Returning home after a hospital stay can be challenging, especially for older adults who may need additional support. Loss of confidence, limited mobility, adjusting to new medications or procedures, and managing pain are just some of the difficulties they may face. For some families, arranging home care after a hospital stay can help with the transition and provide reassurance that their loved ones are safe and well cared for.
We spoke to Lady Louisa and her mother, Lady Moray, about their decision to employ Bright Care to provide in-home senior care after surgery. Natalie and the team in Stirling have continued to support Lady Moray since the surgery, providing peace of mind for the whole family.
Lady Louisa
Could you tell us a bit about your mum and how you decided to employ Bright Care to support her?
Last year we found out that my mother had bowel cancer and needed an operation to remove a tumour; then aged 88, my brother and I felt that we definitely needed a carer to come and help post-surgery, and after a recommendation from my cousin who had happily used Bright Care for her own parents for several years, I got in touch with Natalie.
What was your experience with the setup process?
Natalie came to visit us pre-surgery and was thorough, helpful and reassuring that Bright Care would be able to provide what we needed; it was a very stressful time for us, neither did we really know what we would need, and Natalie was great throughout this anxious period.
What impact has having live-in carers had on your mum’s life?
Whilst initially reluctant to accept that the carers were here to stay, my mother always appreciated what the carers did (and do) for her; they have made adapting to her new life with a stoma easier, and they have taken up the slack in many little things that were getting harder as she gets older, like making appointments, keeping an eye on her diary, driving her around (we have asked her not to drive anymore, very hard for her), and trying to let her keep her independence as much as possible.
What impact has employing Bright Care for your mum had on your life?
It’s good for my brother and me to know that our mother has someone with her almost all the time; she lives alone in a large house (with a caretaker in a separate part of the house, not within earshot), and we were both getting increasingly anxious about this, however she is fiercely independent and wouldn’t entertain the idea of a companion. This was forced on her with the advent of her cancer, and now, after some resistance, she has realised that it is a good thing. I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that we have peace of mind.
Would you recommend Bright Care to others?
In a word, yes; and have already done so.
Lady Moray:
How did you feel when your daughter suggested employing carers to support you for your return from hospital?
I thought it was a good idea.
How did the carers support you when you were discharged from the hospital?
They helped with my bathing, and it was nice to know that they could be called during the night if I needed help, also getting used to the stoma and a comfort to know that they were there to be called on should I need them.
Could you describe the transition to live-in care and what kind of assistance your carers provide for you?
It happened pretty seamlessly; basically I don’t need much help now, apart from washing, but it’s nice to know that I’ve got it if I need it.
What impact has having live-in care had on your life?
Very helpful, under what could have been difficult circumstances.
Would you recommend Bright Care to others?
Yes, Bright Care is efficient and is able to provide alternative cover at the drop of a hat.
Employing Bright Care to provide senior care brought peace of mind to Lady Moray’s family when she required home care after a hospital stay. While initially hesitant, Lady Moray soon came to appreciate the support of the Care Assistants who helped her adjust to life with a stoma and assist with daily tasks. Lady Moray now has live-in Carers who provide ongoing support and enables Lady Moray to maintain her independence and continue living in the comfort of her family home.
Why choose Bright Care
Bright Care can provide in-home care and companionship for elderly loved ones. We focus on building meaningful relationships with our clients and are there to offer practical home help services and emotional support. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
We are recruiting exceptional Care Assistants in the South East of England and Scotland. If you are interested in a rewarding career in care, please apply now.
