When Kerry, Care Manager Bright Care Perthshire first met our client Sylvia, she was in the secure unit of a care home. Sylvia was despondent and unhappy and her family were concerned for her emotional wellbeing. Her granddaughter Kirsty took the decision to move her back to her own home and employ Bright Care to provide live-in care. Since moving into her own home, Sylvia has a new lease of life. With the support of her Carer, Sylvia enjoys activities like going out on walks, swimming and shopping. We spoke to Kerry and Kirsty about their experience of moving Sylvia from a care home and back into her own home.
Kerry, Care Manager, Bright Care Perthshire:
Could you tell us about when Kirsty first got in touch with Bright Care and what her concerns about Sylvia were?
Kirsty called the Perth office to ask about how live-in care with Bright Care worked. After a few conversations and a face to face meeting Kirsty shared lots of information about Sylvia’s life, personality and the struggles Sylvia was having in the care home. At this time Sylvia was in the secure unit in a care home near to her granddaughter and Kirsty felt that Sylvia’s needs were not being met. At the end of the phone call myself and Kirsty were very positive about being able to put a package of care in place to support Sylvia.
When you first met Sylvia in the care home, can you describe her emotional and physical wellbeing?
I met with Sylvia in her room at the care home. When we arrived Sylvia was very agitated, confused, repetitive and quite down, she was very upset that she couldn’t see her dog Amber anymore (Kirsty had taken Amber on full time). Kirsty arranged for us to go out and have a walk around the grounds. Instantly Sylvia settled down, her personality shone through, she enjoyed getting outside, no mobility issues, Sylvia was light on her feet and very engaging with the conversation. It was a pleasure to see.
What care planning and logistical steps did you put in place to ensure Sylvia’s transition from the care home into her own home was straightforward?
Working with Kirsty, and Sylvia’s Community Mental Health team who had been working with Sylvia throughout her time at the care home, we put together a very structured and comprehensive care plan i.e. matching the carer with Sylvia, supporting Sylvia to stay physically and mentally active to reduce restlessness, understanding repetitive behaviours and short term memory loss, putting detailed plans in place to support Sylvia and the carers visiting. Together we looked at Sylvia’s home and put risk assessments in place to make sure Sylvia’s home was safe and secure for her and the carers.
What steps did the Bright Care team take to ensure Sylvia settled into her new surroundings and routine well?
Myself and the carers worked very closely with Kirsty and Sylvia’s Mental Health Team, keeping the lines of communication open, addressing any issues that came up promptly. Kirsty put lots of Sylvia’s personal things that she brought from her old home to make things more familiar.
What difference have you seen in Syliva’s quality of life since she moved into her own home?
It is now amazing to see the difference in Sylvia’s zest for life, personality and relationships she has built with all the carers and the office team, Sylvia often pops into the Perth office with her carer for a coffee and cake, she also enjoys daily walks, swimming, and going out on regular adventures to animal parks. She has visits from her dog Amber 3 times a week, Sylvia really enjoys these visits. She takes pride in her new home, assisting the carers to keep it clean and tidy, preparing meals and spending time in her garden.
Kirsty, Sylvia’s granddaughter:
I cannot recommend Arlene Horsburgh enough for her outstanding dedication and care. Arlene consistently goes above and beyond to ensure my Nan feels safe, supported, and genuinely happy. She has taken the time to understand what Nan truly enjoys, thoughtfully encouraging activities such as swimming that bring her real joy. The laughter we hear when Nan and Arlene go out together and when they return speaks volumes about the positive, trusting relationship Arlene has built. Her compassion, patience, and commitment make a meaningful difference in my Nan’s life.
Sylvia and Kirsty’s story really shows the positive impact live-in care can make to emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Moving out of the care home and into her own home has given Sylvia a new lease of life. If your family is deciding between a care home setting and in-home care, we hope Sylivia’s positive will help with your decision.
Why choose Bright Care
At Bright Care we value our staff and invest heavily in them so you can feel confident that your loved one is in safe hands. We offer companionship style care that focuses on building meaningful relationships and establishing trust. Our tailored in-home care services provide peace of mind for families who cannot always be there to care for their loved ones.
If you would like to know more about the companionship care services we offer to those in their later years, please get in touch with our team today.
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.
