"Caring for Mum 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 mum laughing 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 83-year-old mum, who was starting to decline in both health and confidence. Her short-term memory was slipping, her mobility was limited, and the joy she once had for baking 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 Newport, Cwmbran & Chepstow 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 Mum needed more support than I could give on my own.

The woman on the phone listened — I mean really listened. She asked about Mum’s interests, her personality, how she liked her 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 Mum’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 Mum’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. Mum’s Carer, Alison, actually had time to care — to sit, chat, help with washing, make lunch with mum, and potter in the garden.

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

• Matched by personality. Alison shares Mum’s love of baking and old films. 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 Mum’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.

Mum was brighter. She started looking forward to her care visits instead of dreading them. She was trying new recipes with Alison. She even felt confident enough to start attending a local memory café on Wednesdays — with Home Instead arranging the transport and reminding her each week.

The best part? Mum didn’t feel like she was “being cared for”. She felt like she had a friend, someone she could talk to who treated her 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 Mum 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 Mum had a fall last winter, they stayed with her until I arrived and helped coordinate everything with her 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 Mum, but deep down we knew home was where she wanted to be.

Her house is full of memories — of Dad, of birthdays, of her rose garden. That familiarity is what grounds her, especially on forgetful days.

Thanks to Home Instead, we’ve been able to honour that wish. With their help, she’s thriving in the place she feels most herself — her 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 Newport, Cwmbran & Chepstow 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.