A Family Approach to Care: Celebrating Mother’s Day in Epping Forest
Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women who shaped us; the ones who set standards, passed on values and showed us what care really looks like.
At Home Instead Epping Forest, family isn’t just something we talk about with clients. It’s part of who we are. With mothers and daughters working side by side in the office, the idea that care should feel personal and heartfelt isn’t a marketing message – it’s lived experience.
That belief is often summed up in what we call the “Mum and Dad Test”: a simple principle that asks whether the care we provide would be good enough for our own parents. If the answer is “yes,” then it’s good enough for your family too.
What Does a Family Approach Mean in Practice?
A family approach to care is about kindness, empathy and upholding everyday standards.
It means:
- Care visits that are never rushed
- Time for conversation as well as practical tasks
- Respect for routines and personal preferences
- Clear communication with families
- Consistency in Care Professionals
It also means paying attention to the small details. If someone prefers a particular brand of tea, likes the curtains opened first thing in the morning or enjoys a gentle chat before getting dressed, those preferences matter. They help someone feel at home in their own home. In Epping Forest, this philosophy is close to our hearts.
What Does a Family Approach Mean in Practice?
A family approach to care is about kindness, empathy and upholding everyday standards.
It means:
– Care visits that are never rushed
– Time for conversation as well as practical tasks
– Respect for routines and personal preferences
– Clear communication with families
– Consistency in Care Professionals
It also means paying attention to the small details. If someone prefers a particular brand of tea, likes the curtains opened first thing in the morning or enjoys a gentle chat before getting dressed, those preferences matter. They help someone feel at home in their own home. In Epping Forest, this philosophy is close to our hearts.
Celebrating Family Support This Mother’s Day
Our Registered Manager, Vicky Claxton, introduced her mother, Maureen Wheeler, to the team several years ago. Maureen now serves as Community Relations Manager, running the Memory Lane Café and monthly Singing for the Brain sessions. These gatherings bring older adults together for connection, reminiscence and shared laughter.
The same is true for franchise owner Victoria Rigby, who leads the Epping Forest office, alongside her mother Jenny Rigby, who also works within the business. Their shared commitment shapes the culture of the team: care should feel natural, respectful and genuinely human.
Going the Extra Mile on Meaningful Days
Mother’s Day can bring mixed emotions. Some families are able to visit in person across Loughton, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill or Epping itself. Others may be further away.
Care Professionals often help clients:
– Arrange video calls with family
– Prepare favourite meals or small treats
– Display cards and photographs
– Share memories and stories
– Attend local community sessions where possible
The aim is simple: to ensure no one feels overlooked on a day that celebrates motherhood and family.
Families regularly comment on how reassured they feel knowing their loved one is supported by a team that notices the small things. Remembering a birthday or just making extra time for conversation. These gestures may seem simple, but they make a difference.
Staying Connected in the Community
Home Instead Epping Forest is proud to be part of the local community.
The Memory Lane Café and Singing for the Brain sessions provide welcoming spaces for older adults and families living with memory loss. These sessions offer companionship, music and connection, particularly important around occasions like Mother’s Day.
Being locally based means understanding the rhythm of life in Epping Forest and building relationships that last.
Choosing Care That Feels Personal
If you’re considering home care for your mum or for someone you love, it’s worth asking your own version of the Mum and Dad Test.
- Would this feel good enough for your parent?
- Do carers take time to listen?
- Is support built around the individual rather than a timetable?
- Does the service feel consistent and relationship-led?
Care should never feel transactional and thoughtful.
This Mother’s Day, we’re reminded that quality care isn’t only about meeting care needs. It’s about treating every person as someone’s mum, someone’s daughter, someone deeply valued.
For enquiries please call 01992 666777 or contact us online to discuss your care needs.