Care home resident celebrates a century in east London

A resident at Mapleton Road care home celebrated her 100th birthday in October.

Louise Evans, born in 1923, was joined by her family, as well as care home residents and staff, to mark the milestone occasion.

She turned 100 two weeks before but had been at her family home celebrating with her children, grandchildren and wider family.

During the party, there was music, refreshments and plenty of chatter. Louise was given flowers, cards and a homemade cake. Among the cards was one from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Gill Evans, Louise’s daughter, said, “Mum has always had a zest for life, enjoying her whiskey, dancing and singing. She started working in a factory aged 12, still wearing ankle socks. Her best times were when she worked at the Hackney Hospital where she had many friends and many a good night out!”

Mapleton Road, situated between Chingford Mount and Chingford Hatch, is one of three Council-owned care homes in the borough.

All three of the Council’s care homes are rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.

Gill added, “I am very thankful to Christina [Adamu, Mapleton Road care home manager] and the team for taking such good care of mum. It was very difficult to be separated from mum as we have always lived together, but the carers at Mapleton are truly so caring and lovely, they love mum and she loves them, and Christina runs the home very well with high standards. I feel very fortunate that my mum is there.”

Cllr Louise Mitchell, Cabinet Member for Adult Services at Waltham Forest Council, said, “I felt so honoured to be offered the opportunity to celebrate Louise’s 100th birthday.

“Lou has so much character and you can see why she is loved her family and friends. She told me all about the old days, going dancing in Bethnal Green during the war. She’s a very proud ‘eastender’.

“We are also delighted that all of our care homes are rated ‘good’ by the CQC. We want to make Waltham Forest the best place to age well, continuing to offer high quality support for our older residents through our care homes, homecare and other specialist services.”