How to maintain your independence at home

What springs to your mind when you think of a carer? It's likely to be a traditional care role, assisting with meals, medication and personal care, so it may surprise you to hear the other daily activities that carers can assist you with. It is certainly worth doing some research and finding the right care package for you. 

We spoke to Sonia France, a local independent carer, to find out her views. She told us: "Getting older can be lonely, and a regular carer often becomes a really important part of somebody's routine. We become familiar, very much like family.

"As I get a bit older as well, I can empathise even more with my service users and I find that gives us a really good connection. Those who rely on my care want to build a trusting relationship, and I bring my bubbly personality with me to every job."

As an independent carer, Sonia is able to offer extra time per service user, which can be invaluable to them. She can provide services such as pet care, shopping, cleaning and, essentially, her time and company for those who really need it. 

Sonia added: "Having support from a carer gives people the independence they need; the opportunity to stay in their home and be cared for in their own familiar surroundings. If a pet is part of their family and they need support, then I can assist them with pet care as well. Every service user will have different care needs in order to enable them to continue to live independently."

Sonia covers the Okehampton to Pathfinder areas: Stiklepath, Tedburn St. Mary, Cheriton Bishop, Crockenwell and the surrounding area. If you are looking into care options and would like to find out more about her availability and the services she can offer, you can reach her on 07896226546 for an informal chat.