When Joyce’s son needed some well-deserved time away, live-in care gave him peace of mind while giving Joyce the chance to enjoy some special days of her own.
For families who care for a loved one, taking a holiday or even a short break can sometimes feel difficult.
There can be questions and worries:
Who will look after Mum?
Will she be comfortable?
Will she be happy?
Will everything carry on as normal while I’m away?
For Joyce’s son, the answer was to arrange live-in care for his mum while he went on holiday.
Joyce normally lives with her son and receives daily visits from our care team. They know Joyce well and understand her routines, preferences and the things that help her feel comfortable and happy.
So, when her son planned some time away, we were able to build on that existing relationship by providing a carer to live with Joyce in her own home throughout his holiday.
Familiar care, with someone there day and night
Rather than changing Joyce’s home environment or asking her to stay somewhere unfamiliar, live-in care meant she could remain in the place she knows best.
Her carer was there to provide companionship and support throughout the day, while helping Joyce continue with her usual routines and enjoy her time at home.
But this wasn’t simply about making sure Joyce was safe and cared for.
It was about helping her enjoy herself too.
Making the most of every day
With a carer there to support her, Joyce was able to get out and about and enjoy some lovely days together.
One day, Joyce and her carer visited a local garden centre and stopped for afternoon tea. It was a chance to enjoy a change of scenery, a little treat and some time together.
On another day, they headed to a local coffee bar. On the way home, they picked up fish and chips and enjoyed a traditional “chippy tea” together.
They also spent time at Joyce’s local nature reserve, where she enjoyed feeding the ducks before sitting down with her carer to enjoy an ice cream.
These may sound like simple things, but they are the moments that make a day special.
For Joyce, having someone there to support her meant she could continue doing the things she enjoys, at her own pace and in familiar surroundings.
Peace of mind for the whole family
For Joyce’s son, knowing that his mum was being looked after at home by someone he could trust meant he could enjoy his holiday with greater peace of mind.
Instead of worrying about whether Joyce was coping alone, he could relax knowing there was a familiar care team behind him and a dedicated carer living with Joyce throughout his time away.
And when he returned home, Joyce had a collection of happy memories and plenty of stories to share.
Respite care can mean different things to different families
Respite care isn’t only about responding to a crisis or stepping in when a family carer can no longer manage.
Sometimes, it simply means giving a family member the chance to take a proper break, knowing their loved one will continue to receive personalised care and support.
Whether it’s a holiday, a short trip, a family occasion or simply some much-needed time to recharge, live-in respite care can provide continuity, companionship and reassurance without your loved one having to leave home.
Joyce’s experience shows what respite care can look like when it focuses on the person receiving care, as well as the needs of their family.
A break for you. A familiar home for them. And peace of mind for everyone.
If you’re considering respite care for a loved one, our team would be happy to talk through your circumstances and explain how live-in care could work for your family.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.
