Taking the First Step with Home Instead Sutton
Considering care for your loved ones can be a difficult decision. Here's Home Instead Sutton can help ease the transition.
A new year often gives us time to pause. This Christmas, you may have noticed that a loved one is struggling a little more than before. Maybe they’ve become more forgetful, are calling you more than usual — or not at all. They might feel more anxious about going out, have given up driving, or at risk of loneliness.
These small changes can feel like subtle shifts at first, but over time, they can signal a growing need for support. This can be a worrying realisation for family members, especially if you’re balancing your own life, work, and family responsibilities. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people at this stage find themselves in the role of a “carent” — a mid-life adult supporting an ageing parent.
It’s a role that can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Home Instead Sutton is here to help you take the first step. We know that getting started can feel like the hardest part, but our simple, step-by-step process is designed to make things as stress-free as possible.
Here’s what you can expect when you reach out to Home Instead Sutton.
Step 1: Reaching Out – The First Call
The first step is often the hardest — picking up the phone and making that call. It’s natural to feel unsure and perhaps a bit emotional, but you’re not committing to anything at this stage. It’s just a conversation.
When you call Home Instead Sutton, you’ll be greeted by a friendly member of our team. They’ll listen carefully as you tell them about your loved one. We’ll ask simple, thoughtful questions like, “Tell us about Mum,” or “How has Dad been managing at home?” This is your chance to share everything you’ve noticed — from changes in mood and memory to practical struggles like cooking, cleaning, or getting out and about.
Our role at this point is to listen, answer any questions you have, and offer guidance on what support might be most helpful. We’ll also explain how Home Instead works; from the types of care we offer to our pricing. Once the call is complete, we’ll send you an email summarising everything we discussed. You’ll have time to review it and share it with other family members if needed.
Step 2: Home Visit and Assessment
If you decide to move forward, the next step is a home visit. One of our experienced Client Care Managers will come to your loved one’s home to carry out a friendly, informal assessment. This is a chance for us to get to know them as a person — their interests, personality, and preferences — as well as their care needs.
Unlike many other providers, Home Instead prioritises person-centred care. That means we don’t just focus on what your loved one needs help with. We want to understand who they are so we can create a care experience that feels right for them.
During the visit, we’ll ask questions like:
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- Are there any activities you enjoy but find harder to do now?
- Is there anything that would make you feel more comfortable at home?
We’ll also consider practical factors, like the type of support they need (personal care, companionship, or help with household tasks) and how often they’d like a Care Professional to visit.
This visit is not a formal inspection. It’s a conversation. Our Client Care Managers are friendly, compassionate, and experienced in putting people at ease. Many of our team have personally been through what you are experiencing.
Step 3: Creating a Personalised Care Plan
Once we have a full picture of your loved one’s needs, we’ll create a personalised care plan. This plan outlines the type of support required, how often it’s needed, and any personal preferences your loved one has. Every element of the plan is tailored to them.
Our care plans are flexible too. If needs change, the plan can be adapted. We want to ensure your loved one always has the right level of support.
Step 4: Finding the Perfect Care Professional
At Home Instead, matching matters. We know that care is personal, so we go to great lengths to ensure the right Care Professional is matched with your loved one.
Here’s how it works:
- We look at your loved one’s personality, interests, culture and preferences.
- We identify Care Professionals on our team who share similar qualities and interests.
- We make sure they have the skills and training required to meet your loved one’s needs.
This careful matching process is one of the things that sets Home Instead apart. We’re not just sending someone to “do a job” — we’re introducing someone who will become a trusted, familiar presence in your loved one’s life.
Step 5: Care Begins – You’re Part of the Home Instead Family
Once the care plan is agreed and a Care Professional is chosen, the care begins. But this isn’t the end of the process — it’s just the beginning.
You and your loved one are now part of the Home Instead family. Our support doesn’t stop with the first visit. We’re here to offer guidance, check in on how things are going, and make any adjustments that are needed.
If your loved one’s needs change over time, we’ll be ready to adapt. Our care is flexible and responsive. We know that life can be unpredictable, and we’ll always do our best to provide care that evolves with your loved one.
Why Families Choose Home Instead Sutton
Every family’s situation is unique, but there’s one thing we hear time and time again — “I just want Mum to be happy at home.”
For most older adults, home is where they feel safest and happiest. In fact, the New Ageing Index found that 90% of family caregivers believe that caring for loved ones at home is the best option. But supporting a loved one at home isn’t always easy. Many carers find themselves juggling work and caregiving, and it takes a toll. 40% of family caregivers have had to give up their jobs to manage the responsibilities of care.
At Home Instead Sutton, we aim to relieve some of that pressure. Our approach allows families to stay involved while giving them the time and space they need for their own lives too. You’re not just handing over care responsibilities — you’re gaining a partner who will work with you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re ready to learn more, call us today. We’ll answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you understand your options. There’s no pressure, just a friendly, caring conversation.
Your loved one deserves to feel safe, happy, and supported at home. You deserve peace of mind. Take the first step with Home Instead Sutton today.
Call us now to get started.
