Finding Relief Through Care: Sharon’s Family Story with Sylvian Care Cherwell & West Oxfordshire
“They’ve just become part of the family.”
When caring responsibilities begin to grow beyond what a family can safely manage alone, asking for help is never easy. For Sharon and her family, that moment came when her parents, both in their 90s, could no longer cope with the physical demands of caring for Sharon’s disabled brother, Tim.
What began as a practical search for support soon became something much more meaningful.
Over time, the carers from Sylvian Care Cherwell & West Oxfordshire became trusted companions, a source of reassurance, and, in Sharon’s words, “part of the family.”
A Family Reaching Breaking Point
Before care started, Tim was cared for entirely by Sharon’s parents. As they grew older, however, the physical demands became increasingly difficult.
“Tim was being taken care of by mum and dad,” Sharon explained.
“But as they got older and into their 90s, they were finding it very difficult to cope.”
The challenge was not simply finding a care provider. Sharon wanted carers who would genuinely fit into the family, in terms of personality.
“The challenges were to find somebody that would suit us — suit the family,” she said.
“And accepting Tim for who he is.”
For Sharon, the decision to seek support was driven by practicality rather than emotion.
“It was a case that needed to be done,” she explained. “It was a job that needed to be sorted because they couldn’t cope.”
One of the hardest parts was helping her parents accept that they needed outside support.
“Getting mum and dad to accept the fact that they needed to have help for Tim — I think that was the biggest thing.”
Finding Sylvian Care
Like many families searching for care services for the first time, Sharon began by looking online.
“Having never done it and not knowing what I was looking for, I looked up on the internet,” she said. “Sylvian just caught my eye.”
Her positive impression came quickly.
“When I rang them, I thought, ‘These will do!’”
That reassurance only grew stronger when she met the team in person.
“I liked the way they sounded,” Sharon recalled.
“And then when I met them, that was it for me really, because I knew they’d take care of us.”
Initially, Sharon worried about how her father would react to strangers coming into the home. However, once the family met the carers, those fears quickly faded.
“Once we’d met everybody, we were quite happy with them.”
Immediate Relief for the Whole Family
When care first began, the impact was immediate.
“A relief,” Sharon said simply. “A relief all round.”
The support eased the pressure on Sharon’s parents and gave Sharon peace of mind that they would no longer risk injuring themselves while trying to care for Tim.
“He’s not a small man and he is handicapped,” she explained. “There are certain things he can do and certain things he cannot do. It was just too much for them.”
Eventually, her parents came to realise there was no other option.
“They were very relieved once they got used to the idea,” Sharon said. “They realised they hadn’t got to do it all anymore.”
For Sharon herself, professional support also removed responsibilities that were emotionally difficult as a sister.
“I can’t be here morning and night. I’d struggle to shower my own brother,” she explained honestly.
“So it was a case of, no, we need somebody in to assist.”
Care That Adapted When the Family Needed More Help
Originally, care was arranged specifically for Tim. But as Sharon’s father became increasingly unwell with cancer, the family suddenly needed additional support.
“They were initially asked to come and deal with Tim,” Sharon explained. “But then Dad had been very ill and was getting worse, and we needed extra care for him.”
What stood out most to Sharon was the flexibility and compassion shown by the team during this difficult time.
“I asked the company if they could help and fit in,” she said. “They did not behave like it was a contract. It was a case of, ‘Yes, how soon do you need it?’”
Rather than focusing on schedules or limitations, the team focused on helping the family as quickly as possible.
“You were made to feel supported,” Sharon said. “It takes a great deal of pressure off you.”
Her father could sometimes become frustrated because of his declining mobility and reliance on a wheelchair, but Sharon says the carers always remained patient and understanding.
“They’ve been very tolerant,” she said. “Very understanding and tolerant.”
Going Above and Beyond
Although the care package focused on Tim, Sharon noticed that the carers naturally looked after her mother too, even when it wasn’t part of their formal responsibilities.
“They’ll always ask if Mum’s alright,” Sharon said. “One of them especially will go upstairs and call around the corner and say, ‘Hey Mum, are you okay today?’”
The carers would make sure Sharon’s mother had breakfast, was sitting comfortably, and was feeling well.
“It’s the extra mile,” Sharon explained. “Mum’s not on the agreement. They come here to do Tim, but it’s supporting the pair of them.”
For Sharon, this personal approach is what truly defines good care.
“They’ve just become part of the family.”
More Than Just a Job
Throughout the experience, Sharon says the carers built a genuine relationship with Tim and the family.
“They’ve got a rapport,” she said. “They’ll laugh and they’ll joke and they’ll have fun.”
Because of this, care never felt cold or transactional.
“It’s not a chore,” Sharon explained. “They come in, have a giggle, do the job, and then they go.”
Importantly, Sharon never felt that the carers were simply “ticking boxes.” Whenever additional support was needed — whether helping with creams for Tim’s feet or assisting with her father’s catheter care and medications — the carers always stepped in willingly.
“There’s never any, ‘No, I don’t think I can do that,’” Sharon said. “Everything that has been needed has been done.”
The Difference Compassionate Care Makes
Looking back, Sharon says one of the biggest surprises was how naturally the carers settled into the family home.
“It must be difficult for them to come into somebody else’s home and feel at ease,” she reflected. “Not everybody can do that.”
She also acknowledges how difficult some aspects of care can be and the gratitude she feels toward those willing to do it.
“There were lots of jobs that I really wouldn’t have wanted and couldn’t have dealt with doing,” she admitted. “But they did it without question.”
Perhaps the biggest sign that things were improving was the change in her mother.
“Mum relaxed straight away,” Sharon said. “She stopped feeling quite so guilty about not doing everything herself.”
Now, the carers often encourage Sharon’s mother to sit down and rest while they help.
“They’ll say, ‘Sit down, Mum, we’ll do that for you.’”
Advice to Other Families Considering Care
For families struggling with the decision to ask for help, Sharon has simple advice.
“Once you’ve got to that situation, I think you always need to try,” she said.
Even though accepting support can feel difficult at first, she believes it can make an enormous difference.
“You never know how it’s going to take the pressure off you or generally help you in your day-to-day life.”
Peace of Mind for the Whole Family
Today, Sharon says what matters most is knowing her family members are happy, comfortable, and cared for.
“Mum is happy. Mum is relaxed,” she said.
Tim, too, has built positive relationships with the carers and has never felt uncomfortable with the support he receives.
“It’s just knowing that they’re happy,” Sharon reflected. “And they’re being taken care of.”
For Sharon, that peace of mind has made all the difference.
Looking for Compassionate, Relationship-Based Care?
If you’re supporting a loved one and feel it may be time for extra help, you don’t have to face it alone. At Sylvian Care Cherwell & West Oxfordshire, we believe great care is built on trust, compassion, dignity, and genuine relationships — not just routines and checklists.
Whether you’re looking for support for an elderly parent or simply want peace of mind that someone truly cares, our team is here to help.
Get in Touch
Speak to the friendly team at Sylvian Care Cherwell & West Oxfordshire today to find out how we can support your family with personalised home care that puts people first.
Or, if you’re outside the area, you can find your nearest Sylvian Care team and discover relationship-based care in your local community.