YOUR CARE PRO MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: ISSUE 9
Anitra’s Update IN THIS ISSUE:
Dear All,
Happy September everyone.
Celebration Time
We are proud to have been named one of three finalists in the prestigious HSBC British Franchise Association Awards 2023. We are in good company, competing against two other finalists, a McDonald’s and a Costa franchise, so we are incredibly proud of our wonderful team to have made finalists! The winner will be announced on Thursday 9th November, and I will be sure to update you then. In the mean-time find out more about it in their issue of our newsletter.
Office Team Update
I am delighted to inform you that Leanne Morgan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at the beginning of August. Herself and baby Emmie are doing very well. Whilst Leanne takes maternity leave the lovely Harj Mall will be covering for her. As Harj is often answering the phones you may well speak with her soon or may email her at harj.mall@wrws.homeinstead.co.uk.
I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you about some changes we are implementing within our office team. While change can sometimes be unsettling, I want to assure you that there's no need for concern. Our Home Instead is advancing into this next phase with a strong commitment to delivering the utmost personalised quality care, a dedicated team of professionals who are compassionate, responsive, and fully supportive of your needs. I am very excited about the incredible people we have coming through for interviews for roles within our office team and I look forward to announcing the successful applicants in the coming weeks.
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P.1. Anitra’s Update P.2. Dates for the Diary P.3. People News P.4. Our Good News Stories P.6. Support Service Spotlight P.7. Community Connections P.8. Testimonials & Thank You’s
The Home Instead extended family enjoying the school summer holidays together.
Dates for the Diary
Planet Patrol’s Race for Rivers
• WHEN: Wednesday 13th September 11.30am – 1pm
• WHERE: Ari’s Café, The Tea Boat Project, River Thames. Upstream on the tow path from Staines Bridge heading upstream towards Windsor. Free parking (inc. blue badge) at rear of Waterfront Building off the Causeway. TW18 3BA.
• WHAT: Tea, Coffee & Cake at the Tea Boat Project to cheer on the Planet Patrol paddleboarders during their 32 day / 641-kilometre world’s first paddleboarding relay to monitor the quality of England’s rivers. Care Pro Liz will be leading as the pacer for the Runnymede to Windsor section of the River Thames. Email Jo.halstead@homeinstead.co.uk
Key to Care Learning Circle: Understanding Parkinson’s
• WHEN: Friday 29th September, 2pm- 3pm.
• WHERE: Home Instead office, Gogmore Ln, Chertsey. KT16 9AP
• WHAT: 1 hour, bite-sized info session & discussion about Parkinson’s with practical advice to make a difference. Informal, interactive and open to all. No charge. Contact Laura Newtown for more info: laura.newton@homeinstead.co.uk
LAUNCHING OUR NEW COMMUNITY INCLUSIVE DEMENTIA CAFÉ IN OLD WINDSOR… IN A PUB!
• WHEN: Monday 2nd October, 11am-12.30pm
• WHERE: The Fox & Castle Pub, 21 Burfield Road, Old Windsor SL4 2RB
• WHAT: A friendly, social space at the gorgeous Fox & Castle pub. Laid back connections for those living with dementia, at any stage, any age, including loved ones. Every 1st Monday of the month. Free attendance and biscuits for all.
RSVP & more info please contact: jo.halstead@homeinstead.co.uk / 01784335804
Curious About Care Recruitment Event
• WHEN: Weds 4th October, 10am – 2pm
• WHERE: Spelthorne Youth Hub, 62 South Street, Elmsleigh Shopping Centre, Staines. TW18 4QF
• WHAT: Showcasing work and volunteering opportunities in care, to give back and make a difference in our community. Stalls & talks. Free event.
RECRUITMENT EVENT
• Contact to find out more and to host a stall and / or a talk showcasing how you make a difference in the community: b.brar@spelthorne.gov.uk
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Our People News
Introducing our new Care Professionals!
We are delighted to have welcomed in August….
Lisa Fogerty Ruth Marina Santos Susa Egham Windsor
Meet Mike and Lynne, our dedicated Field Care Supervisors
Our Field Care Supervisors primary role is to empower our Care Professionals. Their roles are instrumental in nurturing and guiding our exceptional team of caregivers. They provide unwavering support, enabling our team to excel in their roles and deliver the best care possible. Mike has been with Home Instead for 3 years having joined originally as a Care Professional, swiftly moving into an Area Manager role, before becoming one of our Filed Care Supervisors. Mike is committed to assisting our Care Professionals and clients whenever needed, making sure our clients receive top-notch care.
Lynne has been with Home Instead for 5 years having followed the same pathway as Mike and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care for our clients. She tirelessly supports our Care Professionals, ensuring they have the resources and guidance required to meet our clients' needs.
Mike and Lynne are very active out and about spending time with and supporting our Care Professionals and clients alike. Once a month Lynne and Mike host a "coffee stop" event where Care Professionals and clients come together, with children and grandchildren in tow. This event reflects their belief in our extended Home Instead family, providing our clients with cherished moments spent with the little ones.
We express our gratitude to Mike and Lynne for their dedication to our mission of enhancing the lives of those who give and receive care. Their roles as Field Care Supervisors are integral to our success, making Home Instead a truly special place.
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Other Good News Stories
Our Home Instead heartwarming Visit to Battersea Dogs Home with Paul O'Grady: Tribute episode now Streaming on ITVX!"
Last year, our Care Pro's and clients had a special opportunity to attend a tea party at Battersea Dogs Home in Old Windsor during the filming of "For the Love of Dogs" with Paul O'Grady. Meeting Paul and bringing our clients to interact with the dogs, in particular Pixie, was heartwarming. Battersea’s Communities Programme pioneers the bond between people and pets, helping combat loneliness and work hard and hand in hand with our Home Instead to promote this. Sadly, the episode was never aired while Paul was alive, but now it's available to stream on ITVX, with our feature at around 23 minutes in. Enjoy!
We had a very special visit from our new extended family member, baby Arlo! We are absolutely thrilled to share the wonderful news of the safe arrival of our Care Pro Nat William’s perfect grandson. Congratulations Nat and new mum Abbey .
ScamsWatch with Bill from Trading Standards When you Should Not Click!
Scams can arrive on our computer in emails; in attachments. Some of us will be old enough to remember the public warning ad on the telly of “clunk click every trip”. Inviting us to click seat belts for our safety. Today’s warning is the opposite advice; that there is potentially danger in every email click. Causing a download of malware (malicious software) To counter such threats we need our computer to have software on it that detects malware. Avast or Bitdefender are two of many available. If in doubt don’t click. We should really treat all files sent to us as suspect; in particular those sent from someone we do not know. Any attachment, pdf or other. If we are put under pressure to click on anything or if it’s offering something too good to be true then that’s a sign of a scam too.
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New Mum Abbey & new bub Arlo taking centre stage
Support Services Spotlight
Meet Geoffrey Cunningham
Geoffrey Cunningham, Treasurer
engagement. As part of Parkinson's UK, he recently organised a successful event at Stanwell Conversation’s Lord Knvyette Hall, showcasing the power of community support for those living with Parkinson’s. Geoffrey's event had a dual purpose: raising awareness about the Staines and District Parkinson's Society's mission, support resources and advice, while gathering funds to support their vital work.
Geoffrey’s Top Tips to live well with Parkinson’s.
• Social Support Matters. Social support for people with Parkinson’s and support groups that foster understanding, sharing concerns, and celebrating victories are invaluable. Parkinson’s UK Staines Branch host monthly gatherings at Laleham Tea Rooms bring together around 40 regulars, including people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, families, and friends. These meetings offer not only friendship but also informative talks on various topics.
• Tap into our excellent local resources. We have wonderful local social services and NHS support, providing access to skilled consultants and Parkinson's nurses, accessible via your GP.
• Exercise is Essential: It benefits those with Parkinson's by improving muscles, mobility, confidence, and enjoyment. White Lodge, Chertsey offers sit-down exercise classes and Pilates, while Spelthorne Parkies Support group (also part of Parkinson’s UK), Spelthorne Leisure Centre and Rory Bratt's Personal Training have partnered for two monthly classes at Spelthorne Leisure Centre in Staines.
• Creative Mind-Boosting Activities. Geoffrey highlighted the Parkinson's Dance class at St. Mary’s Centre for the Community in Byfleet. These classes use dance and choreography to stimulate the brain and promote mental health, held weekly on Monday mornings. Chertsey’s White Lodge also offers neuro fit classes.
• For the family - Understanding Emotional Variability: It is important to help family members understand that Parkinson's affects emotions differently in each individual.
Patience and compassion are key.
Geoffrey and Parkinson's UK Staines Branch’s commitment is inspiring, fostering support through events, groups, and resources, emphasising the importance of a united, caring community for those on their Parkinson's journey.
Come along to Home Instead’s next Understanding Parkinson’s Learning Circle –Fri 29th Sept, 2pm-3pm. Contact: laura.newton@homeinstead.co.uk.
Helpful Contacts:
• Parkinson’s UK Staines Branch, 07793 351208 / e: sspencer-bowdage@parkinsons.org.uk
• White Lodge Activities, physio and fitness: 01932 577996 e: physiofitness@whitelodgecentre.co.uk
• Parkinson’s Dance, St Mary’s Community Centre, Byfleet. To join call 07984 791 402
• Spelthorne Parkies Support Group: Tel: 07793 351208 / e: spelthorneparkies@outlook.com
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Geoffrey & Stanwell Village locals at the Parkinson’s UK awareness & fundraiser event.
Our Community Connections.
Where were we in August?
Care Pro Claire P and her client, Maureen took advantage of the sunshine to visit Chertsey Parklands Manor Care Home for a lovely enjoying an afternoon tea and a fabulous stroll in their pretty grounds. Meanwhile Care Pro Claire G and our equally social butterfly Dorothy enjoyed a cream tea together at beautiful Savill Garden...Dorothy looking rather nautical in her sun hat! Sam and her client, Alice are on the same wavelength as they wore the same outfit!! Sam say there were many giggles when she arrived and they saw they were twinning. One thing that is standard across the month though, is the smiles we see on the faces of our dear clients. We hope these pics make you smile too!
Just look at one of our client’s incredible artistic talent and her recent beautiful works of art! She has been painting for a long while and says it makes her so happy. We hope these brighten your day like they did ours.
Happy Birthday Barry from Bowls!!
Addlestone Bowls Club President and Victory Park legend Barrie De Suys turned 89 in August. We celebrated with Barrie and the bowls club. True to form. Home Instead Windsor and Runnymede brought along the cake!
Another lovely Coffee Stop at Notcutts Garden Centre in, Staines, connecting our Care Pro’s, hosted by our Field care Supervisor’s Mike and Lynne.
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Tickled Pink with all the Fabulous Feedback in August
From clients, loved ones, our amazing care team & the community.
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you, Claire, for being such a super star!
Thank
