Human contact raises spirits, says Home Instead

We at Home Instead know that the bond between our clients and CAREGivers is special, but we could never have anticipated just how dedicated our CAREGivers have become to supporting our clients through lockdown and beyond. We wanted to highlight just a couple.

Many clients chose to selfisolate during the initial lockdown. Carly was asked to go back to one such client after nearly three months of no contact. Carly’s client, Joan, suffers with anxiety and Carly was nervous too. With lots of gentle encouragement Carly was allowed in and they both started to relax, calmed by the precautions Carly had taken. The client’s daughter hadn’t been allowed to visit since March and anyone else who had tried, including her two sons, couldn’t get over the threshold and were only allowed to talk to her through the window. Carly’s professionalism and understanding gave Joan the confidence to let her in. Thank you, Carly. Dianne and Vera are both music lovers, it is part of the reason they have bonded so well as client and CAREGiver. As a musician, Dianne can bring real joy to Vera with her visits but when the lockdown interrupted their time together Dianne arranged video calls with Vera so that they could continue their musical sessions online. The sessions brought so much happiness to Vera and they are now regularly with each other again. Thank you, Dianne for your creative communication skills.

We couldn’t be with our clients for Macmillan’s Coffee Morning this year, so we provided CAREGivers with ‘coffee-morningsin-a-box’ instead. Nearly a hundred impromptu coffee mornings in client’s homes were hosted across Wimbledon and Kingston, lifting moods, and helping

raise money for a great cause. Moments like these have helped return some normality in times that are anything but. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver the right support at the right time. Reflecting on the last few months is a chance to feel truly proud of this outstanding team. n

If you would like to chat with one of our Care Managers about any aspect of care at home, please call

and Nancy or Tina will be happy to discuss how we can help.

With winter fast approaching and the combination of seasonal health challenges and increasing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, now might be the right time to consider the care options available to you or your loved ones

Respite care offers short breaks from two weeks to two months, offering caregivers a physical and emotional break from caring for their loved ones. Care receivers benefit from exceptional, tailored care in a luxury ‘home away from home’ setting, with the opportunity to socialise with new people as part of a welcoming community. This includes a varied schedule of activities and entertainment, all of which can help to alleviate isolation and loneliness – issues which can be heightened during the winter months.

Kay Cox, COO of Signature Senior Lifestyle, comments: “We understand how difficult it can be for families or friends providing ongoing care, with winter proving particularly challenging for some. Our respite stays provide a crucial break for carers while also allowing loved ones to experience what life in a Signature home is like. In fact, up to 60% of our respite residents transition to full time care having been so impressed with the welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment.”

Safety remains at the forefront of what Signature Senior Lifestyle does, from investing heavily in PPE and whole-home testing, to bespoke risk assessments and new protocols including temperature checking for visitors and increased sanitisation. before are often pleasantly surprised by the sheer quality and level of detail, with beautiful interior design, five-star amenities, gardens and fine dining that creates a truly holistic offer. n

Coombe Hill Manor, Kingston – With a CQC rating of ‘Outstanding’ this luxurious nursing home offers assisted living, specialist dementia care with a range of accommodation from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Call 020 3811 0261

Signature at Wandsworth Common – Signature’s newest and most luxurious home offers assisted living, 24-hour nursing care and specialist dementia care. Benefiting from a range of exceptional lifestyle facilities including a sky lounge and chauffeur service. Call 020 8108 9651

Signature at Wimbledon – A welcoming home with a family feel providing assisted living and specialist dementia care delivered by a highly skilled professional team dedicated to providing fulfilling, safe and dignified lifestyles to all residents. Call 020 3811 0228