At Access Care, we're proud to have provided 30 years of live-in care services, and as part of our anniversary, we’ve taken the opportunity to meet with some of our wonderful clients in person. Recently, Jo and Lou from our team visited Bridget, a long-term client, and her daughter Sarah to chat about their experience with live-in care and how it’s impacted their lives.
A Personal Approach to Live-in Care
Bridget has been receiving live-in care for some time, and while she acknowledges the support is important, she admits it hasn’t always been easy to adapt. “It’s not easy for either of us,” Bridget told us, referring to her and the carers. “Most of them have been fine, but I like to stick to my routine.”
Bridget enjoys her independence and likes to keep things in order, a trait her daughter Sarah affectionately describes as being “quite OCD.” Whether it’s the way the forks are placed in the dish drainer or the hours she keeps, Bridget likes things a certain way. This attention to detail can sometimes be challenging for carers, but it’s also part of what makes Bridget unique.
Striking the Right Balance
The key to Bridget’s care lies in balancing her need for independence with the right level of support. Bridget herself doesn’t feel she requires much help, though Sarah gently reminds her that cooking and managing her medications are essential areas where her carer steps in.
Fran, her current carer, has made a particularly positive impression. "We are very, very happy with Fran," Sarah shared. Fran takes pride in preparing fresh meals each week, something that’s important to Bridget. While Bridget admits she sometimes worries the carers might find their days dull, Sarah reassures her, noting that many carers are comfortable with the quiet, rural setting where Bridget lives.
A Routine Built on Comfort and Familiarity
One of the standout aspects of Bridget’s daily life is her carefully maintained routine. She enjoys doing puzzles in the morning, reading during lunch, and sticking to activities that bring her joy and mental stimulation. Bridget, once an international Scrabble player, has shared her love for the game with some carers, though she admits she doesn’t play too often now — partly because she’s bound to win!
While Bridget doesn’t venture outside much, preferring to stay indoors due to her compromised immune system, she loves having the door open to let in fresh air. A friendly cleaner visits regularly, helping with household chores and taking Bridget to her appointments, adding another layer of support and companionship to her life.
The Impact of Live-in Care on Family Life
Sarah and her sister Janet, both retired, have noticed the significant impact live-in care has had on their lives. “It’s still quite an effort, but a huge relief," Sarah shared. With live-in carers like Fran around, the family doesn't have to worry as much about day-to-day tasks. Sarah and Janet now take turns visiting every couple of months, allowing them to enjoy more quality time with Bridget rather than focusing on caregiving responsibilities.
The Importance of Quality Care
As Jo and Lou explained during their visit, Access Care ensures all our carers go through rigorous training and checks, including background verifications like DBS checks and references. While Access Care doesn’t conduct training in-house, we work closely with carers to provide ongoing support. Sarah was particularly impressed by this level of preparation and support, commenting, “I have to say, the quality of your training sounds really good.”
Moving Forward with Confidence
As Access Care continues to evolve and support more clients, it’s visits like these that remind us of the profound difference live-in care can make. For Bridget, the combination of familiarity, independence, and just the right amount of support has allowed her to continue living life on her own terms.
We're grateful to clients like Bridget and families like Sarah's for trusting us with their care, and we look forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of service for many years to come.
Are you interested in learning more about live-in care or the services we offer? Feel free to get in touch with Access Care by calling our friendly consultants on 01264 319 399 — we're here to help make life more comfortable and fulfilling for you and your loved ones.
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