Daphne's Story – From Isolation to Companionship at Home
From Isolation to Companionship at Home
After losing her husband and becoming increasingly isolated, Daphne found herself spending long periods without seeing anyone. What began as a need for companionship has developed into regular support and trusted relationships with Care Experts she now looks forward to seeing each day.
Becoming increasingly isolated
Daphne first began receiving support from Bluebird Care around two years ago.
Before this, her husband had been able to drive. However, following his Alzheimer's diagnosis, concerns about his driving meant they made the decision to give up their car.
Without the car, Daphne describes how they quickly became isolated.
Following her husband's death, that isolation became even more difficult. Daphne had no family visiting and was still grieving when she contacted Bluebird Care.
She remembers:
I hadn't seen a soul for about three months. I thought, how on earth am I going to cope through the winter?
Companionship became one of the main reasons Daphne began looking for some extra support.
Finding the right companionship
Daphne first heard about Bluebird Care when a small card was delivered through her door.
One particular word caught her attention: companionship.
As Daphne explains:
I read on the card companionship and I thought that's perfect for what I need.
The process of arranging her care was straightforward. A member of the team visited Daphne to understand what she wanted from the service, and her care began a few days later.
Once her Care Experts started visiting, Daphne noticed an immediate difference:
I felt much happier. I had company.
Companionship that's part of everyday life
Daphne's support has included much more than simply having someone visit.
Her Care Experts have accompanied her shopping and helped with trips to the Post Office when she needed to send parcels.
As her circumstances have changed, they have also been there to provide practical help with everyday things that have become more difficult.
Daphne lives with Parkinson's and scoliosis. She explains that as her Parkinson's has progressed, tasks such as opening tight jars and lids or gripping certain items have become harder.
Her Care Experts regularly ask whether there's anything she needs help with.
Having something to look forward to
Today, Daphne has a Care Expert visiting twice a day.
Sometimes there may not be a particular task she needs help with. On those occasions, simply sitting together and having a conversation is valuable.
Daphne says:
Knowing I have company and a carer coming twice a day is something I look forward to. Sometimes I don't have anything for them to do so we sit and chat.
Those regular visits have turned companionship into an important part of Daphne's everyday routine.
Building relationships for the future
The relationships Daphne has developed with her Care Experts also give her reassurance about the future.
She understands that her needs may increase as her Parkinson's progresses. However, knowing the people who already support her makes the prospect of receiving additional help feel more comfortable.
In Daphne's words:
Knowing I have built relationships with these girls, I will feel comfortable with them supporting me more when the time comes.
It's a good example of how companionship care can grow alongside someone's circumstances – beginning with company and everyday support while establishing trusted relationships that can remain important as needs change.
Could companionship make a difference to you or someone you love?
If you or someone you love is spending more time alone or would benefit from regular company and a helping hand with everyday life, our Dover & Folkestone team is here to listen.
We'll take the time to understand your routines, interests and the support that would make a difference to your everyday life.