For the past three years, Mike and his family have benefited from support through Crossroads’ Carers Breaks service, with Support Worker Debbie providing companionship, continuity and meaningful engagement tailored to Mike's interests.
Debbie first began visiting Mike at home, where he lived with his wife. Following her sad passing last year, Mike moved into a care home, but one thing remained constant: his relationship with Debbie. Recognising the positive impact her visits had made, Mike's family were keen for the support to continue, helping maintain a familiar connection during a significant period of change.
Today, Debbie still visits Mike regularly, and their time together is shaped by the things he enjoys most. From reading newspaper articles and discussing current events to planning what to watch on television, their visits are filled with conversation, laughter and companionship.
“Mike’s children wanted me to carry on visiting him at the care home he is in and they are very grateful. We quite often go in the garden where I read his book to him.”
When the weather allows, they often spend time in the garden together, enjoying the fresh air and a change of scenery. More recently, they worked on a creative project, making colourful tiled coasters while catching up and sharing stories.
While Carers Breaks services are often associated with giving unpaid carers time to rest and recharge, stories like Mike's show the wider impact that personalised support can have. Regular visits from a familiar Support Worker can help maintain routines, encourage engagement, reduce feelings of isolation and provide opportunities to continue enjoying meaningful activities.
Recently, Debbie and Mike made these beautiful tiled coasters, enjoying plenty of conversation and laughter along the way.
At Crossroads Caring for Life, we understand that quality care is about more than meeting practical needs. It's about getting to know the individual and building support around the things that matter to them. For one person, that might mean getting out into the community or attending a local group. For another, it could be gardening, creative activities, reading, reminiscing or simply enjoying a good conversation with a trusted companion.
Our Support Workers take a person-centred approach to every visit, tailoring activities to each individual's interests, abilities and goals. It's this focus on meaningful engagement, alongside our commitment to delivering high-quality care, that helps create positive experiences and lasting relationships.
For Mike, that has meant continuing to enjoy the activities he loves with someone who knows him well. For his family, it has provided reassurance that he remains connected, engaged and supported by a familiar face.
Sometimes it's the little things - a chat in the garden, a shared craft project or a favourite book - that make the biggest difference.
Different areas in Hertfordshire have different funding options for Carers Breaks. If you support somebody aged 18+ who lives in North Herts or Stevenage, you could be eligible for over 12 hours of free respite visits while you wait for an official Carer’s Assessment from the council through our Helping You Care service.
As a local not-for-profit charity, we rely on funding to help more families access vital respite, reduce isolation and avoid reaching crisis point. Donate today and help us to continue improving the lives of people like Mike.
