Ashridge Home Care

Visiting care need not be intrusive and is a great option for those needing a little helping hand.

Having a fall or accident which results in a hospital visit is an unfortunate yet all too normal occurrence. Falls and fractures are a common and serious health issue faced by many and can cause families a huge amount of stress, not only worrying about the accident but arranging work and family life in order to help their loved one. Visiting care is an affordable option and can be arranged at short notice locally.

Annabel with one of her clients

A visiting carer can be of use in many situations, it needn’t be an emergency. Many couples look after each other into old age whilst one partner becomes frailer and in more urgent need of help, the other finds their life curtailed and caring for someone 24 hours a day can be very tiring. Annabel is a Tring based yoga teacher who works with Ashridge Home Care as a visiting carer to a lovely couple in Wendover. Sadly, the lady is in advanced stages of dementia and friends and family noticed that her doting husband was unable to do any of the things he loved by himself anymore. He is 100% devoted to his wife but after some persuasion, and meeting Annabel, he now spends a couple of hours each week taking some much needed time for himself, simply walking into town or getting some fresh air, whilst Annabel stays with Barbara.

“The first time I met the couple, we chatted for ages and Terry gave me lots of background on their life together so now when he goes out, I can chat to Barbara about her past and she is comfortable that I’m someone she can trust. Barbara loves music. The first time I met them Terry played the piano and Barbara’s face immediately lifted and her happiness was evident. So now I always take my Bluetooth speaker and we have music on in the background whilst we have a cup of tea together and he goes out for a little break,” says Annabel. She continues: “As her life is very sedentary I try and introduce some gentle stretches whilst we are moving around to get her joints moving. Every little helps and doing even some gentle stretches can make a big difference.”

Annabel also looks after a couple in Chesham who were unfortunate enough to both have had hospital visits leaving them unable to cope with day to day tasks at home easily anymore. Like so often is the case, they don’t have family nearby anymore, so a visiting carer was the ideal option. Annabel visits two or three times a week to help them get to hospital and doctor appointments and make sure they are able to get some fresh air. She commented: “They are a lovely sociable couple and we always have a good natter whilst I ensure the house is clean and they are up-to-date with shopping. One day we might go out for a little walk if the sun is out, or I just make sure everything is tidy and in order, do some light housework and some washing, but we always talk and have fun together. They are a fantastic couple and I love to spend time with them. Being a carer is very rewarding and very flexible.”

For further information about visiting and companionship carers please call Ashridge Home Care on 01494 917344 or visit www.ashridgehomecare. co.uk to see the choices available.