Ashridge Home Care provided live in care to enable Mrs. JB, a respected and deeply rooted member of her village, to remain in her own home following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. A woman who had dedicated years to supporting her community, her Power of Attorney sought a solution that would preserve her independence and connection to her familiar surroundings. Live-in care emerged as the central strategy to achieve this, ensuring an end-of-life at home in cherished surroundings.
From the outset, the focus was on establishing a consistent and supportive presence within Mrs. JB’s home. A dedicated live-in carer became a constant, building a strong foundation of trust and familiarity. This continuous support allowed for a deep understanding of Mrs. JB’s routines, preferences, and evolving needs, providing a level of personalised care that part-time visits could not replicate.
Maintaining Community and Family Connections
Maintaining Mrs. JB’s connection to her community remained a priority. The live-in carer facilitated her continued engagement with the outside world, including regular visits to her local day centre. While her active participation fluctuated, the simple act of the journey, the greetings from familiar faces like the bus driver, and the social interaction provided invaluable stimulation and a sense of belonging. This consistent support ensured these vital links were maintained for as long as possible.
Across continents, Mrs. JB’s son in the USA remained closely connected through nightly WhatsApp and Teams calls. These virtual interactions became a vital anchor in Mrs. JB’s day. For the live-in carer, these calls provided crucial insights into Mrs. JB’s history, preferences, and emotional state, further personalising the care provided. When Mrs. JB experienced moments of hesitation or confusion regarding her care, the live-in carer could often provide reassurance by referencing her son’s calls and their shared connection.
Working with Family and Adult Social Care
Mrs. JB’s firm desire to remain at home was the guiding principle of her care plan that was carefully crafted and continually reviewed by the care team at Ashridge Home Care. When external suggestions arose regarding a care home in 2021, the commitment to her wishes was unwavering. The Ashridge team worked closely with her son to develop a comprehensive live-in care plan that addressed her increasing needs while respecting her autonomy. Collaboration with Adult Social Care ensured the necessary direct payments were in place to sustain this level of continuous, dedicated support within her own residence.
Live-in care enabled Mrs JB to spend her final days in the place she loved, surrounded by the memories and rhythms of her own life.
A Comforting, Consistent Presence at End-of-Life
The consistent presence of a live-in carer allowed Mrs. JB to maintain as much independence as possible within her familiar environment. Her cherished daily walks to the village shop continued until the final six months of her life, a testament to the stability and support provided by having someone present to ensure her safety and well-being.
In late 2024, as her health declined more rapidly following a chest infection, the flexibility of live-in care proved invaluable. The level of support was seamlessly adjusted, with the live-in carer providing increasingly intensive care and coordinating closely with medical professionals. By January 2025, as Mrs. JB neared the end of her life, the constant presence of her carer ensured her comfort and dignity were prioritised.
The continuous presence of the live-in carer ensured her physical and emotional needs were met with sensitivity and compassion.
In her final moments, her live-in carer played Neil Diamond, her favourite musician, creating a peaceful and familiar atmosphere. Her son found comfort in knowing she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by familiar sounds and the unwavering support of her carer.
Just before her 90th birthday, Mrs. JB passed away peacefully in her own home, a testament to the benefit of live-in care in enabling end-of-life within cherished surroundings and to spend her final days in the place she loved, surrounded by the memories and rhythms of her own life.
