What Makes IntriCare Different?

August 3, 2025

A values-based introduction to our holistic and person-centred model of care

If you’ve ever tried to find the right kind of care — for yourself, a loved one, or even a patient you’re working with — you’ll know it’s not just about finding a service. It’s about finding a connection. At IntriCare, we believe that care should never feel clinical or impersonal. It should feel like someone sees you — the whole you — and knows exactly how to walk alongside you on your journey.


So, what actually makes IntriCare different from other care providers? It comes down to our values, our approach, and our belief that every person matters — regardless of their age, background, or needs.


Whether we’re supporting a young person navigating complex emotions, or working with an adult who requires round-the-clock care, our goal is the same: to build meaningful, lasting, and empowering relationships.

Let’s take a closer look at how we do that.


1. We Start with People, Not Paperwork


It’s easy to get lost in referrals, assessments, and criteria. But behind every document is a real person with a unique story. At IntriCare, we start by listening. We want to understand who you are, what’s important to you, and what kind of support feels right — not just what the system says you need.


Our team is trained to pick up on the quiet things — the unspoken anxieties, the unarticulated hopes. That means we don’t just create care plans. We create life plans, centred around dignity, respect, and collaboration.


2. A Holistic Approach to Care


“Holistic” isn’t just a buzzword for us — it’s a way of seeing each individual as a whole person, not just a diagnosis or a label.


For example:

  • If a young person is displaying challenging behaviour, we ask: What’s beneath that? Trauma? Unmet needs? A breakdown in communication?
  • If an adult with complex care needs is feeling anxious, we don’t just increase medication. We look at environmental factors, mental health support, social connection, and daily structure.


Our model weaves together physical, emotional, mental, and social support, so no part of a person is overlooked.


3. Supporting Young People in Real-Life Contexts


We work closely with vulnerable youth who may be at risk of social isolation, school exclusion, or harm. But we don’t believe in “fixing” behaviour from the outside. We work from the inside out — building trust, giving tools, and providing consistent, relationship-based support.


Our youth workers and support staff are highly trained in trauma-informed approaches, meaning they understand how past experiences shape present responses. We also support young people in community settings, not just in clinical ones — helping them reintegrate into school, access hobbies, or re-establish connections with family.


This type of care isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about resilience-building over time.


4. Care That Adapts as Life Changes


Life isn’t static, and neither is care. At IntriCare, we don’t lock people into one model. We adapt as their needs evolve.

Let’s say someone starts with basic domiciliary care — maybe help around the house and medication prompts. As time goes on, they might need support with mobility, social outings, or even 24-hour care. We’re prepared to grow that care package alongside them — so they never have to start over with a new provider who doesn’t know them.


Continuity of care is part of what builds safety and trust — and we take that very seriously.


5. Highly Skilled Staff, with Heart

Of course, none of this would matter without the people behind it. Our team is handpicked not just for their qualifications — which are excellent — but for their values.


We look for empathy. Patience. Presence. The ability to show up consistently, even when the job is hard.


Every member of our team receives:

  • Ongoing training in areas like autism awareness, safeguarding, and mental health first aid
  • Supervision and support to prevent burnout
  • Opportunities to grow in leadership and reflective practice


Because we know that when our staff feel supported, our clients feel supported too.


6. We Work With Families, Not Around Them


Families are the glue in many care journeys — and too often, they’re overlooked. At IntriCare, we see family members as essential partners.


That means:

  • Keeping you in the loop (without overwhelming you with jargon)
  • Providing emotional support when things get tough
  • Offering resources, workshops, and check-ins tailored to your needs


We’re here to answer questions like:

  • “What’s going to happen next?”
  • “What if I can’t cope?”
  • “How do I know I’m making the right decision for my loved one?”


And if you’re a parent of a young person in our care, we’re not here to replace you — we’re here to stand with you.


7. Professionals Can Refer With Confidence


Healthcare professionals, social workers, and local agencies need reliable care partners. We take that responsibility seriously.


Our referral process is:

  • Straightforward: Clear steps, responsive communication, quick turnaround times
  • Transparent: You’ll always know how your client is progressing, what support is in place, and who to contact
  • Outcome-focused: We report on real outcomes — not just box-ticking


We’re happy to work as part of a wider care team and align our efforts with existing EHCPs, care plans, or safeguarding frameworks.


8. Above All, We Believe in Connection


Care without connection is just service delivery. And that’s not what IntriCare is about.


We believe in:

  • Creating bonds that reduce loneliness and build confidence
  • Being a consistent presence when life feels chaotic
  • Helping people feel seen, safe, and supported in their own lives


It doesn’t matter if we’re working with a young person struggling with anxiety, or an older adult facing the early signs of dementia — our commitment is the same: to build care around who they are, not just what they need.


You’re Not Just a Number — You’re a Human Being


If you’re considering working with us — either as a client, a family member, or a referring professional — know this: we see you.

We see your hopes. Your frustrations. Your fears. And your strength.


At IntriCare, we’re not perfect — but we are intentional. Every care plan, every conversation, every visit is part of a bigger goal: to make care personal again.


Because care that connects… changes lives.

Woman with long white hair, holding flowers in a greenhouse, examining others.

Encouraging Independence for Loved Ones with Dementia

August 27, 2025
One of the hardest balances in dementia care is knowing when to step in and when to step back. Families naturally want to protect their loved ones from harm, but overprotection can unintentionally strip away independence and dignity. The challenge is to encourage autonomy while still ensuring safety. Independence looks different at each stage of dementia. In the early stages, it might mean managing simple tasks like dressing, preparing light meals, or handling small financial matters with oversight. Later, it may involve choosing clothes, watering plants, or joining in familiar hobbies, even with supervision. The key is focusing on what remains possible rather than what has been lost. Encouraging independence requires patience. Tasks that were once effortless may take longer or involve mistakes. It can be tempting to take over, but allowing extra time respects the person’s abilities and preserves self-worth. Even small successes, such as buttoning a shirt or making tea, carry significance. Adapting the environment can make independence safer. Clear labelling on cupboards, simplified appliances, or removing unnecessary clutter reduces confusion and risk. These adjustments support autonomy without constant intervention. Families can also involve loved ones in decision-making wherever possible. Asking preferences about meals, clothing, or activities reminds the person that their voice matters. Even when choices must be limited, offering options fosters a sense of control. Social independence is equally valuable. Attending community groups, visiting neighbours, or participating in faith gatherings can provide purpose and connection. Isolation accelerates decline, while engagement sustains wellbeing. It is equally important for families to adjust expectations. Independence does not mean perfection; it means contribution. What matters is not whether the task is completed flawlessly but whether the person feels involved and valued. Supporting independence ultimately benefits both the person and the family. The individual retains dignity and purpose, while families find relief in sharing responsibility. Together, these efforts preserve a sense of normalcy and humanity in the midst of change. Dementia may take many things, but with encouragement and adaptation, independence can still thrive in meaningful ways. 

Supporting Families as They Cope with Dementia

August 27, 2025
When dementia enters a household, it rarely affects just one person. Families as a whole must adjust, learning to navigate changes that can test patience, emotions, and relationships. Coping as a family requires both practical planning and emotional resilience. The first challenge is often grief. Dementia is not a single moment of loss but a gradual one. Families mourn the fading of memories, the change in personality, and sometimes the reversal of roles, as children take on responsibilities once managed by parents. Recognising this grief is essential. Families need permission to feel sadness, anger, or even resentment without guilt. Communication within the family is just as critical as with the person living with dementia. Each member experiences the journey differently: one may take on the bulk of caregiving, while others feel helpless or distant. Tensions arise when responsibilities feel uneven. Honest, respectful conversations about roles and expectations help prevent misunderstandings from hardening into conflict. Support networks make an enormous difference. Professional services, support groups, and respite care options provide practical relief and emotional encouragement. Families who share experiences with others often discover they are not alone in their struggles, and this recognition can be healing. At the same time, families must carve out moments of joy. Dementia does not erase the capacity for laughter, music, or affection. Sharing a song, baking together, or simply sitting quietly with a loved one can remind everyone of the bond that still exists. These moments do not cancel the difficulties, but they provide balance and hope. For carers, especially those most directly involved, self-care is essential. Exhaustion helps no one. Taking time away, even briefly, is not neglect—it is preservation. Families that support one another in allowing breaks create a stronger collective resilience. Finally, coping as a family means acknowledging limits. No one can manage every challenge alone. Accepting professional help or considering alternative care arrangements when necessary does not mean failure. It means acting out of love to ensure dignity and safety.  Families who learn to cope together discover that while dementia changes relationships, it does not have to sever them. With patience, support, and honesty, families can hold onto connection even as they adapt to new realities.

Creating Daily Routines that Bring Comfort and Stability

August 27, 2025
Life with dementia can be unpredictable, both for the person experiencing it and for their family. Memory lapses, mood swings, and confusion can unsettle even the simplest day. That is why routines matter so much. They act like anchors, giving structure and reassurance where uncertainty otherwise rules. A consistent routine provides a rhythm. Waking, eating, bathing, resting, and sleeping at familiar times reduces anxiety. People with dementia may not recall why the day feels calmer, but their bodies and emotions recognise the pattern. Over time, this predictability fosters a sense of safety. Small details matter more than many realise. Using the same mug for morning tea, sitting in a favourite chair by the window, or playing a particular radio station during lunch can become comforting cues. These signals remind the person what comes next without needing explanation. Of course, routines should never feel rigid. Flexibility is essential because dementia progresses differently in everyone. A good day may allow for a walk in the garden or a trip to the shops, while a more difficult day might call for rest and quiet. The aim is balance: enough structure to provide security but enough flexibility to respect the individual’s changing needs. Involving the person in daily tasks, even in small ways, can be empowering. Folding laundry together, stirring a pot of soup, or helping water plants maintains a sense of purpose. It also reinforces identity—reminding them they are not defined only by dementia but by their role as parent, spouse, neighbour, or friend. Carers benefit from routines too. When daily rhythms are clear, planning becomes easier and stress lessens. Knowing that medication is always after breakfast or that a walk comes before dinner reduces the mental load of decision-making. It also helps family members and professional carers coordinate care more smoothly. Routines will inevitably shift as the illness progresses. What works in the early stages may no longer suit later on. The key is observation and adaptation. If an activity begins to cause frustration rather than comfort, it is time to adjust.  At its best, a daily routine does more than organise time—it nurtures dignity, provides comfort, and strengthens bonds. In the midst of dementia’s uncertainties, it offers something both families and loved ones can hold onto.