It is no surprise that Help@Home is one of Staywell’s most popular services. As we get older and day-to-day tasks seem to become a little trickier, most of us will need a helping hand around the house: be it cleaning, putting the washing on, or getting out for the weekly shop. But an oft-overlooked aspect to these regular visits is how they help us stay social with age.

Ninety-four-year-old Johanna, or ‘Josie’ as she’s known around Raleigh House, is one member of the Staywell community who knows the difference a good natter can make. We caught up with Josie one afternoon after she spent the day showing a friend around the day centre. ‘I used to go out and about everywhere,’ she says, adding: ‘but you do slow down when you’re 90’.

Now aged 94, Josie first came to Staywell in 2020 after she began struggling with her everyday household tasks, explaining: ‘Things just needed doing, but I couldn’t get it all done... I hadn’t the energy.' Following an unexpected operation, Josie recalls her son, Paul, telling the rest of her family, ‘This can’t go on, Mum does everything around here. You have to get help, Mum.' Josie agreed, contacting Staywell shortly after a friend recommended the Help@Home service. ‘I thought someone to come and help with the shopping would be good,’ says Josie. ‘That’s when I met Hayley, and she’s been with me all these years since.’

Lifeline

With support around the house from Hayley and her fellow team member Beverley, Josie found herself with more time and energy than before. She wasn’t alone – her family could see a change too. In the words of daughter Anne, ‘Enabling mum to get out more is so important as my sister, two brothers and I do not live locally. We know if we have any concerns we can ring Staywell and the staff are usually able to go around and check on Mum and Dad. Staywell gives us peace of mind and a lifeline for all of the family.’

Perhaps less expected was how much Ray, Josie’s husband and carer, also looks forward to the visits. ‘My Dad, who is a lovable but quite stubborn character, enjoys the Staywell people coming and is always on his best behaviour as he knows it gives him some respite since he is Mum's carer,’ explains Anne. These days, one of Josie's two weekly Help@Home visits includes a chat at a New Malden café before heading down the high street to the shops. She shares how Hayley and Beverly always ask about her days out at her church, and how both have met and come to know Ray and their four children over the years. The latter proved especially important to Josie. ‘You could never forget things like that, they’re so kind,’ she says.

Like many people who use Help@Home, Josie first came to the service for a helping hand around the house. But those helping hands quickly turned to familiar faces, and over five years have become one the highlights of her week. Summing up her Mum’s experience, Anne said: 'Over the years, the Staywell staff have become friends more than home helps. Mostly the same ladies come, and that is such a bonus as Mum and Dad both enjoy seeing Hayley and Beverly. They are hardworking and nothing is too much trouble – and they really do genuinely care.'

For Josie, that care has meant more time and energy for the things she enjoys most - seeing people, getting out and having a good natter - including with friends at Raleigh House day centre, which Josie joined in March this year.

And sometimes, that is exactly what helps people stay well.

Please visit Help@Home or speak to a member of our team on 020 8942 8256 to learn more.