For families, carers and neighbours who look after an older loved one to stay safe and well, juggling work/studies/family life can have a negative emotional and physical impact.
These were the challenges that Maria's daughter was trying to manage. We share how home help support made a positive change to Maria and her daughter's lives and reduced their stress and anxiety.
Meet Maria...
Maria lives in Gateshead, in the family home where she and her late husband raised their daughter, cared for their two grandchildren and shared a lot of happiness. It is understandable that Maria feels her home is her sanctuary, it's a place where all her memories belong.
After becoming ill in April 2020, Maria started to find it difficult to manage at home and the isolation of the first lockdown was affecting her mental health. Her daughter was furloughed and could prepare meals, run errands and take care of the shopping and when bubbles were introduced, Maria's mental health improved by seeing her loved ones more regularly.
Things got too much…
On her return to work, Maria’s daughter continued to take care of her mums domestic tasks, shopping and errands on evenings and weekends. But she felt the quality time she was spending with her mum was becoming almost non-existent as she juggled caring for her mum, working full-time and looking after her own home and family.
Like many older people living alone with health conditions that affect mobility, her mum was now left on her own for much of the day. Both mum and daughter’s wellbeing began to suffer.
“I don’t want to me a burden on my daughter. Happy to Help Gateshead has eased pressure so that she can have her own life back, while it helps me to gain control of what happens.” Maria
A glimmer of light…
When a nurse suggested some help at home for Maria, she and her daughter both loved the idea.
Maria's daughter picked up the phone and spoke to Liz – the Home Help Coordinator at Happy to Help Gateshead.
A kind visitor…
A few days later, with a home help guide in hand, Liz arrived for a home visit with Maria and her daughter.
Liz quickly identified that retaining control is very important to Maria, and she wanted to carry on doing the jobs she could manage.
For Maria, this includes dusting and cleaning her kitchen benches.
Happy to Help Gateshead’s approach is exactly what Maria had hoped for, and Liz explained the home help plan that could be put together to fit in with Maria’s routine, needs and wishes, and look after the jobs that she’d like us to (with the flexibility to change this as often as she wishes!)
“I was very impressed with what Happy to Help Gateshead could offer. I knew that if the staff were half as compassionate as Liz was at the home assessment, then the service would be great.” Maria's Daughter
Maria and her daughter really liked that Happy to Help Gateshead are a local and community based organisation. Maria felt reassured after seeing the safety measures that Liz had in place for the home assessment, and thought having the same home help assistant each week was perfect.
The Weekly Visits Begin...
Just one week later, Maria’s weekly home help visits began.
“It was great having my first visit. I’m pleased to know that I’m having the same helper each week, and not chopping and changing. It went really well, and the PPE is great.” Maria
For an hour and a half each week, Maria's home is made clean and tidy, her shopping is brought to her home and put away, dates of perishable food are checked for safety, and there is lots of laughter and companionship while the tasks were being carried out.
“It’s like you’ve waved a magic wand bringing my helper into my life.” Maria
Liz always knows which of the home help assistants will be a perfect match for clients, and Maria and her home help assistant hit it off straight away. So much so, Maria has added a second weekly visit to the week, but instead of a home help visit, she opted for a social care visit.
“My home help worker is great. She’d do anything for me. I wish I’d had your help years ago. The service is definitely well named as Happy to Help Gateshead.” Maria
A weight lifted...
Maria and her daughter often share with us how the decision to have a home help service has improved their lives. Maria has company she enjoys, and her cherished home is safe and clean for her to continue to live there independently, whilst her daughter is now able to feel confident that her mum is cared for with a regular visitor during the day, whilst easing the pressure by taking care of the domestic tasks. Most importantly, she has gained back the quality time with her mam that they both were missing.
“The empathy and care shown by Happy to Help Gateshead is of the highest standard and we are very grateful to Liz and the rest of the team. It’s such a massive weight off the family knowing you’re going in and my mam’s home help has quickly become a welcome visitor and a real friend.” Maria's Daughter
Looking for Help at Home for yourself or a loved one?
Everyone is different, that’s why Happy to Help Gateshead create home help plans that suit the needs of each client. Whatever you need, we’ll create a visit that keeps on doing what you need to live in safety and comfort in your own home.
If you found this blog helpful, check out some of our other articles:
Comments