Plymouth care home supports local lady with major health problems to live her best life

Mish Burchell, a resident at Klein House in Plymouth, is being supported to live a full and active life, despite major health problems.

Mish, 56, who lives with a number of both physical and mental complications, including bipolar disorder, is encouraged to live independently, go out every day, and enjoy walks on Dartmoor, in order to help manage her conditions.

She has lived at the home, which is based on Albert Road, for 10 years with one other resident. They have individual flats, decorated to their own taste, and live as tenants within the protected setting of residential care.

Mish used to live in Africa with her parents breeding labradors, and she still has a great love of animals. She owns two fish who live with her at Klein House and she regularly visits her parents and their dog, Buster.

Like most people, she experienced difficulties brought on by lockdown, but with the help of staff, she is now coping well. She has lost three stone, thanks to a healthy eating and exercise plan, and enjoys regular visits to the cinema.

Mish is also a keen artist and specialises in painting pictures of people and horses.

Mish said: “I love living at Klein House, because it means that I can have my own flat. I have major health problems, but I’m coping well, and living here has really helped me with that.

“The staff are lovely, and they treat me like an individual. They let me pick out the colours for my flat and they’ve recently given me a manicure. My rainbow nails make me smile every time I see them.”

Becky Saggers, a member of staff at Klein House, said: “I love working at Klein House. I started here during the lockdown and it was very difficult, as you can imagine, but we’ve come out the other side.

“It’s so rewarding working with people like Mish. She’s so positive and fun to be around. She makes coming to work so much more fun.”

Klein House is a residential care home for up to two people. It specialises in the care of people who have a learning disability and associated conditions. It is owned and managed by care provider, Salutem Care and Education.