What Life at Reigate Grange Really Looks Like: Residents Share Their Experiences

Making the decision to move into a care home is rarely straightforward. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself, a parent or a loved one, it’s natural to have questions such as:

Will I still feel independent? Will I make friends? Will I be well cared for? What if my needs change in the future?

The people best placed to answer those questions are those who have already made the move themselves. We spoke with five residents at Signature at Reigate Grange about their experiences of life in the Reigate care home, what surprised them most and what they would say to others considering care.

“I Felt Like I Belonged Straight Away”

When Godfrey moved to Reigate Grange following a fall at home, he quickly noticed something that made a lasting impression.

Within a matter of days, team members throughout the home knew his name and made a point of stopping to talk with him.

Having spent many years building and running successful businesses, Godfrey understands the importance of excellent customer service and strong workplace culture. What impressed him most was not only the care provided to residents, but the way team members supported one another.

“The staff behave like a family that gets on well with each other,” he explains.

For Godfrey, feeling recognised as an individual rather than just another resident helped him settle quickly and begin to feel at home.

Will I Still Be Independent?

One of the biggest misconceptions about care homes is that moving in means giving up independence. The residents we spoke to had a different experience.

Jane, who has lived at Reigate Grange for more than four years, says the balance between freedom and support is one of the things she values most.

Residents are encouraged to live life as they choose, whether that’s joining in activities, spending time with friends or simply enjoying the privacy of their own apartment or room.

“You can do as little or as much as you want,” says Barbara, who moved into the home 18 months ago.

Knowing support is available when needed provides reassurance, while the freedom to make everyday choices helps residents maintain their independence and sense of self.

“I’ve Made Some Wonderful Friends Here”

For many people considering care, perhaps the greatest fear is loneliness.

What Jane and Barbara discovered was quite the opposite.

Before moving to Reigate Grange, the two women had never met. Today, they are part of a close group of friends who regularly meet for meals, activities, cinema nights and social events.

Their friendship began with a simple invitation to join a table at lunch.

“It’s lovely to have people around you,” says Jane.

From visiting entertainers and quizzes to coffee mornings and celebrations, there are countless opportunities for residents to socialise. But equally important is that nobody is pressured to join in.

The result is a community where friendships develop naturally and residents can enjoy as much companionship as they wish.

Remaining Together as a Couple

For Michael and Janet, moving into care was about one thing above all else: staying together.

Married for 66 years, the couple had built a lifetime of memories before changing health needs led them to explore care options.

Finding a home where they could continue living side by side was essential.

“It was the only place where we could be together,” says Janet.

At Reigate Grange, they have been able to maintain the routines and companionship that have shaped their marriage for more than six decades, while also receiving the support they need.

The couple continue to enjoy quizzes, events and spending time with family, proving that moving into care doesn’t mean putting life on hold.

Care That Adapts as Needs Change

Another common concern for families is whether a care home will be able to support changing needs over time.

For Godfrey, access to physiotherapy has played an important role in his recovery and rebuilding confidence.

For Michael and Janet, simply knowing support is available whenever needed brings peace of mind.

Rather than fitting residents into a one-size-fits-all approach, support is tailored around each person’s circumstances, helping them continue living as independently and confidently as possible.

Peace of Mind for Families

Choosing care affects the whole family. Adult children often find themselves carrying the responsibility of ensuring a parent is safe, supported and happy, and that responsibility can feel overwhelming.

For Michael and Janet’s daughters, knowing their parents are cared for by a dedicated team has provided enormous reassurance.

“Our daughters know we’re looked after and that reassures them,” says Janet.

For many families, that peace of mind is one of the most valuable aspects of moving into a care community. Knowing expert support is on hand can allow family members to spend less time worrying and more time simply enjoying their relationship with their loved one.

What Makes Reigate Grange Feel Like Home?

For Godfrey, it was having the support and space to recover after a fall. For Jane and Barbara, it was finding friendship and community. For Michael and Janet, it was continuing life together after 66 years of marriage.

Yet despite their different experiences, all five residents expressed similar themes: feeling welcomed, maintaining independence, enjoying meaningful friendships, receiving personalised support and having the reassurance that help is always available.

Most importantly, they’ve found somewhere they feel valued, respected and at home.

If you’re beginning to explore care options for yourself or someone you love, their experiences offer a genuine insight into what life at Reigate Grange is really like and how the right care home can support not only a person’s needs, but their quality of life too.

For more information about Signature at Reigate Grange, click here.

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