How homecare works in Farnham: what families can expect
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For the past 365 days, a dedicated group of rowers outside the GoodOaks Homecare Sussex South office on Newland Road in Worthing have taken on an extraordinary challenge: rowing every single day.
No matter the weather. No matter the season.
Whether facing rain, wind, cold winter mornings or hot summer days, the team has continued to row.
Many people passing by have stopped to ask the same question:
“Why are you doing this?”
The answer is simple.
Because dementia awareness in Sussex South doesn’t stop – and neither does the support needed by the thousands of families living with it every day.
Our challenge is to row 17.5 million metres – the equivalent distance from Worthing to Australia – while raising awareness of dementia and supporting Dementia UK and St Barnabas House.
Today, after 365 consecutive days of rowing, we are proud to have reached an incredible milestone: 8,251,028 metres rowed, the equivalent distance from Worthing to Kerala, at the southern tip of India.
While the distance is remarkable, the true purpose of this challenge lies much closer to home.
It lies with the families across Sussex and throughout the UK who are supporting loved ones living with dementia every day.
The reality behind the challenge
Over the past year, while we have been rowing, thousands of families across the UK have begun their own dementia journey.
Every diagnosis represents so much more than a medical condition. It affects husbands and wives, parents and grandparents, friends, neighbours and entire families.
Living with dementia often means adapting to new routines, facing uncertainty and finding new ways to support one another.
Every metre rowed has been dedicated to those individuals and families.
What we’ve learned along the way
One of the most meaningful parts of this challenge has been the conversations it has inspired.
Over the last year, hundreds of people have stopped to talk to us.
Some have shared stories about a parent living with dementia. Others have spoken about caring for a husband, wife, relative or friend. Many have simply welcomed the opportunity to talk and be heard.
These conversations have reinforced something we see every day at GoodOaks: behind every dementia diagnosis is a family, a story and a network of people who care deeply.
Dementia affects more than one person. It touches everyone around them.
Looking after someone with dementia at home
Many people living with dementia wish to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home for as long as possible.
Home provides routine, reassurance and a sense of independence – all of which can be incredibly important for someone living with dementia.
However, caring for someone at home can also bring challenges.
Families may find themselves supporting with:
- Medication reminders
- Personal care
- Preparing meals and maintaining nutrition
- Mobility and moving safely around the home
- Maintaining familiar routines
- Managing confusion, anxiety or changes in behaviour
- Reducing the risk of falls
- Providing companionship, reassurance and emotional support
Many family carers provide this support while balancing work, children and other responsibilities.
It is a role carried out with immense love, commitment and dedication. However, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding, which is why recognising when additional support may be needed is so important.
Why dementia awareness matters
The purpose of our challenge has never simply been to row a long distance.
Our aim is to encourage conversations about dementia, raise understanding and remind families that they are not alone.
Awareness helps people recognise the challenges that dementia can bring, reduces stigma and encourages individuals to seek support when they need it.
Greater understanding leads to stronger support networks, more compassionate communities and better outcomes for those living with dementia and their families.
A community behind every metre
Although this challenge started with a rowing machine, it quickly became something much bigger.
Over the past year, volunteers of all ages and abilities have joined us, donating their own metres to the challenge.
School children wave as they walk past. Bus drivers sound their horns. Ambulance crews, nurses, doctors, carers, tradespeople and commuters regularly stop to offer encouragement.
Many people who began as strangers have become friends.
Together, our local community has become part of this journey.
This challenge belongs not only to those rowing, but to everyone who has supported us along the way.
Supporting Dementia UK and St Barnabas House
We are incredibly proud that this challenge is supporting Dementia UK and St Barnabas House.
Both organisations provide invaluable care, guidance and support to individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
Every donation helps ensure that people affected by dementia can access the practical and emotional support they need.
Join the Journey
One of the questions we are asked most often is:
“Can I have a go?”
The answer is always yes.
You certainly do not need to be an athlete.
Whether you row for one minute or one hour, every metre makes a difference.
Think of it as one of the friendliest free gym sessions in Sussex. You’ll enjoy some exercise, meet wonderful people, contribute to our journey to Australia and help raise awareness of dementia at the same time.
If you would like to take part, simply text or WhatsApp ROW to 07788 249875.
We’re only halfway there
After 365 consecutive days, we have rowed an incredible 8,251,028 metres.
We have reached Kerala.
We have completed 47% of the journey.
But there are still 9,248,972 metres to go before we reach Australia.
We’ll continue rowing.
We’ll continue raising awareness.
And we’ll continue supporting Dementia UK and St Barnabas House.
Because families affected by dementia need support every day.
Support the challenge
To donate and support Dementia UK and St Barnabas House, visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/goro
Join the row
Text or WhatsApp ROW to 07788 249875 and become part of the journey.
