At our Hertfordshire residential care home, we’re delighted to share Hilmar’s heartwarming story of becoming an author once again.

Having had a lifelong passion for writing, Hilmar took up the opportunity to put pen to paper on National Writing Day, to the delight of his friends and family.

A self-proclaimed bookworm and author, Hilmar has attributed his recent move to our home as the motivation that reignited his love for the written word.

Talent at Our Hertfordshire Residential Care Home: Hilmar’s Autobiography

Titled ‘Magic Bullets Magic Targets’, Hilmar’s autobiography details his journey into medicine, the background of his successful marriage (during which he raised three much-loved children), as well as a story of politics and tribulations, featuring a significant clinical trial in the time of Margaret Thatcher’s tenure.

Man writing in his notebook - book writing

Utilising a wealth of his favourite reading material, which includes novels, anthologies of poetry, scientific books and Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’ and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, Hilmar has already started his work, contributing over 100,000 words to his memoires – along with 39 written poems.

Hilmar’s Move to Foxholes

It was a delight to welcome Hilmar to our home back in the beginning of 2021. Speaking of his move, Hilmar said: “I was very lonely before I came to Foxholes, and not in a good place at all. I think there is far too much of a concept that care homes are necessary for people who are getting old and are no longer able to look after themselves, but I think that’s foolish. You can still live a very active and fulfilling life within a secure existence without worrying your children or your family. Overall, I’m a much happier person since joining the Foxholes family.

“I think when you get to a certain age, and you’re left in a big house with lots of responsibilities, then you shouldn’t take all those worries with you. Instead, take a break. It’s a much better idea to be free and do other things. I’m still running my business, a small biotech business that I oversee from my room. I also play the guitar. In fact, I even play for some of the residents in the lounge when they can’t go to sleep at night.

“My motivation stems from living events and the intricate variety of people I’m lucky enough to surround myself with on a day-to-day basis. Writing occurs mainly in my subconscious. Often it decides when and where it wants to appear, so having the right environment to trigger that is crucial. It may suddenly be triggered by something I see or hear on the radio, but often it’s memories, close or distant. It’s about sharing the thoughts of another mind and gaining a unique perspective. It’s about being alive at the time the words are or were written.”

Author Hilmar at Hertforshire Residential Care Home

It’s truly wonderful to have Hilmar’s words of wisdom spreading positivity throughout our home. Our estate manager, Neil, said: “Hilmar has lived a very eventful and interesting life, so we’re extremely grateful in being able to play a part in reigniting his love for writing again. Being a family-run home, it’s important to us that people feel right at home when they join our extended family. We’re pleased our strong sense of connection and community has reignited Hilmar’s previous passion for writing and we’re all eagerly waiting for the completion of his much-anticipated memoires.”

Watch this space for updates on Hilmar’s progress. We can’t wait to see the finished novel!

If you’d like to find out more about our care at our Hertfordshire residential care home, please do contact a member of our team

Alternatively, why not find out all about our new library and activities centre in our previous blog?