Home Instead - Shoreham, Petts Wood & Longfield

19/01/2026

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is a chance to pause, share awareness, and talk about how cervical screening helps protect long term health.

Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, a very common virus that most people come into contact with at some point. Screening now checks for HPV first, helping to spot risk early and prevent cervical cancer before it develops. For most people, results are reassuring, and for a small number, early follow ups help keep them safe and well.

If you are invited for a smear test, attending is one of the simplest ways to look after your health. For information and support, visit https://ukcervicalcancer.org.uk/.

Taking care of yourself helps you stay well for the people who matter most 💚

18/01/2026

If you are visiting family and one of your loved ones lives with dementia, younger children may feel confused, awkward or worried about saying the wrong thing.

It can help to talk things through before the visit and give them simple ways to understand what is happening.

1. Explain that dementia can make people forget things or say unexpected things, but it is not anyone’s fault.

2. Reassure them that it is okay if the conversation feels a bit different or slower than usual.

3. Let them know that repeating a story or question is part of the illness, not something they have caused.

4. Suggest they talk about familiar things like school, pets or favourite foods rather than asking tricky questions.

5. Remind them that being kind, smiling and listening is more important than knowing what to say.

A little reassurance can help children feel more confident and make visits calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.

To learn more about how to support someone with dementia visit our website homeinstead.co.uk/shoreham-petts-wood.

17/01/2026

Families often think the turning point will be a crisis or a big change, but more often it is something else.

It's the moment when a regular companionship visit starts to make everyday life feel easier again. Someone popping in for a chat, a walk, a bit of help with shopping or a shared cup of tea can lift mood, rebuild confidence and gently support routines.

For families we support, that consistency brings reassurance. You know your loved one is not spending long days alone and you can see the difference it makes to their wellbeing.

Companionship visits are often where support really begins to feel right.

If you are wondering whether companionship visits could make a difference, our team in Greenwich & Bexley is happy to chat on 0203 7718424 or via homeinstead.co.uk/greenwich-bexley.

16/01/2026

Have you spotted Home Instead on Love Your Weekend yet?

Meet John! A star in our new sponsorship idents.

Thanks to his Care Professional, Ben, getting washed and dressed can be a moment of pride so he feels ready for what the day has in store.

16/01/2026

Getting out, keeping routines and doing familiar things can make such a difference to how someone feels. A bit of support can help people stay confident, connected and enjoying the everyday moments that matter to them. It is about helping life carry on, just with a little extra help along the way.

To find out how we can support independence in Shoreham, Petts Wood and Longfield, call 01959 546 228 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/shoreham-petts-wood.

15/01/2026

When families first get in touch, they often tell us the hardest part is how to start the conversation about care with a parent.

Not because their mum or dad needs lots of help, but because the word care does not feel like it fits.

Many people have spent their lives working, running households, supporting others and making decisions. Being offered care can feel like a step backwards.

What we often find works better is reframing the idea completely. Instead of “you need help”, it becomes “would it be nice if someone came round for an hour a week to help you sort the photos, get the garden back on track or tackle those boxes in the spare room”.

Very often, just one hour a week can be enough to keep routines going, build confidence and give families reassurance.

Support does not have to mean losing independence. Sometimes it simply means having someone alongside you to get things done.

If you are curious about how even a small amount of support could make a difference, our team in Greenwich & Bexley is happy to talk on 0203 7718424 or via homeinstead.co.uk/greenwich-bexley.

13/01/2026

There's nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, is there?

Many families worry about whether an older loved one is eating properly, especially when meals start to feel rushed or repetitive.

Having someone there to plan meals, shop together and cook proper food can make a real difference, supporting both good nutrition and independence. It is about making mealtimes something to look forward to again.

To talk about meal support and care at home in Shoreham, Petts Wood and Longfield, call our local team on 01959 546 228 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/shoreham-petts-wood.

13/01/2026

You ring mum during the week and she sounds just like herself.

She chats about the weather, tells you she is fine and asks how work is going. Then you visit at the weekend and notice the milk is out of date, the post is still unopened and she seems tired after just a short conversation.

It can feel confusing and even a bit unsettling.

This happens more often than people realise. Phone calls are familiar and brief, which makes them easier to manage. Many older people can draw on well practised phrases and concentrate their energy for a few minutes.

Being together in person is different.

Over time you start to notice routines, energy levels and small changes that simply do not come across on the phone.

It does not mean they are pretending or hiding anything. Often it means they are working hard to stay independent in the ways they know how. Trusting what you notice in person is important, and it is often what prompts families to start gentle conversations about extra support.

If this feels familiar and you are not sure what the next step is, our team in Greenwich & Bexley is happy to talk things through on 0203 7718424 or you can find out more about how support at home can provide care and reassurance on our website homeinstead.co.uk/greenwich-bexley.

13/01/2026

11/01/2026

Even a one hour visit can make a real difference, supporting independence and giving someone something to look forward to each week.

To find out how we support companionship and everyday support at home in Shoreham, Petts Wood and Longfield, call 01959 546 228 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/shoreham-petts-wood.