With a rapidly ageing population and the media spotlight firmly fixed on social care, Phil Maundrill of Home Instead Senior Care in Stratford upon Avon says that the public are becoming more aware of what ‘good care’ should look like. As word spreads in the area of the different approach the company is taking they are receiving more and more interest. Since the turn of the New Year there has been a significant rise in the number of enquiries which means that there is the need to recruit a further 30 staff before the end of 2012
Commenting, Phil said, “The recent publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s year-long inquiry into home care has helped to educate people that the current system of care simply isn’t working and it’s why we take a different approach."
“For example, we don’t think good care can be delivered in 15 minute slots so will not undertake short duration calls, our minimum care visit is one hour. We also offer continuity of care, whereby clients are visited by the same carer on each visit, ensuring that relationships are built. The service we provide looks after the individual’s physical as well as emotional needs, providing companionship, interaction and stimulation. Our care is tailored to the needs of each individual and we can make a real difference to the quality of life of not only our clients, but their families too.”
Phil says that they were expecting January to be busy in the aftermath of family get-togethers over the Christmas period. Commenting he said, “It is at times like Christmas, when we see more than usual of our elderly relatives and spend quality time with them, that issues can become apparent. Perhaps your mother doesn’t seem as mobile as she once was, maybe dad appears uncertain on his feet or has become worryingly forgetful. We find that families, often at the instigation of grown-up children, have time to talk and discuss new arrangements for supporting their parents which then come to fruition in January.”
Phil says that they had recruited a number of new caregivers in the run up to Christmas but that more are now required, “It looks as if we will have nearly doubled the number of clients we care for by the end of February so will be in need of more caregivers to work with us in the year ahead. We expect to create around 30 jobs in 2012."
“Although our existing caregivers come from a hugely varied background, the one thing they have in common is that they all have a real passion for helping others and caring for people in our local community. We provide all the necessary training and are a friendly, supportive team so professional experience is not essential. Whether you are 19 or 99, if you are a caring and compassionate person and would like to find out more, then we want to hear from you!”
Home Instead has been providing at-home care for individuals in Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding area for nearly a year. The service on offer is tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, convalescence care, personal care, medication reminders, shopping and errands. Home Instead’s service is totally flexible to meet client needs and is available from as little as 1 hour to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information please visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/warwickshire or call 01789 20 40 40 or 01926 62 90 30.
