Celebrating international day of friendship and 10 years of Ashridge Home Care

30 July is the United Nations International Day of Friendship, a day that celebrates the extraordinary power of human connection.

While friendship is important throughout our lives, it becomes especially valuable as we grow older. Research consistently shows that strong friendships are linked to better physical health, improved mental wellbeing and even longer life. In fact, studies suggest that close friendships are a stronger predictor of healthy ageing than family relationships, because friendships are freely chosen and often provide purpose, companionship and a sense of belonging.

The landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development even found that the quality of our relationships in mid-life is a stronger predictor of health at the age of 80 than cholesterol levels. Meaningful social connections can reduce loneliness, build resilience and improve quality of life.

What began as a small provider is now a close-knit family of clients, carers, and staff. We believe outstanding care goes beyond practical tasks—it’s about keeping people connected to the communities they love.

More Than Care – Supporting Friendships

At Ashridge Home Care, our carers do far more than help with personal care and practical tasks. They become trusted companions, encouraging clients to stay connected to the people, places and activities they love. Whether that’s visiting neighbours, attending local groups, going shopping to familiar shops, meeting family for lunch or simply enjoying a cup of tea with friends, maintaining these connections helps people continue living full and happy lives.

Over the last ten years, we’ve seen time and again that the strongest care is rooted in relationships. Our carers often become genuine friends, understanding what brings each client joy, recognising when they need encouragement and helping rebuild confidence after illness or injury so they can continue enjoying life in their communities.

Rebuilding Confidence Through Friendship

Live-in carer Ewa has supported one client for almost four years.

Following a serious fall that left her client with a broken leg, life changed.

“Before her fall we went everywhere together. Afterwards she lost all confidence and didn’t want to leave her bed. We had to rebuild that confidence slowly, one step at a time.”

Today, thanks to gentle encouragement and consistent support, her client is once again enjoying the activities that mean so much to her.

She regularly attends a local Mind support group and an art group, enjoys shopping for bargains, they go to the post office together to post parcels to family and friends and meets people who share similar interests. During difficult weather, when getting out isn’t possible, Ewa makes sure the social connection doesn’t stop.

“If we can’t go out because of the weather, we make phone calls to family and friends instead. It’s important that she still feels connected.”

Their relationship has grown into one built on trust and understanding.

“She feels good with me because I know her so well. Her mood can change very quickly, so knowing her makes all the difference.”

The companionship goes both ways. Ewa has even been inspired to learn Greek so she can share conversations with her client, who enjoys speaking several languages.

One of her favourite outings is visiting the Ashridge Home Care head office, where clients are always welcomed with tea, coffee and homemade cake. Many enjoy catching up with the office team and, of course, spending time with our much-loved office dog, Snoop, who never fails to brighten someone’s day.

Those visits perfectly capture the spirit of the Ashridge community. Clients pop in simply to say hello, carers can enjoy a chat between visits, and the head office team love welcoming familiar faces through the door.

Keeping Community Connections Strong

Live-in carer Shona has been caring for one client living with dementia for the past 18 months.

Although dementia presents challenges, Shona believes it’s vital that her client continues to be an active part of her community.

“She’s incredibly sociable, so we do everything we can to keep her involved in the life she loves.”

Every week they attend church services together, where new friendships have naturally developed.

“Through church she was invited to a widows’ group, which she absolutely loves. She also goes to a morning coffee group where everyone chats and catches up.”

Shona enjoys baking banana loaf and fruit cake to take along, helping her client feel involved and able to contribute.

The pair also attend a dementia support group, enjoy arts and crafts, travel by train to visit nearby towns and regularly spend time with family. Together they read the local community magazine each month and plan activities on a calendar displayed on the fridge.

“We look through everything that’s happening locally and fill the calendar together. It gives her things to look forward to and helps us make sure she’s always part of what’s going on.”

As a live in carer Shona has regular breaks but Ashridge ensures continuity of care for their client by having another live-in carer work in regular tandem with Shona.  The shared calendar means all carers involved with the client know the routine and know what is planned ahead as this is so important for clients with memory loss.

Celebrating Ten Years of Community

As Ashridge Home Care marks ten years of caring, we’re incredibly proud of the community that we have grown.

Whether it’s accompanying someone to church, taking them shopping, helping them reconnect with neighbours, bringing them into our welcoming head office for tea, cake and a cuddle with Snoop, or simply sharing a conversation over a cup of tea at home, it’s these little moments matter.

This International Day of Friendship, we’re celebrating not only the lifelong friendships that mean so much to people, but also the relationships our carers build every day. Ashridge Home Care was built on a simple principle: understanding a client is essential to caring for them. It’s never just about living safely at home, it’s about continuing to laugh, connect, and belong.

After ten years, that’s still the heart of everything we do.