps prepare the mind for outings, and Jane chooses what we are going to do when we get there.”
 
Zemi, who has extensive experience in the care profession, has been Jane's live-in carer since January 2024. She says:  “Many of Jane's regular visitors, including some health care professionals, have told me they have seen a visible difference in Jane since I started working here, and about how much our activities have helped Jane to thrive.”
 
Jane's son Piers says: “Zemi has had a hugely positive impact. The trust and happiness she brings is superlative. Mum is thriving and so happy. Zemi has great energy, generosity and is an absolute professional. Thank you Zemi, and thank you Walfinch and Kam for sending Zemi to us.”
 
Jane says: “I believe that the best care helps your life get bigger, and with Zemi, that's just what happens!”