Home Instead (Bristol North)

I have the lasting power of attorney over a friend’s husband who had early dementia when she died suddenly. Her death was a shock and I was not prepared for all it entailed. Home Instead proved to be a friend in need to me as well as my friend’s husband. Their care increased as his dementia increased and they were there on the phone for me with advice if I had a problem. Two of the carers became like family. From my experience, I can thoroughly recommend them.

We are more than happy to recommend the services provided by Home Instead (Bristol North). In the six years we have been using them, their staff have consistently surprised us with the levels of professionalism and care shown, to the extent that at times, it's been like having another family member helping out. During a particularly difficult time recently, they were able to help out at extremely short notice, when we really were stretched - for which we were grateful. This is a well-run team of caring people and you get what you pay for - peace of mind and people going the extra mile. Thank you.

Due to the limited contact with my father, I had to rely on others and being able to access the carer visit reports through the app provided me with the reassurance that dad was ok, even if I could not contact him. The service provided was much more than personal care, popping down the road to top up groceries was just one of the extras provided. I was frequently amazed at how much the carers would achieve during their short visits.

Home Instead (Bristol North) provide my mother with excellent care throughout the care period. The care persons were very kind, understanding and supportive. We were very impressed with your company and the people who work for you.

Two ladies proved to be the most amazing and invaluable care providers, and I am more grateful than I can say to have had them as my lovely Mum's carers for the last two years of her life. They delivered fantastic detailed daily reports, giving me full confidence that she really was getting the best of care and her funny little ways were accommodated with such good humour. They've gone the extra mile again and again. My sincerest thanks to them both.

My late brother was 92 and had no children and no relatives near where he lived, so it was difficult for me living 100 miles away when he needed care. The Home Instead Bristol North was recommended to me and they were absolutely wonderful visiting 3 times per day and providing excellent care, shopping, housekeeping and everything my brother needed to enable him to fulfil his wish to spend his last days in his own home. They also went out of their way to report to me his progress so that I need not worry too much. Towards the end when my brother was no longer in their care, firstly in hospital and then at a final resting home they still visited him because they knew he would have little or no other visitors. Thank you, Home Instead. I will always be so grateful to you.

Through 2022 my husband's Alzheimer's impacted his abilities and behaviour. He was doing bizarre things and saying cruel things to me. Home Instead carers came once a week for two hours. Totally calm, competent and reliable. One carer played the Trumpet, encouraged by my husband on concertina. Great for both of them. Home Instead staff also supported me. If there was any delay in a carer being late, they phoned. I had several private talks with staff which were very helpful. I have had two heart attacks and suffer from anxiety. On 25th October when walking to the shops, I had pain which could have been due to heart. Had to sit in a cafe and get someone to phone for an ambulance, and phone home to our carer who phoned Home Instead who I knew would organise cover for his next client so that he could stay with my husband. That also happened in July 2022.

I have no hesitation in recommending Home Instead.

Home Instead provided companionship visits for my mum, which gave me a bit of a break from caring for her. We recently had to pause them, as she was finding the visits upsetting, but this is no reflection on the carers, she just doesn't like having visitors. Home Instead have always gone the extra mile in trying to comply with any reasonable request, and I would have no hesitation in using them again once her dementia advances to the point where she needs personal care.

Our mum was receiving care from Home Instead for quite a few years. Whilst living at home with dementia, initially, their visits were to provide companionship, chatting with Mum, looking at photos, making a drink or perhaps a sandwich, or going for a walk. Mum loved their visits as they engaged with her totally, listening to her stories about her life and generally acting more as a friend than a paid carer. As she deteriorated, they took on more responsibility, getting her up, getting breakfast and her medication. Always the central team made sure they accommodated the changes quickly and efficiently, ensuring required safeguards and checks were in place. This was exemplified when Mum went into hospital, and we found out she had cancer and not long to live. We brought Mum home, and again Home Instead were outstanding in their response to these changes. I cannot praise the whole team enough for their support of her and us in her last month; they were outstanding.

However, we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Home Instead if you are looking for a genuinely caring organisation.

My father in his 80s/90s, living alone, received care from Home Instead over a number of years. The care from start to finish (when he moved into residential care) was faultless. The staff provided support far beyond their remit, to ensure my father was not only catered for, but also entertained during their visits. They would provide any additional adhoc services asked, walking his dog, nipping to the shops or a dentist appointment with him when necessary. Having dropped in regularly on adhoc visits whilst they were present I always found the staff fully engaging with my father, having a laugh or joining him in completing a crossword. It is the sort of service you can only hope an elderly relative will receive. I felt safe in the knowledge that his care was being provided to the highest standard and he always commented on how lucky he was with his range of carers. In addition to this the support from the central team, to ensure that we were happy was also excellent.

Following a spell in hospital, my husband's needs increased significantly and try as they could, most disappointingly, Home Instead did not have the capacity to cope with our extra needs. Huge thanks to all of them.

We received at home care for several months from these lovely, caring and considerate people; I couldnt have asked for better care for my mum, she was well looked after and every want/need was completely fulfilled. If ever it is needed again then Home Instead would always be my first point of call!

I had been in hospital for 2 weeks for major surgery in February 2022. Unfortunately, I had to return 5 days after my discharge for a further week, so I was feeling weak and unable to do much for myself. I contacted Home Instead, who I had used for my husband's illness in 2020 and was very happy with their care and understanding of his needs. I had carers for 2 hours in the mornings, when they did general tasks for me and prepared refreshments and then l hour late afternoon. They were always on time, considerate, professional and helpful and it was lovely to have their companionship too. Those in the office were always professional and helpful and I have been very grateful for everyone's support by all those at Home Instead throughout the past year. Thank you all so much.

At times I had to cancel care due to unforseen Hospital appointments and anyone I spoke to on the phone was so helpful.In other words there is obviously a very happy team in the Office.

It was a real shame that we didn't find and start using Home Instead many months earlier, but in the 6-months we used them, they provided a great service.

In addition to their main task of personal care, they are willing to carry out minor household chores if they have time, and this is appreciated.

Excellent service provided for my mum. Carers are matched perfectly to cater for my mum's needs and requirements. The office staff are always helpful. My mum always looks forward to the carer's visits and is very pleased with the service.

The carers Mum has are all great - she really enjoys seeing them - and they are also good at feeding back issues to me where needed. It is really helpful for me to know that someone is keeping an eye on her when I am at work.