Redefining Home Care: How Walfinch Empowers Active, Independent Living

Home care isn’t always about staying at home. For Simone, a charity worker in her late twenties, it’s about getting out, staying active and living life to the full — with a little support from her Walfinch West Suffolk carer, Sarah Balment.

Together, they’re challenging outdated perceptions of what home care looks like, proving that support can mean more opportunities, not fewer.

Living Life Without Limits

Simone’s lifestyle is busy and energetic. With Sarah’s help, she enjoys regular trips to the gym, ten-pin bowling, and social activities — all of which are vital to her physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

“I love physical activities, and they are very good for my physical and mental health,” says Simone. She adds that Sarah’s support enables her to live a normal life — just one that’s a little different to most.

Having received professional care support since leaving home for university at 17, Simone credits social care with helping her complete two degrees, in sociology and health science. Now working as a volunteer for charities, she uses her own experiences to help service users have their voices heard.

Born with a neurological condition and also neurodiverse, Simone’s story shows that flexible, person-centred care can unlock real potential.

Building Strength and Social Connections

Keeping fit is central to Simone’s daily routine. Sarah supports her at the gym, helping with exercises and using equipment like the fitness bike — Simone’s personal favourite.

But the sessions are about more than just fitness. The gym acts as a support group too, offering vital social connections and boosting Simone’s mental wellbeing.

At home, Sarah and the Walfinch team continue to provide stimulating activities, from arts and crafts to board games and puzzles. Practising computer games is another favourite, helping Simone feel confident when friends come over for games nights.

“It’s very cathartic,” she says, “and it makes socialising with friends much easier.”

Flexible Care, Tailored to Life's Changes

One of the biggest benefits Simone finds with Walfinch is the flexibility of their support. Rather than a rigid routine, her care adapts to her lifestyle, needs and personal goals.

I have learned how carers can help me, and Walfinch allows me to flex my care according to changes in my life, she explains.

For Sarah, seeing the positive impact of this active approach is one of the best parts of the job. Whether it’s bowling, walking, cooking together or chatting with gym regulars, the focus is always on building strength, confidence and independence.

“Active home care, for people of any age, can help clients live fuller lives and increase their wellbeing,” says Sarah. “This is the kind of reward that means I love my job – and seeing my clients thrive.”

A New Image for Home Care

Simone is determined to show that home care isn’t just about basic support — it’s about empowering people to live well on their own terms.

The image of home care needs to be broadened to take into account people like me and my carers,” she says. “It's a long haul but I believe we can do it, and we are all proud to be working towards that.

With the right support, Simone is proof that life can be lived fully, actively and joyfully — showing that a new, modern vision of home care is not just possible, but already happening.