Leeds - Case Study from February 2025
“She had the best time in her life due to (your carers).” - Adult Social Care Worker, Leeds City Council
We are proud to have changed “Doreen’s” life for the better, thanks to two of our exceptional Professional Carers. Prior to our involvement, Doreen had resisted support/care from services, experiencing undiagnosed mental health challenges and a form of Learning Disability. We took Doreen on as a customer when she was experiencing low self-esteem and self-neglect, shown through a lack of personal hygiene, an untidy home, and excessive smoking. She was also being financially exploited by the people around her. Within 2 months of our care, Doreen’s life had changed dramatically, thanks to the tireless work of our dedicated Professional Carers. We take the time to match our carers and customers, through personality, life experiences, and skills, which allows our carers to build trusting relationships with our customers, enabling life-changing care as seen with Doreen.
Our Professional Carers’ commitment to Doreen included their sourcing of free clothes and furniture outside of their working hours. We worked with Doreen to clean up her house, and to focus on herself, with Doreen working up to showering regularly and taking pride in her appearance. Doreen’s Social Worker hadn’t seen her laugh in years - and with us, she laughed, danced, and sang. She even gave up smoking. We also encouraged her to seek advice on exploitation, empowering Doreen to empower herself.
Doreen sadly passed away due to her ongoing health conditions, but is well-remembered by our team. Her 2 Professional Carers were shortlisted for the Leeds Annual Quality and Care Awards, and made the final 3 shortlisted in all Adult Social Care Services for the “Established Care Worker of the Year” Award.
Gloucester - January 2025
“Richard” was unwell and required medical attention, but was reluctant to attend his local hospital. Our carers attempted to source an emergency GP, but one wasn’t available, and so paramedics (999) were called. Despite the paramedics stating that hospital care was required, Richard wanted to wait to go into hospital until the next day. Our Professional Carer was very concerned about this, and so contacted our branch, asked for her calls to be managed by other members of the team, and encouraged Richard to go into hospital with the paramedics, agreeing to meet him there and remain with him throughout.
Due to our carer’s good relationship with Richard, he agreed, and our carer met him at the hospital and remained with him until 10pm, throughout his examination, x-ray, and doctor’s check-up.
Thanks to our carer’s persuasion and flexibility (supported by our branch team), Richard was able to receive the hospital care he needed with limited distress.
Cheshire - January 2025
“Henry”, is a 78-year-old gentleman who was an existing customer of ours when diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder (similar to Parkinson’s) following a series of falls in the local community.
Due to his declining health, it was suggested to Henry that he may want to move into a full-time care setting, as he had no family to help with his care. Henry was distressed at this idea, as he did not want to leave his home, and did not want to leave our care team.
As Henry retains full capacity, we called a meeting on behalf of Henry with his allocated Social Worker and Neurological Specialist to assess Henry’s future care needs, and whether these could be met at home. In line with Henry’s wishes, this was agreed.
We set up a short-term contract with a local befriending service, who visited Henry weekly to support shopping and accessing the local community. Henry, however, felt he was losing his independence through this service, and so we looked for alternative ways for Henry to access the community safely, but independently.
Henry now accesses the local community weekly, through a recurring booking with the local taxi firm. Assisted by the same driver each week, who picks Henry up, assists with his shopping, and drops him home, Henry is able to maintain his independence, while keeping safe. The taxi firm also takes Henry to and from GP/hospital appointments, enabling him to continue to attend these without additional care, in line with his wishes.
To ensure he always has the staples in, we supported Henry to set up a contract with a local milk delivery service, who also deliver milk, bread, cheese, and eggs to him weekly.
Recently, following a review, Henry has received additional care hours, to incorporate domestic support, helping him to keep his environment clean, tidy, and safe for him to navigate. With our care, and these established community links, Henry has been able to continue living at home, retain his independence, and live well.