Our Guide to Care By Home Instead Epsom
Knowing where to start with care can be difficult to navigate. With Home Instead Epsom's step-by-step guide, it doesn't have to be.
As we watch our loved ones grow older, it’s natural that there will be changes to their behaviour or memory. Maybe they’ve started forgetting appointments or getting very anxious in the run-up to them, they may be struggling with daily tasks that were once simple, or they seem worried about going out alone. Perhaps they’re not eating as well as they used to or are avoiding trips to the shops.
These changes can point to something more significant, like dementia or cognitive declinelink to blog please. For families, this can be a worrying realisation, and it’s often hard to know what to do next. Do you wait and see if things improve? Do you bring it up with them?
The truth is, waiting for a crisis to happen is never the best option. By putting care in place early, you can maintain your loved one’s independence for longer and prevent situations where urgent action is required.
If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Many families face this moment, and that’s why Home Instead Epsom is here to offer support.
The Early Signs of Dementia to Watch For
Dementia is not a single disease but a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and daily functioning. The signs can appear gradually, but if you’re noticing changes like these, it may be time to consider seeking support:
- Memory loss – Forgetting recent events or conversations.
- Difficulty with daily tasks – Struggling with things like cooking, cleaning, or managing personal care.
- Getting lost or disoriented – Becoming unsure of where they are, even in familiar places.
- Language problems – Struggling to find the right words or repeating themselves frequently.
- Changes in mood or behaviour – Irritability, confusion, or anxiety when faced with change.
- Neglecting nutrition or hygiene – Forgetting to eat, struggling to prepare meals, or neglecting personal hygiene.
These signs aren’t always obvious, and it’s easy to brush them off as “just getting older.” But if these changes are affecting daily life, it’s time to have a conversation.
Don’t Wait For a Crisis – Take Action Early
One of the most common regrets families have is waiting too long to seek support. It’s only when things reach crisis point that families act, often in a moment of panic. But by taking action earlier, you can prevent those stressful situations.
When care is put in place early, your loved one can maintain a sense of control, independence, and dignity. They’ll have the support they need, but on their terms. Early intervention also gives you, as a family member, the chance to prepare, plan, and stay in control of the situation.
Home Instead Epsom can provide flexible care options that grow with your loved one’s needs. Whether it’s an extra pair of hands to help with daily tasks, companionship to reduce isolation, or more comprehensive support for dementia, we’re here to help.
How Home Instead Epsom Can Help
Every family’s situation is unique, and every person’s needs are different. That’s why we offer a range of personalised care options that can be adapted over time. Here’s how we can support you and your loved one:
- Companionship – For those who feel isolated or anxious, having a friendly face to visit regularly can lift their mood and provide much-needed human connection.
- Help Around the Home – Cleaning, tidying, and meal preparation can become difficult tasks for those with dementia. Our Care Professionals can assist with these daily responsibilities.
- Shopping Support – We can help your loved one with grocery shopping, whether that’s accompanying them on a trip to the shops or taking care of the shopping for them.
- Nutrition and Mealtime Assistance – If your loved one forgets to eat or finds it difficult to prepare meals, we can make sure they’re eating well, staying hydrated, and enjoying mealtimes.
- Dementia-Specific Care – Our Care Professionals are specially trained in dementia care. We understand how dementia affects memory, behaviour, and daily life, and we use this knowledge to provide compassionate, person-centred support.
Our goal is to keep your loved one safe, happy, and comfortable in the place they love most – their own home.
The First Call – What to Expect
Taking the first step is often the hardest. For many families, calling Home Instead Epsom feels like admitting you need help — and that can be a difficult moment. But the truth is, it’s a moment of strength, not weakness.
When you make that first call, you’re not committing to anything. It’s just a chance to have a conversation.
Here’s what happens when you call Home Instead Epsom:
- A Friendly Welcome – You’ll speak to a member of our team who understands what you’re going through. We’re not here to judge — we’re here to listen.
- We’ll Ask About Your Loved One – We’ll start with a simple question: “Tell us about your loved one.” We’ll ask about their daily life, the changes you’ve noticed, and any areas of concern.
- We’ll Answer Your Questions – You might have questions about how care works, how much it costs, and what the process involves. We’ll give you clear, honest answers.
- We’ll Email You the Information – Once we’ve spoken, we’ll follow up with an email that includes everything we discussed. This gives you time to review the information, share it with family, and think it over.
This first step isn’t about signing up for anything — it’s about exploring your options and understanding what’s possible.
What Happens After the Call?
If you decide you’d like to learn more, here’s what happens next:
- A Home Visit – One of our experienced Client Care Managers will visit your loved one’s home to carry out an informal assessment. This visit is friendly and relaxed — it’s all about getting to know your loved one and understanding what kind of support they need.
- A Personalised Care Plan – We’ll create a care plan that’s unique to your loved one, outlining the type of support they’ll receive and how often they’ll receive it.
- Matching with a Care Professional – We don’t just send any Care Professional. We make sure they’re a good match in terms of personality, interests, and skills.
- Ongoing Support and Communication – As your loved one’s needs change, our care can change too. You’ll have the peace of mind that support is always just a phone call away.
Why Families Choose Home Instead Epsom
For families facing dementia, having the right support can make all the difference. Research from the New Ageing Index and Oxford University found that:
- Some medical conditions can be cared for better at home than in hospital.
- 90% of caregivers believe that being cared for at home is the best option for their loved one.
At Home Instead Epsom, we’re here to help you find balance. You don’t have to do it all alone. Our flexible care options allow you to stay involved while sharing the responsibility of care with trained, compassionate professionals.
Why Take the First Step Now?
If you’re noticing signs of dementia in your loved one, the best thing you can do is act early. Support put in place early is far more effective than waiting for a crisis. By acting now, you’ll avoid sudden, stressful decisions later on.
You’ll also give your loved one the chance to be part of the process. They’ll have time to adjust, and you’ll have time to make informed choices together. No one should have to make life-changing decisions in a moment of crisis.
Take the First Step Today
We understand that picking up the phone can be difficult. But when you call Home Instead Epsom, you’ll be met with compassion, understanding, and expert guidance.
Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you explore what support might look like for your loved one. You’re not committing to anything — you’re simply starting the conversation.
If you’re ready to take the first step, call Home Instead Epsom today. Let us show you how early support can make all the difference.
Call us today to get started. Your loved one deserves it, and so do you.
