Liz's Mum's Story
Companionship and Support at Home: Liz's Mum's Story
For Liz's 91-year-old mum, receiving companionship care at home in Canterbury & Thanet began with just two visits each week. Living alone in her bungalow, she wanted some help with shopping but also someone who could provide friendly company and bring some laughter into her week. As her circumstances changed, the support developed with her, from shopping and companionship to getting out for coffee, attending activities and receiving additional help with everyday life at home.
Starting with companionship and shopping
After looking at several different options, Liz's mum chose Bluebird Care Canterbury & Thanet.
Initially, the arrangement was straightforward: two visits each week to provide some help with shopping and friendly company.
Liz described what her mum wanted from the support:
To help with shopping and to make her laugh.
For Liz's mum, companionship care wasn't simply about completing practical tasks. Having someone to spend time with and enjoy everyday moments with was also an important part of the support.
Coffee, shopping, activities – and jigsaws
As Liz's mum became more comfortable with her Care Experts, the support she received expanded.
The team began helping with cleaning and changing the bed, alongside providing transport to and from some of the activities she enjoyed.
Liz recalled:
They took her out for coffee, went shopping, put lunch ready, checked on meals and were awesome at jigsaws!
Whether it was going for coffee, shopping or spending time completing a jigsaw, the support was shaped around both the practical help Liz's mum needed and the things she enjoyed doing.
Care that adapted when her needs changed
Later, Liz's mum became unwell and her circumstances changed quickly.
One of her Care Experts recognised that something wasn't right.
Liz explained:
My mum was taken ill, the carer spotted it early and then the whole team helped both my mum and me to cope with the rapid changes to needs.
Because Liz's mum already had an established relationship with the Canterbury & Thanet team, there were people around her who knew her and could support the family as her circumstances changed.
More than practical help at home
Companionship care can look different for every person.
For Liz's mum, it began with two visits a week for shopping and company but developed into wider support around her everyday life.
Her experience included practical help at home, getting out to activities, coffee trips and simply spending enjoyable time with familiar people.
Reflecting on their experience, Liz said:
They are the most amazing team. I cannot recommend the Bluebirds highly enough.
Companionship care in Canterbury & Thanet
For someone living alone, a little additional support can help them continue doing the things they enjoy while also bringing regular company into their week.
Our Canterbury & Thanet companionship care can be personalised around the individual, whether that's help with shopping, getting out and about, enjoying favourite activities or assistance with everyday life at home.
And, as Liz's mum's experience demonstrates, the support can be reviewed as circumstances change.
Looking for companionship care in Canterbury or Thanet?
If you or someone you love lives alone and could benefit from some additional company and support, our Canterbury & Thanet team can help.
We'll take the time to understand what's important to you and discuss companionship and care designed around your routines, interests and individual needs.
Enquire about companionship care