Thursday 11th June 2026
The carer who turns style into connection
Tyler Sewell-Nicholas
Judith is a carer at Milward House, Tunbridge Wells, whose love of fashion enhances her compassionate approach to care. She uses colour, culture and creativity to build meaningful connections with those who live at the home
When Judith appeared for our interview, she was dressed in traditional Nigerian attire - vibrant, elegant and unmistakably her. A carefully coordinated outfit, colourful accessories and a warm smile set the tone before a single question had been asked. It quickly became apparent that fashion is not simply something Judith wears; it is something she lives.
For the past two and a half years, Judith has worked at Milward House, caring for ‘family members’ (those who live with us) with a range of needs, including dementia. Yet her journey into care began long before she arrived in the UK.
Growing up in Nigeria, compassion was already at the centre of her life. She cared for her elderly father, worked in healthcare initiatives supporting people affected by HIV and AIDS, advocated for vulnerable girls, and spent years working with children through both professional roles and church ministries.
"I've always been passionate about caring for people," she explains. "I take joy in taking care of people, whether they are children or the elderly."
Today, she describes care as rewarding, even on its most challenging days.
"Sometimes I'm tired when I get home," she says, "but I'm fulfilled because I know I'm doing what I enjoy."
"I've always been passionate about caring for people," she explains. "I take joy in taking care of people, whether they are children or the elderly."
That sense of purpose is deeply rooted in her Christian faith. Judith speaks about seeing each family member as she would a member of her own family and treating them with the same dignity and compassion she would hope to receive herself one day.
"The Bible tells us that whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me," she says. "I see Christ in them. I see myself in them. I want them to have the best quality of life in their later years."
Yet alongside her vocation as a carer sits another lifelong calling: fashion.
"My mum inspired me," Judith says with a smile.
Her mother, whom she sadly passed away just last month, recognised her daughter's creativity early. By the age of nine, Judith was already making hair accessories and beaded jewellery. Soon she was designing traditional bridal beads and footwear. By 12, she was sewing clothes on her own machine, creating simple garments before progressing to colourful pieces made from Ankara fabric.
Later, she established a fashion business and trained young girls in making shoes, bags, headbands and clothing.
"My mum always told me to develop my talent," she says. "Everything started from there."
Today, that creativity has become an unexpected but powerful tool within her role at Milward House.
For Judith, fashion is not separate from care—it enhances it.
She describes countless moments where a brightly coloured outfit, a handmade garment or even a pair of glasses has sparked meaningful interactions with family members.
One family member, Pam, immediately notices details.
"Oh Judy," she often says, admiring Judith's outfits. "This is lovely today."
Pam, who has a background in dressmaking, frequently asks whether Judith made her clothes herself. Their conversations quickly evolve into shared memories of sewing, creativity and craftsmanship.
Another family member, Esther, greets Judith with delight whenever she sees a new outfit.
"Did you make this yourself?" she asks. "You're a clever one."
For family members living with dementia, these exchanges become much more than small talk. They are opportunities for reminiscence, self-expression and connection.
Perhaps the most moving example came from a family member who is largely non-verbal and over 100 years old.
One morning, Judith entered Audrey's room wearing a particularly striking top. Before beginning personal care, she gently turned around to show her the garment. Audrey immediately began jiggling with excitement. She reached out to touch the fabric, smiling as she explored its texture.
"She called me closer," Judith recalls. "She touched the material and pecked my hand."
What followed was not only personal care but a moment of genuine human connection.
"That was so fulfilling," Judith says. "It created a bond before we even started."
There are countless stories like these. One family member associates Judith's pink glasses with memories of buying gifts for her twin daughters. Another tells her she "lights up the whole place" whenever she enters the lounge. Even male family members have admired her designs, asking whether she creates menswear versions of her outfits.
Judith believes colour plays an important role, particularly for family members living with dementia.
"Bright colours help them," she explains. "They brighten their mood and start conversations."
Sometimes she even chooses specific outfits with individual family members in mind. If she knows a particular family member loves pink, she may deliberately wear something pink to lift their spirits.
Far from being superficial, these decisions form part of her wider approach to person-centred care.
"It's not only about personal care," she says. "It's also about person-centred care."
At home, Judith applies the same philosophy. Married with two 10 year old children, she describes family life as another extension of caring for others.
"Charity begins at home," she says. "Making sure emotionally, physically and spiritually we are balanced."
Asked how family members might describe her, she laughs. One family member's words immediately come to mind: "Tall, pretty and very vibrant."
The description feels fitting.
Whether she is supporting family members through the challenges of dementia, sharing stories about Nigerian fashion, or wearing handmade clothing that sparks cherished memories, Judith brings her whole self to work every day.
At Milward House, fashion is not an accessory to care. Through Judith, it has become another language entirely—one spoken through colour, creativity and compassion.
In a home guided by values of community, compassion, excellence and transparency, Judith's approach reflects exactly what care can be at its best. She understands that wellbeing is not only found in meeting physical needs, but in creating moments of joy, recognition and belonging.
In a world where care is often measured by tasks completed and routines followed, Judith reminds us that sometimes the smallest details—a handmade dress, a matching headband, a bright pair of glasses—can create the deepest connections of all.
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