A Family's Story
When Mum's Care Needs Changed
Care needs don't always stay the same. For one local family, support for their mum began with two visits a week for help around the home and companionship. As her circumstances changed, her care gradually increased to daily visits, providing additional support while helping her remain at home for as long as was right for her.
Starting with a little help at home
When the family first arranged care for their mum, she didn't need support every day.
Bluebird Care Gravesham & Dartford initially visited twice a week, providing help with cleaning as well as an opportunity for their mum to socialise and enjoy some company.
As her needs changed, the support increased to three visits a week and included going out for a walk.
This meant her care could develop gradually rather than remaining fixed as her circumstances changed.
Increasing to daily care
More recently, their mum's needs increased again.
Her support moved to seven visits a week, with Care Experts visiting daily and helping her with her medication.
For the family, being able to increase the level of care meant their mum could receive more support as everyday life became more difficult.
Throughout this time, they developed a positive relationship with both the Care Experts and the office team.
The family described the team as:
Friendly, kind, professional and funny.
Making personal care feel comfortable
One moment particularly stood out to the family.
Their mum needed support with bathing – something she had not been looking forward to.
Instead of the experience feeling uncomfortable or daunting, her family remembers hearing her laughing with the Care Expert who was helping her.
They described hearing their mum giggling while being supported with bathing as “magnificent”.
It's a small moment, but one that demonstrates how important the relationship between a customer and their Care Expert can become.
When home care was no longer enough
Eventually, the family reached the difficult decision that their mum needed continuous care and she moved into a local care home.
Including this part of their experience is important. Home care had been able to change considerably alongside their mum's needs – from two visits each week through to daily support – but eventually her circumstances meant the family felt a different care setting was needed.
The relationships built during that time had become meaningful to everyone involved.
Her family said:
Her carers will miss her – they've told us so – and we will miss them. For me, they became family.
Care that can change with you
This family's experience shows how someone's care needs can develop over time.
A person might initially need just a little help around the home or some companionship. Later, they may benefit from more frequent visits, personal care or support with their daily routine.
Personalised home care allows the support provided to be reviewed as circumstances change, while continuing to focus on the individual and what matters to them.
For families, having those conversations as needs change can also help them understand when additional support may be appropriate.
Have your loved one's care needs changed?
If you've noticed that a parent or loved one is finding everyday life more difficult or may need more support than they did previously, our Gravesham & Dartford team is here to listen.
We can discuss their current circumstances, routines and preferences and explore what personalised support at home could look like.