taking the first steps towards care - a care in Kent care coordinator visits sarah and mum - how to talk to parents about care

Taking the First Step Towards Care

Sarah’s Story continued, find part 1 here.

After weeks of worrying, sleepless nights, and constant calls with her brother James, Sarah finally reached a turning point.

when mum needs help - Sarah making phone calls to discuss care options with her brother

She realised she couldn’t keep putting off the conversation — that gentle, awkward, potentially emotional conversation that so many adult children dread: the one where you tell your parent they might need help.

It wasn’t just the stairs incident, or the fact Mum had forgotten her prescription for the third time. It was the slow decline in confidence, the withdrawal from things she once loved, and the sheer effort it now seemed to take for her to keep up appearances.

Sarah knew it was time to take those first steps towards care — but how do you bring it up without sounding like you’re taking control away from someone who’s always been so independent?

Broaching the Subject with Mum

Sarah approached the conversation with care, keeping it casual and warm. She waited until they were having a cup of tea — Mum in her favourite chair, telly on in the background — and said gently:

“I’ve noticed things have been a bit harder lately… how are you really feeling, Mum?”

To her surprise, Mum didn’t snap or get defensive. Instead, she gave a tired smile and said, “I suppose I’m not as quick as I used to be.”

It opened the door.

They talked about how hard it had been for Mum since Dad passed, how the house felt bigger, the garden more overgrown, the weekly shop more daunting. And how she hated asking Sarah for help, even though she needed it more and more.

Sarah didn’t rush in with a solution. She simply listened.

Later that evening, Sarah messaged James: “I think we can start looking at care options — she’s open to talking about it.”

Researching Home Care Options

Sarah and James knew one thing for sure: Mum wasn’t ready to leave her home. And honestly, they didn’t want that for her either.

Residential care felt too big, too soon.

That’s when Sarah stumbled upon Care in Kent. It wasn’t just the professional services or glowing reviews — it was the tone of the website. It didn’t scream “care home,” it gently said, “We’re here when you’re ready.”

She clicked through to the Domiciliary Care section and found a page that felt like it was written just for families like hers — people who were walking the line between worry and love, trying to do the right thing without upsetting the balance.

She liked that Care in Kent offered:

  • Personalised care plans tailored to the individual
  • Help with daily tasks, like shopping and preparing meals
  • Companionship visits to tackle loneliness
  • Flexible visits — from short daily check-ins to longer stays

Most of all, it didn’t feel like they were giving up control — more like they were getting a helping hand.

Discussing It as a Family

Next came the family meeting — Mum, Sarah, James, and even Caroline dialled in via video call.

Sarah had done her research and brought printed information from Care in Kent. She framed it not as “getting care” but as “getting a bit of help — just enough to make things easier.”

To her relief, Mum didn’t say no. She asked questions, of course: “Will I still be able to go to my garden club?” “Do I have to commit to anything long-term?” “Will it always be the same person visiting?”

Sarah was glad she had answers. She reassured Mum that Care in Kent prided themselves on consistency, flexibility, and supporting people to live the lives they want — in their own homes.

Mum said she’d think about it.

It wasn’t a yes, but it wasn’t a no either. It was progress.

From Research to Reality

Over the next week, Sarah had a phone call with a care coordinator. She was amazed at how kind and down-to-earth they were. No jargon, no pressure — just a gentle chat about Mum, her routines, and what help might make the biggest difference.

They booked a no-obligation home visit.

Sarah felt hopeful for the first time in months.

taking the first steps towards care - a care in Kent care coordinator visits sarah and mum

Sound Famaliar? Is it time to have the conversation?


If you’re starting to worry about someone you love but aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help. At Care in Kent, we understand how difficult that first step can be — and we’ll walk it with you.

📞 Call us today to book a friendly, care consultation.

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