For the first time, the world’s population of over 65’s outnumbers the young, therefore delivering quality care to older adults in our communities and beyond has never been more important, neither has Home Instead’s mission ‘to expand the world’s capacity to care’.
Our growing network of franchisees provide care for thousands of older people and contribute to making towns across the country dementia friendly. This is something demonstrated by Home Instead Portsmouth who have made it their mission to make their local community dementia friendly.
Led by owner Helen Brown, who was recently awarded the Emerging Business Award at the Inspirational Women of Portsmouth Awards 2024, Home Instead Portsmouth has raised awareness of dementia across their city through a number of initiatives, including Key to Care sessions held locally at Boots in Gunwharf and another at Spark Community Space.
The Key to Care sessions provide support to local residents on dementia, including offering advice and guidance for people caring for a loved one with dementia and techniques to manage the condition in the home. The sessions were also an opportunity to engage and collaborate with local organisations such as Bramsdon & Child Solicitors who shared their expertise on the topic of Power of Attorney.
Home Instead Portsmouth have also supported a number of local organisations with dementia training, including the Lighthouse Group GP Practice who, thanks to Home Instead Portsmouth’s training, transformed their reception area to make it more dementia friendly.
The home care company have also worked with Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Carers Centre and The You Trust, as well as identifying an opportunity to help raise awareness at Fratton Park, home to local football team, Portsmouth FC.
Home Instead Portsmouth held workshops at the club to raise awareness across departments, from office staff, hospitality, ground staff to the shop, to make match days a positive experience for everyone, including those with dementia. They also work with the club by supporting the Pompey in the Community’s ‘Life and Chimes’ project which works with people living with – or at risk of developing – dementia and those who feel socially isolated.
The group meet once a week and run visits to local theatres, the cinema, bowling alleys and the dockyard.
Helen commented: “Portsmouth FC has such a rich history having first opened its doors in 1898. We want to do all we can to raise awareness so that older fans who may be living with dementia feel comfortable in coming down to Fratton Park and enjoy watching a game of football with their family, with all the wonderful nostalgia that brings”.
Lina Small, Head of People at Portsmouth FC, commented: “The work that Home Instead Portsmouth does is fantastic and so vital when it comes to raising awareness of dementia across our community. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the joy the beautiful game brings, so to know that we are facilitating our match day experience to be family friendly for all ages, makes me proud”.
The effort displayed by Home Instead Portsmouth has not gone unnoticed, having recently been awarded the Innovation Award, as well as owner Helen Brown being awarded Women Entrepreneur 2023.
Home Instead Portsmouth is part of a growing franchise network, delivering outstanding dementia care throughout the UK.