Masquerade Ball Brings Joy And Milestones For Island Care Residents

A sparkling masquerade ball at Northwood House has given staff and residents from the Isle of Wight Council’s Internal Care Services a night to remember.

Residents from The Gouldings, The Adelaide, Plean Dene, Westminster House and Saxonbury gathered for an evening of music, dancing and celebration, with live entertainment from The Solent Swing Band adding to the magic inside the historic Cowes venue.

For Jane, a resident at The Gouldings, the event marked a major personal achievement.

In April, she suffered a stroke that left her unable to use the left side of her body and reliant on two people for even the simplest tasks.

She said:

“When I look at where I am now compared to how I was when I arrived at The Gouldings, I can’t believe the difference.

"I needed assistance from two people with everything, right down to eating food.

"Thanks to the way everyone has treated me, I can now mobilise independently, and the ball tonight will be the furthest I have gone in seven months. I can’t wait!”

The evening was just as meaningful for families.

One parent of Christopher, who receives support through Westminster House, said:

“This evening will be a very special memory for me and my son.”

Internal Care Services offer a wide range of support across the Island — from long-term and short-term care for adults with learning disabilities to reablement programmes helping people regain independence after a hospital stay.

More information about the council’s care and support services can be found on the Isle of Wight Council website.