When Margaret’s husband passed away, her world grew a little quieter. The familiar rhythm of companionship had gone, leaving behind long stretches of silence in their once lively home. Our care team, who had previously supported her husband, continued to visit Margaret each day, providing three short domiciliary care calls. These moments of support were gentle and kind, yet between visits, Margaret often found herself alone, the hours stretching long, the rooms still.
Margaret, living with Alzheimer’s disease, needed more than routine care; she needed comfort, connection and opportunities to rediscover the spark that made her smile. Her family visited as often as they could, but they worried about her being isolated and withdrawn for much of the week.
Recognising Margaret’s Needs
It was during these daily visits that our care team began to notice subtle changes. Margaret would sometimes look wistfully out of the window, her eyes lingering on the world beyond her doorstep. She enjoyed chatting with her carers but often spoke about the days she used to spend out and about with her husband. It became clear that Margaret longed for meaningful engagement, for a reason to get dressed up in the morning, to laugh and to share her stories.
Our team recognised that supporting Margaret’s wellbeing meant going beyond the essentials of physical care. It meant nurturing her sense of purpose and belonging. Guided by our person-centred approach, we began to explore opportunities that would reconnect her to her community and bring joy back into her days.
Taking Action Together
The care team researched local dementia-friendly initiatives and soon discovered the Time Out Dementia Hub, a welcoming community space offering structured activities, companionship and freshly prepared meals. Before making any arrangements, we sat down with Margaret and her family to talk about what mattered most to her.
Margaret’s eyes lit up at the idea of meeting new people and joining in with activities. She especially liked the thought of enjoying a nice lunch and a good chat. With her consent and the support of her family, we worked with social services to secure funding for her to attend.
To make the transition as comfortable as possible, one of her carers accompanied Margaret on her first visit. The team also adjusted her care schedule to ensure she could attend without disrupting her daily routine. Everything was arranged with Margaret’s comfort and confidence in mind.
A New Chapter for Margaret
Now, twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, Margaret steps out of her home with a renewed sense of purpose. At the hub, she joins in with singing sessions, gentle activities and friendly conversations. She enjoys the delicious lunches prepared fresh each day and delights in the company of others who share her experiences.
Her carers often describe how her laughter fills the room and how she returns home with a spring in her step. She eagerly recounts her day to her family, sharing little details about the people she’s met and the fun she’s had.
The Difference It Has Made
The transformation in Margaret has been remarkable. Her family have noticed that she seems brighter, more confident and happier. The loneliness that once clouded her days has lifted, replaced by a sense of belonging and fulfilment.
For her family, there is comfort in knowing that Margaret is not only safe but thriving, surrounded by kindness, laughter and meaningful connection.
This experience has also reinforced our team’s belief in the power of person-centred care. By truly listening to Margaret, understanding her story and working collaboratively with her family and local services, we helped her rediscover joy and purpose.
Margaret’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when care extends beyond tasks, when it becomes about heart, humanity and hope.
