Laughter, Tea, and Care: A Visit with Betty and Tinashe

From the moment I stepped through the door, the warmth between Betty and our Live-in Care Professional, Tinashe, was impossible to miss. The two of them get on wonderfully; they share playful moments and plenty of laughter.

Betty was so complimentary about Tinashe, and Tinashe returned that praise in kind. It was obvious that they had built a relationship rooted in trust, humour, and genuine care.

I sat down with them for a little Q&A, and it quickly became clear just how much they mean to each other.

Meet Tinashe

What inspired you to become a Live-in Care Professional?
“I had carried out work experience in a nursery and then wanted to give care work a try too, so I was specifically looking for something in this sector.”

What were you doing before you joined Home Instead?
“I was qualified in Real Estate, and I didn’t really enjoy it. I wanted more of a caring role.”

What makes Home Instead different from other places you’ve worked?
“Home Instead offer a really good amount of training and knowledge. I love the daily check-in calls with the office, and if I have any worries whatsoever, I can just contact a member of the team who is always there to support me. The monthly check with Louise, my Team leader, makes me feel inclusive and not forgotten, so to speak. It gives me reassurance that although I work alone mostly, I am part of a team.”

What do you enjoy most about your Live-in role?
“Getting to know our client really well!”
At this, Betty quickly interjected with a laugh: “Too well!”
Tinashe continued, “I prefer the routine of the live-in role.”

How does it feel to know you’re making a difference in someone’s life?
“It makes me feel so good as I am helping someone remain at home. It doesn’t feel like I’m working as such, more like I am looking after a family member. You get to be on hand for any wants or needs, and because you know the client well, you really know when they aren’t feeling themselves, etc.”

Meet Betty

What was it about Home Instead that made you choose us?
“It was word of mouth; a family member organised it all for me.”

What do you enjoy most about spending time with Tinashe?
“Seeing her smile. She’s a good giggle, even though I have to smack her bottom twice a week,” Betty joked, sending us all into fits of laughter. Then, more seriously, she added, “No, seriously, we’ve gelled really well.”

Can you share something special that Tinashe does for you?
“Everything she does means a lot to me. She keeps me happy with cups of tea, and she does my nails for me. I would say everything is special to me.”

How would you describe Tinashe in 3 words?
With another cheeky smile, Betty teased, “Oh, I daren’t say!” before settling on, “Happy, smiley girl.”

How has having Home Instead in your life made a difference day to day?
“It’s made a lot of difference to me. I’m quite literally waited on, it’s lovely, almost worth getting old for!”

What would you say to someone thinking about having Live-in Care?
“GO FOR IT! It makes a huge difference having someone to help me remain at home. Initially, I felt like I wouldn’t like it, but I very quickly got used to having them here. They make me feel so comfortable and reassured during what used to be very lonely nights.”

The laughter and love between Betty and Tinashe was infectious, a wonderful reminder of how live-in care isn’t just about support, but about building companionship, trust, and joy in everyday life.

What is Live-in Care?

Betty and Tinashe’s story is a wonderful example of how live-in care can transform daily life. Live-in care means having a dedicated Care Professional move into the client’s home, providing support, companionship, and reassurance around the clock.

Unlike residential care, live-in care allows people to remain in the place they know and love, surrounded by their own comforts, routines, and memories. It’s not just about practical support like cooking, personal care, or medication; it’s also about friendship, laughter, and building a bond that makes every day brighter.

At Home Instead, our live-in Care Professionals work on a rota basis, giving clients consistent support while also ensuring Care Professionals have time to rest and recharge. This balance helps create the strong, positive relationships we see in stories like Betty and Tinashe’s, where care feels less like a service and more like family.