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CENTENARIAN: Maxfield Aitken

A 100-YEAR-OLD resident of Manchester celebrated his milestone birthday at the care centre that his family claim has helped to prolong his life.

The momentous occasion was marked with two very special parties. The first was held at the African Caribbean Care Group (ACCG), based in Hulme, and was attended by The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor June Hitchen, along with Hulme Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, residents and members and Maxfield Aitken’s family.

The second was a prestigious affair at the Longford Suite in Trafford, with food, music and tributes from his loved ones. After arriving in the UK from Portland, Jamaica in the 1960s, Aitken, born on January 30, 1919, has spent most of his life living in Moss Side.

FULFILLING

It is now the local community, family, community nurses and ACCG that are providing the support and attention he needs to live a fulfilling life. ACCG General Manager, Dorothy Evans, said: “Maxfield has been using our services for more than 17 years. It has been an honour and a privilege for African Caribbean Care Group to provide care and support to him as he is our oldest service user at 100 years old.”

Maxfield spent his working life as a machine operative. An avid storyteller, he once featured in an exhibition at a local arts and theatre venue when they showcased an animation of him telling childhood stories.

His wife Evelyn sadly passed away in 2000, but despite his illness, his family and friends rally round to ensure he lives as independently as possible in his own home. At a time when there is increasing concern for the number of adults requiring round- the-clock attendance, ACCG have been successfully meeting the needs of the black community for more than 30 years by providing good quality, person-centred health and social care.

HONOUR: Clockwise, from main, friends, family and staff, as well as Lord Mayor June Hitchen, celebrate with Maxfield Aitken

They offer services such as a remote telecare monitoring service to allow older people to remain safe and independent in their own homes, a luncheon club and activities and social events to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

CHALLENGING

One of six siblings, his daughter Angela added: “Dad has been diagnosed with dementia for a number of years and his condition has resulted in him requiring 24-hour care. We wanted him to remain at home, but this is really challenging and we don’t know how we would cope without the intervention of the African Caribbean Care Group as we rely heavily on their services. What they provide is culturally appropriate, meets dad’s day to day needs and they care for him like family.

“He is comfortable there. Dad is among people who understand his socio-cultural needs and this is extremely important for us as a family. We don’t have to explain to the staff what dad means when he speaks, nor do we have to consider whether the food he is given is suitable for him.”

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