How Short-Term Live-In Care Gave One Family Peace of Mind
Leaving elderly parents can be tough. Gary worried too. See how Home Instead's short-term live-in care brought peace of mind, supporting his Mum and Dad; Pat & Derek.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing a dilemma – what to do when your elderly parents need regular care and attention, and you can’t be there for them all the time. Whether it’s a well-deserved holiday, a work commitment you can’t avoid, or your loved one is returning from hospital, you do worry. You care for them so you’re naturally anxious about leaving them vulnerable or placing them somewhere unfamiliar for the period of time.
Gary faced exactly this dilemma. His parents, Pat and Derek – a devoted couple who had been married for 70 years – had become completely dependent on him. Until a couple of years ago, they had lived independently in Plymouth but then Pat suffered a stroke and their world changed. They ended up moving to Frimley, to be closer to their son and his family. When Gary’s family planned their holidays abroad, the question loomed large: how could he ensure his parents would be safe, comfortable, and happy while he was away?
The answer came through Home Instead’s short-term live-in care, and what happened next transformed not just those two weeks, but their entire perspective on care. Here’s how this service addressed Gary’s three biggest concerns – concerns that many adult children share.
Dedicated One-to-One Attention
Unlike care homes, where staff are stretched across multiple residents, Home Instead’s live-in care provides completely dedicated attention. When Janat arrived to care for Pat and Derek, she wasn’t dividing her time between dozens of other residents – she was there entirely for them.
“She was like one of the family,” both Pat and Derek told me. “Nothing was too much trouble for her, nothing whatsoever.” Janat’s availability was constant yet never intrusive. Derek recalled how she would reassure him that if she was upstairs resting and he needed anything, he should simply call out.
When Pat needed assistance with personal care, Janat struck the perfect balance between helping and preserving her dignity, always checking what she could manage herself and stepping in seamlessly where needed. That thoughtfulness extended to every aspect of their care. Janat was an excellent cook (those burgers!), and during the heatwave that coincided with her stay, she ensured Pat and Derek stayed comfortable and well-fed without having to venture out.
This level of personalised attention meant that Pat and Derek’s individual needs, preferences, and daily routines were completely understood and respected – something very difficult to achieve in a care home setting, where staff must manage multiple residents simultaneously.
A Cost-Effective Solution
For families like Gary’s, where both parents need care, the financial reality of care homes can be devastating. Two care home places mean double the fees, often forcing difficult decisions about whether couples can even stay together after decades of marriage.
Home Instead’s live-in care presents a more affordable alternative. One care professional can attend to both Pat and Derek in the comfort of their own home, at a fraction of the cost of two care home places. More importantly, it means this couple who had been together for 70 years didn’t have to face the additional trauma of separation during an already challenging time. The cost savings extend beyond fees – Pat and Derek remained in their familiar environment, surrounded by their own belongings, maintaining their dignity and independence while receiving
the care they needed.
Meaningful Relationships
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Home Instead’s service is how care professionals don’t just provide practical assistance – they build genuine relationships that enrich their clients’ lives. By the end of the first week, Pat and Derek were already looking forward to the second week with Janat. The success of the arrangement meant Gary could enjoy his holiday knowing his parents weren’t just being watched – they were being loved, engaged, and cared for as individuals.
The bond between Pat and Janat exemplifies this perfectly. When Janat learned that Pat had been an avid knitter before her stroke but “lost the ability to do it like she had used to,” she didn’t see this as a limitation. Instead, she expressed genuine interest in learning knitting herself, having never done it before. What followed were daily knitting lessons, with Pat and Janat sitting side by side, turning what could have been a sad reminder of lost abilities into a joyful shared experience.
The relationship grew so strong that Janat developed a deep affection for Pat, speaking to her with warmth and genuine care. Pat was visibly emotional when she recalled how naturally and kindly Janat would address her throughout their time together.
This wasn’t just professional care – it was genuine connection. When Janat’s two weeks ended, the emotional farewell spoke volumes. “She was really emotional you know. I was the same, I was actually in tears and didn’t want her to go,” Pat said. The bond they had formed was clearly meaningful for both of them.
“We couldn’t wish for anybody better. She was lovely. If all the carers were like that, this would be a perfect world,” Derek said. Before her departure, Janat had even prepared lunch for the couple, ensuring they had one less worry as they transitioned back to their regular care routine of two hourly visits a day.
When You Need Respite Care
For families like Gary’s, respite care isn’t just about having someone watch over elderly relatives – it’s about finding someone who can step seamlessly into the family dynamic and provide the attention and care that family members normally provide.
Pat and Derek’s story illustrates perfectly how the right care professional can become more than just a service provider. In Janat, they found someone who genuinely cared, who took time to understand their needs and personalities, and who brought joy and comfort during what could have been a stressful time.
For families considering respite care, Pat and Derek’s experience offers hope and reassurance. The person who walks through your door as a stranger can leave as family – taking a piece of your heart with them and leaving behind the comfort of knowing that exceptional care is possible.
If you’re facing the anxiety of needing care for your loved ones, remember Gary’s experience. The short-term respite package – centred around providing you the best quality for your money, personalised, and relationship-based – may be exactly what your family needs.
If you are considering short term care for yourself or a loved one or have questions about if this is the right type of support for you, our dedicated team can help.
Contact us today on 01252 758716