Starting the conversation about care with Home Instead Norwich

1. Start the conversation early and gradually

The ideal time to begin conversations about future care is well before any crisis arises. This allows family members to explore their loved one’s preferences without pressure, and it provides your loved one with time to process and consider options. However, if starting early isn’t possible, remember that sooner is always better than later, as it provides more time for thoughtful decisions. At Home Instead Norwich, our team has extensive experience in helping families approach these conversations with sensitivity and respect and we can offer guidance and support.

2. Focus on positive outcomes and personal goals

When discussing care, it’s helpful to talk about the goals you hope to achieve. Perhaps your loved one would like to stay at home, maintain their routines, stay connected with friends, or receive a little help with daily tasks around the house. By focusing on their preferences and how a care plan can enhance their lifestyle, the conversation becomes centred on meeting their needs and wishes. Our ClientExperience Manager Verity, and Client Experience Lead Amy, work with families to identify these goals during our initial consultations, ensuring every plan is uniquely suited to every individual’s preferences.

4. A client-centred care consultation

When you are ready to talk about home care services, Verity, our Client Experience Manager, and Amy, our Client Experience Lead, can involve a client’s lifestyle, preferences, and personality, allowing us to design a care package that feels natural and comfortable for everyone involved. 

We believe that care is most effective when everyone is aligned, so families can play an essential role in helping shape the details of the support provided. This approach allows everyone to feel actively engaged in decisions, and allows us to match our clients with a regular Care Professional who is a good fit in terms of personality, interests and more. 

4. Meet us in the community

We know that sometimes an informal chat can be the best way to get comfortable with care options. Home Instead Norwich hosts regular pop-up information events and community cafes, where you can meet our team in a relaxed setting, ask questions, and get a feel for how we work. These community events can provide the chance to have an open conversation about care, and they also allow you to meet us and get to know us too. 

5. Access resources and download our care guide

To support you in these initial conversations, we offer a downloadable Home Instead Care Conversation Guide. This guide covers the essentials, from what to expect in the consultation process to tips for addressing your loved one’s concerns. You can download the guide here, and use it as a reference to guide family discussions or as a resource to share with your loved one.