When families arrange care at home, they often think about routines, support with daily tasks and companionship. These are, of course, important foundations of good care. What is less often considered – until it happens – is how care responds when the unexpected occurs. A fall. A sudden illness. A hospital admission. Moments like these can feel overwhelming for families, particularly when they happen outside normal hours. This is where experienced 24-hour home care truly shows its value.
In January 2026, one of the people we support experienced a sudden fall at home. What followed was not panic or uncertainty, but calm, coordinated action – led by a trained care team who knew the individual well and understood exactly what needed to happen next.
Immediate Response When Seconds Matter
When the fall occurred, our Care Professional acted swiftly and appropriately. Emergency services were contacted immediately, and while waiting for the ambulance, the focus remained on reassurance, comfort and safety.
Falls can be frightening experiences, particularly for older people. Remaining calm, explaining what is happening, and offering steady reassurance can make a significant difference in those first moments.
Crucially, the Care Professional also prepared an emergency bag and completed a Braeburn Care “contact us” form for the paramedics – ensuring they had immediate access to key information about the individual, her care arrangements and how to reach us if needed during the hospital stay.
This level of preparation doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from training, experience and leadership that empowers carers to act decisively and compassionately in high-pressure situations.
Not Leaving Someone to Face the Unknown Alone
When the ambulance arrived, our Care Professional accompanied the individual to hospital and remained with her in A&E. For many older people, emergency departments are unfamiliar, busy and overwhelming environments.
Being supported by a familiar face during this time can significantly reduce anxiety and distress. Someone who knows how the person communicates, what reassures them, and how to advocate gently on their behalf makes a meaningful difference.
Care doesn’t stop when someone crosses a hospital threshold. With 24-hour home care, responsibility, reassurance and advocacy continue – wherever the person is.
Around-the-Clock Continuity, Even in Hospital
At the family’s request, we immediately arranged continuous care coverage. One Care Professional completed her visit at 7pm, another arrived at the hospital to take over, and a detailed handover ensured nothing was missed.
This pattern continued throughout the night and into the following days. The same familiar team members rotated, meaning the individual was never left alone, never faced unfamiliar carers, and always had someone present who knew her routines, communication style and needs.
This is one of the clearest advantages of live-in and 24-hour care: continuity doesn’t break down during a crisis – it strengthens. For families, this continuity brings reassurance. For the individual, it brings comfort, dignity and a sense of safety at a time when everything else feels uncertain.
Why Leadership Matters in Emergencies
Behind every calm response on the ground is strong leadership. Our management team remained closely involved throughout, coordinating rotas, communicating with the family and ensuring Care Professionals had the support they needed to continue delivering safe, compassionate care under rapidly changing circumstances.
Emergencies test systems. They reveal whether care is reactive or resilient.
In this situation, our care model adapted immediately – without disruption to the individual or her family. Decisions were made quickly, communication remained clear, and continuity was prioritised at every stage. This joined-up approach is essential when care needs escalate suddenly.
Crisis Doesn’t Pause Care – It Demands More of It
For families considering care options, it’s natural to ask:
What happens if something goes wrong?
The answer matters.
With experienced 24-hour home care, emergencies are met with preparation, familiarity and calm leadership – not gaps, rushed handovers or uncertainty. Care remains consistent, relationships are preserved, and people are never left to face frightening situations alone.
For many families, this reassurance becomes one of the most important reasons they choose live-in or 24-hour care.
If you’re exploring care options and want reassurance that support will remain steady even in difficult moments, our team is always here for an honest, supportive conversation;
Call us on 01892 577680
Learn more at www.braeburncare.co.uk
Email enquiries@braeburncare.co.uk
