A Heartfelt Tribute to a Cherished Client: Companionship, Consistency and Trust
Words of Gratitude from a Devoted Husband
Roger, who has entrusted us with his story following the loss of his wife, has formally granted permission for us to share both his narrative and photographs within our professional work.
Barbara Parkes was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2018, and as her condition worsened over the course of eight years, Roger felt that he needed support with caring for her.
The same Care Professionals looked after Barbara from 2021. As the years went by, the disease really took hold of Barbara, where her memory problems worsened, and later sadly developed challenges with eating.
“I said goodbye to my wife Barbara on 9th December after a difficult few years fighting the effects of dementia. She lost her fight at home with me, quietly and without pain; on Tuesday 9th December she finally took her last breath and closed her lovely ‘blue eyes’ forever. She was loved by all who knew her. Rest In Peace Blondie”.
Roger met Barbara on a blind date, and after a year of dating, they got engaged in Torquay. During their marriage, they explored the world with their love of travelling. Their foreign holiday bug took them to all over Europe, USA and Canada. On their Canadian trip they went on the famous “Rocky Mountaineer” glass top train, crossing the Rockies from Toronto to Vancouver.
Roger started to notice Barbara experiencing memory problems in 2017, and the year after she was sadly diagnosed with vascular dementia. Over the space of 8 years the disease really took hold of Babara, where her memory problems worsened.
Barbara first joined our Home Instead family back in 2021 for companionship visits, shared cups of tea, warm conversation, and the comfort of knowing someone was there.
Roger took some respite in the early days , where the focus was on friendship, laughter and making each day feel connected and meaningful.
Walking the Journey Together
At Home Instead, we take a pioneering approach to dementia care. Our unique programme, which is City & Guilds assured, is designed specifically for the home care environment. Developed with leading ageing experts, dementia specialists and key medical practitioners from around the world, it ensures your loved one receives the highest quality care tailored to their needs.
Our relationship-centred approach provides personalised care that:
- Helps your loved ones remain safe and calm at home
- Builds confidence and encourages engagement
- Provides nutritious meals and activities to encourage healthy eating
- Creates opportunities for social interaction
As dementia gradually changed the rhythm of Barbara’s life, her care evolved with her.
Roger says “As Barbara became unable to maintain her own high personal standards, the frequency of calls was increased to twice a day, morning and evening. This was necessary to keep Barbara comfortable”.
Dementia can affect many areas of a person’s life, so dementia care needs to address the health and wellbeing needs of the person living with the condition.
Towards the end of her life with dementia, Barbara needed support with eating; her Care Professionals ensured she received nutritious meals delivered with care, comfort, and dignity.
Supporting Dignity in the Final Stages
At Home Instead, we pride ourselves on consistency and routine; this helps the client to build trust and feel at ease. Our care calls are a minimum of one hour, which allows our Care Professionals to carry out care tasks properly and safely with more room for flexibility.
Roger shared some words that deeply touched us all:
“This message goes out to all who knew her and all the office staff that had to deal with a very demanding husband who was trying to give the very best to his poorly wife. You succeeded in providing me with the best of carers who never let me or my wife down. They all were very good at personal care and making a lasting friendship which still exists today.”
His devotion to Barbara was unwavering. His determination to give her the very best never faltered, and our Care Professionals supported him in being able to give her the best level of care she deserved.
He continued:
“My most sincere thanks to all at Home Instead Tamworth & Lichfield and I will always be grateful that you were a great helping hand to Barbara and myself which I will always remember with fondness.”
At Home Instead Tamworth & Lichfield, we often say that care is about more than support; it is about relationships. Barbara’s story is a testament to that. Through every stage of her journey, she was met with love, respect, and specialist dementia care that adapted as her needs changed.
One of Barbara Care Professional’s ; Charlotte, shared these lovely words :
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to support both Barbara and Roger. I truly enjoyed each and every call. I hope your wonderful memories together provide some comfort during this time , so sorry for your loss”.