Our story

Our journey in the field of care has been extensive, taking us through various settings across the UK, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and serving as live-in carers. Along the way, we've gained valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each setting.

Through these experiences, we firmly believe that home care is the optimal environment for meeting your loved one's care needs. The familiarity and comfort of their own home can significantly enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.

However, we also acknowledge the unique challenges and risks associated with home care. 

5 years ago Igained the nickname - The Fixer. I made it my mission to advocate for clients that wants to remain at home with complex care needs. 

Transitioning my expertise from senior carer roles in care homes to the home care environment was a significant shift, but one that yielded remarkable results.

By applying the knowledge and skills acquired in care homes, I could tailor the care provided to meet the unique needs of clients in their own homes. This personalized approach not only improved the quality of care but also led to tangible outcomes, including every single client, with complex care needs accessing funding from CHC (Continuing Healthcare). 

This success underscored the effectiveness of leveraging experience across different care settings to optimize care delivery and support clients in accessing vital resources for their well-being.

Identifying areas for improvement in home care is crucial for enhancing the quality of services and ensuring the well-being of clients.

Here are the four areas that I believe require vital improvement in home care:

Care Planning:

During my extensive experience visiting homes, I found that the vast majority lacked a formal care plan. Instead, handwritten notes outlining routines or to-do lists were often used.

A comprehensive care plan plays a crucial role in providing effective and personalized care to individuals. It serves as a roadmap for caregivers, outlining the specific needs and preferences of each client. 

By translating gathered data and feedback into actionable strategies, the care plan ensures that the care approach is tailored to meet the unique requirements of the client. This personalized approach enhances the quality of care provided, promotes client satisfaction, and contributes to better outcomes in overall health and well-being.

Multidisciplinary teams:

The lack of involvement of multidisciplinary teams in home care settings can indeed lead to challenges and risks for clients. I've personally encountered situations where clients with conditions like Parkinson's disease or Motor Neuron Disease have not received updated medications or equipment adjustments, putting them at potential risk. 

In contrast, I've witnessed the positive impact of regular involvement from multidisciplinary teams in care homes. When healthcare professionals collaborate closely and conduct regular assessments, they can accurately identify evolving needs and address them in a timely manner. This proactive approach leads to better outcomes and overall well-being for the residents, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in providing high-quality care.

Care records & care notes:

Care notes and care records are vital components of ensuring comprehensive care delivery, particularly in a home environment where information can be easily missed or misplaced. In care homes, we often had a saying: "if it's not recorded, it didn't happen," highlighting the importance of documentation in validating the care provided.

Detailed care notes should offer a comprehensive insight into the care provided to the patient, serving as concrete evidence of the care received and required. These notes serve as crucial reference points for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members alike.

The introduction of record tracking apps in care homes and domiciliary care has revolutionized the way we manage and access care information. These apps leverage technology to streamline documentation processes, allowing caregivers to input data and retrieve care history in seconds. The ability to access comprehensive care records efficiently enhances communication, coordination, and ultimately, the quality of care provided to patients.

Funding for Home care:

It's understandable to feel frustrated with the challenges of accessing funding for home care. The process can indeed be complex and sometimes feel like there are barriers preventing easy access. The initial steps, often involving gatekeepers, can be daunting and may seem like additional hurdles to overcome. Additionally, the high rate of application rejections can be disheartening.

However, it's important to persevere and explore all available options. Staying informed about eligibility criteria and ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided can strengthen the application. While the road to securing funding for home care may be challenging, persistence and advocacy can ultimately lead to the support needed for your loved one's care.

By addressing these key areas for improvement, we can work towards enhancing the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of home care services, ultimately improving outcomes for clients and their families.