Business Forum

Care Matters….

While the UK Government has so far failed to put forward plans to cure the care system, a cohort of new and innovative private care providers such as Right at Home continue to offer high quality, value for money in home care service that responds to more personalised care needs, rather than an historically high volume low margin approach to care.

When mundane tasks such as even making a cup of tea become difficult, it is difficult to select the right provider in a crowded market. So what should we be looking for when seeking help at home for the first time?

• Safety first – CareGivers must have a formal security check (DBS), and be thoroughly interviewed with several positive references

• Person-centred care - Tailored care plans should address the personal choices, goals and needs of individuals. Time and task orientated plans should be avoided, which give little input from the client.

• Well led - How are carers managed, motivated and developed, to ensure that they deliver consistent compassionate care making a difference on each visit? What is the level of staff turnover? Are staff well trained and updated regularly?

• Responsive – Will your care provider be quick to react, and calm in a crisis, with scenario planning in place for the most challenging of events, such as illness or family bereavement?

• Peace of mind – How are families and loved ones kept informed of needs and care developments?

• Rushed visits? - Visits should never be rushed with minimum visit times of one hour, to allow for trusted relationships to be firmly formed.

• Uniform or discrete service? - Stigma about needing help tends to disappear if offered discretely from someone that is known well.

• When to introduce care – Early intervention reduces the risk of crises, leading to hospital stay or residential care.

Giles Ellerton is the Managing Director of Right at Home Aylesbury Vale and Chiltern.

Tel: 01296 798910 Email: aylesbury@ rightathomeuk.com Web: rightathomeuk. com/aylesburyvaleandchiltern

Return of the Red Lion!

Following a remodel that began in March 2021, the Red Lion opens 15 July as Bel and the Dragon at the Red Lion. Planning a visit? Check their Facebook page www. facebook.com/RedLionWendover for news and specials.

Depression & Anxiety

Prolonged anxiety can lead to depression and hopelessness. Often life is so busy that it is difficult to see what is really going on. Perhaps your mood has started to dip or you have been feeling low for some time. You are searching to understand why you are feeling like this and feel alone, not knowing where to turn for help. Perhaps you have managed to hide your depression and it’s your dark secret because you are a “high functioning” person with depression. You are not alone! Depression is very common and many people suffer with it for a long time until they seek help.

What are some of the symptoms of depression?

• feeling hopeless, low self esteem

• losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed

• feeling tired all the time / insomnia

• poor appetite or overeating

• poor concentration

• self-critical thoughts

• irritable, angry

• drinking more

• other negative changes in behaviour

There are many reasons for depression from a single significant event or a culmination of many smaller triggers combined together.

How can counselling help? Therapy can help you understand the source of your pain and allow you to make positive changes to your daily life, improving your well-being and giving you permission to start enjoying life again.

Please get in touch if you would like support www.buckinghamshirecounselling.co.uk

See advert below.