Let’s talk Home Care: Why it’s time to have ‘The Conversation’
Get ideas and tips from Home Instead Portsmouth on discussing home care with your loved ones living in and around Old Portsmouth, Southsea, Cosham, Drayton, and Farlington.
Starting a conversation about care at home can feel challenging, but at Home Instead Portsmouth, we see every day how open communication leads to the best outcomes for older adults in our community, and their families. We believe that true care is about connecting with people, not just providing services. By supporting honest, compassionate discussions, we help families feel confident and supported in their choices.
At Home Instead Portsmouth, we care about people, not just for them. In the words of one of our local clients’ daughters:
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you to you all for your kindness, help and unlimited patience. You’ve certainly helped to save our sanity on more than one occasion!”
This feedback from families inspires our approach every day.
It’s okay to seek support
Many older adults and families feel they should manage everything alone, but professional help can benefit everyone’s well-being. When you have additional support, it frees you from the weight of constant caregiving and allows you to focus on spending meaningful time together. Our Care Professionals visit you at home and bring compassion and companionship, creating a positive, supportive environment that benefits the whole family.
Start talking about home care early
We recommend starting the care conversation as early as possible, before a sudden need arises. Early conversations allow for calm, open discussion, giving everyone time to explore options together. When families take this proactive approach, it creates confidence, ensuring decisions reflect both practical needs and personal wishes. It also allows your loved one to feel more in control as you move forward.
Create a comfortable, private setting
Choosing the right environment can make a big difference in the quality of your conversation. Find a familiar, private place where your loved one feels at ease, and approach the conversation gently. At Home Instead Portsmouth, we’ve seen how a non-pressured setting helps everyone share openly. Framing home care as a way to stay well at home, and to add support, companionship, and independence can help everyone see the positive benefits of receiving some extra help.
Listen with patience and compassion
Listening is at the heart of any good conversation about home care. At Home Instead Portsmouth, we encourage family members to listen carefully, allowing their loved one to express their thoughts and concerns fully. Older adults may have fears about losing independence or privacy, or worry about being a burden. By listening patiently, you show that their feelings are respected, which builds trust.
We also suggest that families take a gradual approach, some conversations may happen over several discussions rather than in one sitting. This gives your loved one time to think and feel involved, helping them open up to the idea of home care as a supportive addition to their life.
Approach care at home as a partnership
At Home Instead Portsmouth, we have a conversation about care where each person is valued and heard. Involving your loved one in planning their own care is essential and brings a sense of partnership. Ask them what type of support they’d find most helpful. When we co-create a plan for home care, we discuss daily routines, favourite activities, interests and preferred types of support, so that some extra support fits into their lifestyle naturally. It’s this collaborative approach that really brings to life that we can improve someone’s life, with relationship-led care at home.
In fact, another local client recently shared with us, “The level of care, professionalism, and support from everyone throughout Home Instead is amazing!” It’s this focus on empathy and understanding that creates a positive, collaborative environment for each family we support.
Let’s start the conversation together
If you’re ready to begin the care conversation with a loved one, our team at Home Instead Portsmouth is here to help. We understand the importance of a compassionate approach and are ready to support you with resources, guidance, and a listening ear.
Get in touch with us today to tell us about you or your loved one. Call our team in Portsmouth on 023 9431 8319, or send us an enquiry form to arrange a no-obligation care consultation. Or for local job opportunities, apply online.