Staying Connected: The Key to Happiness for Older Adults in Antrim, Ballymena and Carrickfergus

See how Home Instead Antrim, Ballymena & Carrickfergus helps older adults stay happy and connected at home through personalised companionship care.

Two women having a cup of tea while chatting and laughing together inside the kitchen

Happiness in later life often comes from the simple things: a friendly face at the door, sharing stories over tea, or enjoying the view on a drive along the coast. For our clients in Antrim, Ballymena and Carrickfergus, these everyday moments make all the difference, bringing comfort, purpose, and joy.

At Home Instead, we understand that happiness is closely tied to wellbeing. Our focus is on helping clients feel valued, supported, and connected, because life at home should be about more than just getting by.

Why happiness and wellbeing go hand in hand

Feeling happier isn’t only good for the soul, it’s good for the body too. Research shows that older adults who feel more positive often enjoy better sleep, sharper memory, and lower stress. They may even recover more quickly from illness.

But when loneliness takes hold, it can drain both health and happiness. Studies link isolation to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and declining physical strength. That’s why nurturing joy and companionship at home is so important.

An older female adult using a walker while going out the house while being greeted by her younger female carer

The barriers to connection in later life

Many older people face challenges that make it harder to stay connected. Mobility issues can limit outings and loved ones may have moved away. Even using phones or technology can feel overwhelming.

The result is fewer opportunities for meaningful connection. Without that, it’s easy for life to feel smaller and less joyful. This is where companionship care can make a real difference.

Companionship care that lifts spirits

At Home Instead Antrim, Ballymena & Carrickfergus, we know real care is about more than practical tasks. Our Care Professionals are carefully matched with clients, not just for skills, but for shared interests and personalities. That’s how genuine friendships are formed.

We see every day how small moments can bring big happiness. One of our Care Professionals recently took a client to a classic car show, knowing he was a car enthusiast – the outing left him thrilled and full of stories to share, and the Care Professional enjoyed it just as much. 

Another client delighted in a trip to the beach, complete with ice creams and laughter by the sea. For others, regular bowling trips have become a highlight, offering both fun and friendship. 

One client even phoned us after a visit to say that although she had been feeling low, spending time with her Care Professional gave her a new lease of life and left her feeling energised and uplifted. These experiences show how meaningful companionship can spark joy and transform everyday life.

Families often tell us about the change they see in their loved ones. One daughter recently shared: 

“I cannot thank the Home Instead team enough for the care and support they have provided to Mum and Dad. My mum in particular was very reluctant at first, but the carers took the time to gently get to know them… every single person has been just lovely and we cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Another client’s son told us: 

“My Mum was reluctant to use this service – she was completely against it from the beginning. That quickly changed and my Mum had got into the habit of hanging up my phone calls because her friends (carers) had arrived and she was more interested in talking to them than me! I can’t thank Home Instead enough for the compassion, friendship and help they have given to my mother – it has been above and beyond.”

These words reflect what we aim for every day: care that is personal, uplifting, and rooted in kindness. 

Helping families share more joy

Families can also help by weaving happiness into everyday life. Regular phone calls, reminiscing about years past, cooking together, or revisiting favourite places all make a big impact. These small acts give older loved ones something to look forward to.

Home Instead complements this family support by offering reliable, relationship-focused care. Our Care Professionals are there when families can’t be, ensuring older adults feel safe, supported, and valued.

An older male adult with grey hair happy and waving while having a video call together with his younger female carer with short black hair while both sitting on the couch inside the house

Bringing more happiness home

Our mission is simple: to help older adults live at home with dignity, independence, and joy. Happiness is at the centre of everything we do, from companionship and home help to personal care.

If you’d like to find out how our services could help your loved one enjoy more laughter, independence, and wellbeing at home, get in touch with our friendly team today. Together, we can make happiness part of everyday life.

Telephone 028 2544 0800or enquire online.