Person-Centred Home Care in Newark and Grantham: The Last Rolo Valentine's Tradition

Person-centred home care in Newark and Grantham is about more than tasks; it is about making each person feel known and valued. This February, the team at Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton Mowbray & Oakham showed exactly what that means, by hand-delivering a "My Last Rolo" Valentine's treat and a heartfelt card to every one of its 50-plus clients for the third year running.

Small act. Big meaning. Real care.

What happened on Valentine's Day 2026?

The tradition is organised each year by Registered Manager Billie Crofts. With a committed team of around 20 carers, the local team set out to bring a little joy, surprise and warmth to the people it supports every day, across Grantham, Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding rural villages of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

How did the team deliver more than 50 gifts?

It was a whole-team effort from start to finish: packing the gifts, planning routes, coordinating schedules and making sure each client received a personal visit. Carers travelled through villages and along country lanes, knocking on doors with a smile and offering not just a small chocolate treat, but a moment of connection.

How did clients respond?

Some clients laughed at the nostalgia of the "last Rolo" sentiment. Others were moved by the thoughtfulness. Many simply held the card close, pleased to be remembered in such a personal way. A tiny gesture can leave a lasting impression, especially for someone who lives alone.

Why do small gestures matter in person-centred home care?

For the local team, gestures like this are not extras. They are part of what person-centred care means in practice.

Older people who receive care at home invite carers into their homes and into their lives. In return, good care brings professionalism and reliability, but also warmth, compassion and genuine presence. A carer can be a companion, an encourager and, sometimes, the highlight of someone's day.

Loneliness can affect wellbeing, particularly for people living alone in rural villages. Charities such as Age UK offer useful information for families who are worried about an older relative feeling isolated.

What does person-centred care look like day to day?

Every client of Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton Mowbray & Oakham has a care plan shaped around their own routines, preferences and goals. In practice, that can include:

• Personal care with bathing, dressing and grooming, delivered with dignity
• Companionship and conversation, walks and trips out
• Medication support from trained carers
• Light housekeeping and meal preparation
• A trustworthy, familiar presence in the home

Visits are preferably at least an hour long, so that care is never rushed and there is time for the small things that make a big difference.

Which areas around Newark and Grantham are covered?

The local team supports people in Newark-on-Trent, Balderton, Coddington, Farndon, Southwell and Collingham, as well as Grantham, Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire and Oakham in Rutland. A full list of towns and villages is on the areas we cover page.

How can families get started?

If you, a loved one or a friend are looking for a caring, reliable and truly person-centred home care provider, the local team is only one phone call away.

To talk things through, call the local team on 01476 833168 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or book a free, no-obligation care assessment online. The office is based at Autumn Park Business Centre, Dysart Road, Grantham, NG31 7EU.

Frequently asked questions

What does person-centred home care mean?

Person-centred home care means support is built around the individual: their routines, preferences, history and what matters to them, rather than a fixed list of tasks or a rigid schedule.

What is the "Last Rolo" Valentine's tradition?

Each February, the Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton Mowbray & Oakham team hand-delivers a "My Last Rolo" treat and a handwritten card to every client. 2026 was the third year of the tradition.

Does Right at Home provide home care in Newark?

Yes. The local team supports people in Newark-on-Trent and nearby villages such as Balderton, Coddington, Farndon and Southwell, as well as Grantham, Melton Mowbray and Oakham.

What support can a home carer provide?

Support can include personal care, companionship, medication support, housekeeping, meal preparation and simply a trusted presence in the home, all shaped around a written care plan.

How can I find out if home care is right for my family?

Call the local team on 01476 833168 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to arrange a free, no-obligation care assessment.

Written by Anand Parekh, Managing Director, Right at Home Grantham, Newark, Melton Mowbray & Oakham.