Families across the West Country are being encouraged to use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to begin conversations about future care and support for loved ones.
Home care provider Helping Hands Home Care says many families delay discussing care options until circumstances suddenly change, which can make decisions more stressful and rushed.
The organisation, which operates 14 branches across the region including Bath, Bristol, Calne and Cheltenham, currently provides in-home care to more than 15,000 people across England and Wales.
Starting the Conversation Earlier
To coincide with Mother’s Day on 15 March, Helping Hands has published a guide titled “Starting the care conversation”, aimed at helping families feel more confident when raising the topic of additional support.
The guide encourages families to start thinking about care earlier rather than waiting until a crisis point.
Mother’s Day gatherings can often provide a natural moment for families to check in and notice how loved ones are managing at home.
Signs Someone May Need Extra Help
According to the organisation, some signs that a person may benefit from additional support at home can include:
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Difficulty cooking meals or keeping the house tidy
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Missing medication or forgetting appointments
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Becoming more isolated
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Changes in appetite, mood or confidence
Recognising these changes early can help families explore support options before everyday challenges become more serious.
Advice on Approaching the Topic
The guide also includes advice from Helping Hands’ care specialists on how to approach sensitive discussions.
They recommend:
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Choosing a calm, private moment to talk
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Keeping the conversation open and collaborative
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Focusing on maintaining independence
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Introducing support gradually rather than suddenly
Cheryl Douglas, Head of Quality at Helping Hands Home Care, said Mother’s Day can be an important opportunity to check in with loved ones.
“Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the important role mums, grandmothers and guardians play in our lives, but it can also be an opportunity to pause and check in on how they are really doing day to day,” she said.
“Conversations about support are rarely easy, particularly when someone has always been independent. However, starting those discussions early can help families feel more prepared and ensure loved ones remain living well at home for longer.”
She added that many families say they wish they had talked about care sooner.
“Planning ahead allows everyone to explore options calmly, understand what support might look like and make decisions together rather than during a stressful situation.”
