D is 96 and still living independently in the home he loves. He has always been an active and engaged person, first as a PE and drama teacher, and later as a magistrate in the Family Courts. Routine, conversation and keeping both his mind and body busy have always been important to him. He lives alone, with his daughters visiting as often as they can.
Over time, mornings started to become harder work. Although D was still managing on his own, getting washed, dressed and ready for the day was leaving him feeling exhausted and a little low. Loneliness was creeping in too and his daughter began to worry about his overall well-being, especially as she noticed he wasn’t always changing his clothes as regularly as he should.
Like many people, D was understandably reluctant to accept care. For several months he resisted the idea, worried that having carers involved would mean losing his independence. A relaxed, no-pressure meeting helped to ease these concerns, reassuring him that support would be there to protect his independence, not take it away. With this reassurance, D agreed to try four morning visits a week to help him start the day feeling brighter and more energised.
D was clear about what he wanted. He didn’t want to feel worn out before the day had even begun. He wanted to feel safe in the mornings, enjoy his breakfast, have his medication overseen, keep control of his routine and just as importantly, have someone to talk to.
Morning visits quickly became about more than practical support. Carers helped with making the bed, light household tasks, preparing breakfast exactly how D liked it and overseeing his medication. Just as valuable, though, was the time spent chatting, listening and building a genuine connection.
As trust grew, carers were able to gently encourage regular clothing changes and offer support with laundry. D’s care plan reflected his personal preferences in detail, including his specific breakfast routine and this consistency helped him feel respected, comfortable and in control.
The impact was almost immediate. D’s mood lifted and his energy returned. He started using his treadmill again every day, improving both his mobility and confidence. Social interaction became part of his daily routine, rather than something he felt he was missing.
After just one week, D chose to increase his care.
His daughter shared:
“After only one week under the care of Sue, Dad has decided he would like to increase his days and add Saturday mornings at 7am!! I am giggling to myself thinking how long this has taken to persuade Dad to have any form of help and as suspected it’s been a huge success AND he’s adapted within a day AND eager to increase! Fickle!”
D has since increased to seven mornings a week and is now considering adding lunchtime and evening visits.
The reassurance this has given D’s daughters has been significant. Knowing someone is checking in every day has eased anxiety and taken pressure off the family.
One daughter said:
“Thank you for all your amazing support, it’s reduced the stress immensely for all of us.”
Another shared:
“Do go ahead and book a day with Dad and if I’m able I’ll be there, but we’re both so happy with your care I don’t feel there’s anything that I personally need to discuss (apart from thank you).”
She added:
“Dad will love having you over and he is extremely happy with everything.”
Today, D is noticeably happier and has more energy. His mood has improved, he feels confident that his medication is being taken correctly and he enjoys daily social interaction. The initial impact of regular contact was described by the family as enormous.
Most importantly, D feels empowered to continue living safely and happily in his own home. The worry about potentially needing to move into a care home has lifted.
This case highlights how the right care, delivered with warmth, consistency and genuine human connection, can make a meaningful difference. Often, it’s the small things that matter most, a familiar face, a friendly conversation and support that helps someone stay independent rather than taking control away.
Positive feedback from this case has been shared with the carers involved and D’s care continues to be reviewed and adapted as his needs evolve.
CQC KLOEs demonstrated:
- Safe
- Effective
- Caring
- Responsive
- Well-led
