The Time is Now!

It’s a tricky conversation suggesting to a relative that maybe they can’t quite cope and they need help. Sometimes the way to approach it is not head on but gently using another angle.  

For instance you might say: “I hear there’s a local service where you can get a little more company and a bit of help. It sounds really interesting. Have you come across Home Instead?”

Once you are into a conversation, you can explain that it’s rather like having a friend call to bring shopping. Or help with some household tasks. Or just enjoy a cup of tea. The important thing is to start the dialogue if possible well before any help is needed. You may even find that they suggest when it’s time to get in touch with us.

At Home Instead, we know that having these conversations early and putting in place suitable care plans helps to prevent crisis situations. All our clients are matched with a caregiver to create a long-lasting relationship. We try to pair people who have similar interests and we are passionate about employing people that are caring and empathetic. 

Care plans are tailored to individuals. It might be that your loved ones just need a friendly face every day to check they are up and about. Or maybe they have recently been in hospital and need post-operative support. 

When you can’t be there, we can. 

A recent testimonial sums up the relationships our caregivers have with our clients. 

“There is a real feeling of assurance that the person you love and care for is being taken care of in your absence. That’s what Home Instead does. My aunt hates to see her caregivers go. There are times she probably would like to see them more than me!”

According to Age UK, more than a million older people in England say they go for over a month without speaking to friends, neighbours or family members. This alone is heartbreaking but what is often overlooked is the consequential gradual decline of physical and mental wellbeing. 

Our caregivers might notice, when visiting regularly, small changes like confusion, mood, behaviour, memory, diet, physical ailments. These can all be key indicators of something much more concerning and are much harder to spot if you are not able to be a frequent visitor. 

Given the choice, most older people would prefer to stay in their own home rather than a care home. We know from experience that having a care plan in place keeps them at home and happier there for longer.  

So start that conversation today. Just ask: “Have you thought if you would like a little more help yet?” 

Make it a question and not a statement and you’ll find that difficult conversation may not be as uncomfortable as you thought.  

Don’t wait… do it now. 

For more information call 01908 774333 or visit       www.homeinstead.co.uk/milton-keynes

You can review our clients’ experiences on www.homecare.co.uk