Just playing around with some patterns today.  I am very pleased with the service that mum is getting from a company called HomeInstead.  She has someone come three times a week (or two when she's here for the weekend) and they are lovely.  The company help older people stay independent and provide a wide range of care, individually tailored to the needs of the person concerned.  They have been a blessing to me too as it has taken a bit of the worry off my shoulders