"Caring for Dad Changed Everything – Until Home Instead Came Along"

If you had told me two years ago that I’d be able to go back to work, sleep peacefully at night, and see my dad smiling again over a cup of tea, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Back then, I was in full panic mode — juggling my job, kids, and caring for my 81-year-old dad, who was starting to decline in both health and confidence. His short-term memory was slipping, his mobility was limited, and the joy he once had for gardening or chatting on the phone seemed to have vanished overnight.

We didn’t need a care home… we needed the right kind of help.

That’s when I came across Home Instead Monmouthshire on google — and everything changed.

It Started With a Conversation

I remember the first phone call. I didn’t know what I was looking for exactly. I just knew Dad needed more support than I could give on my own.

The woman on the phone listened — I mean really listened. She asked about dad’s interests, his personality, how he liked his tea. Not once did it feel like I was being rushed or sold to. It felt like I was being heard.

They suggested a care consultation in dad’s home, just to see what might help. There was no pressure, just a cup of tea, some gentle conversation, and a genuine interest in dad’s life.

What Makes Home Instead Different?

We’d spoken to other care providers, but Home Instead stood out in every way. These were the things that made us say yes:

• Minimum 1-hour visits. No rushed 15-minute drop-ins. Dad’s Carer, David, actually had time to care — to sit, chat, help with washing, make lunch with dad, and potter in the garden.

• Consistency. Dad sees the same familiar face nearly every day. That routine built trust. No surprises, no strangers.

• Matched by personality. David shares Dad’s love of gardening and sports. It’s not just care — it’s companionship.

• Highly trained team. I was blown away by their dementia training, safeguarding knowledge, and how well they prepared us all to handle the changes in dad’s memory and behaviour.

• Family communication. I get updates, photos, and can call anytime. It feels like a partnership — we’re all on the same team.

A Life Transformed

Within weeks of starting care with Home Instead, I noticed a shift.

Dad was brighter. He started looking forward to her care visits instead of dreading them. He was trying new meals with David He even felt confident enough to start attending a local memory café on Wednesdays — with Home Instead arranging the transport and reminding him each month.

The best part? Dad didn’t feel like he was “being cared for”. He felt like he had a friend, someone he could talk to who treated him with dignity and warmth.

And for Me? It Was Life-Changing Too

I hadn’t realised how much weight I was carrying until someone helped me lift it.

Knowing Dad was safe and happy at home meant I could finally focus on work again without guilt. I could be a daughter again — not just a carer. When we spend time together now, it’s quality time, not tasks and lists.

Even on the tough days, Home Instead is there. When dad had a fall last winter, they stayed with him until I arrived and helped coordinate everything with his GP. They even arranged for equipment to help prevent it from happening again.

They don’t just “tick boxes”. They think ahead. They care.

Why Being at Home Matters

We thought about residential care for Dad, but deep down we knew home was where he wanted to be.

His house is full of memories — of Mum, of birthdays, of his beautiful rose garden. That familiarity is what grounds him, especially on forgetful days.

Thanks to Home Instead, we’ve been able to honour that wish. With their help, he’s thriving in the place he feels most himself — his own home.

To Anyone Unsure About Getting Help

If you’re like I was — stressed, uncertain, trying to hold it all together — I want you to know you’re not alone. And it’s okay to ask for help.

Home Instead Monmouthshire aren’t just carers. They’re listeners, planners, problem-solvers, and companions. They treat your loved one like family.

They’ve given us back more than time — they’ve given us back peace of mind, laughter, and dignity.

If you’re considering elderly care for someone you love, I highly recommend Home Instead. It starts with a conversation — and it might just change everything.