In 2013, Tom Quinlan was working as a primary school teacher. His mother Ann, had been struggling with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ) for many years. In September 2013 Ann’s condition deteriorated to such an extent that she ended up in intensive care in hospital. After several weeks of excellent care and attention, she was well enough to be discharged. The discharge coordinator gave Tom’s family a choice: a nursing home or a private visiting care service.