Providing care that is personal and meaningful

When someone you love needs personal care and support it can be incredibly difficult to know where to turn. Could live-in support be an option? 

The team at the Great Care Company understand this and provide a range of home care and support choices to suit every individual need. 

Home care means that people can stay in the comfort of their own home, instead of moving into a residential facility or another setting.

Professional carers visit the home to help with a variety of tasks, including cooking, washing, personal care and shopping. They can also provide valuable emotional support and companionship.

Sometimes home care is known as domiciliary care or home help. It’s a popular option for those looking for flexibility without the upheaval of relocating and can be adapted as specific needs change.

When Lesley Hanley needed more support to care for her husband Tony, she decided that home care support from the Great Care Company would be the best option. Reflecting on her experience, Lesley said:

‘Tony had a stroke six years ago. I tried to cope with his care on my own but as his needs changed and he required more and more support, I found it difficult to manage on my own.

‘I was naturally worried about having strangers come to our home, but these concerns soon faded after meeting with the team and talking about what Tony needed, including how living with the effects of the stroke affected his day-to-day life, right down to his personal interests and what food he liked.

‘This helped us to work out a care and support plan that fitted around Tony’s needs and personality. I really appreciated this because everything was personalised for him. I find it quite emotional looking back at the difference the carers have made to our quality of life, and I say our because it has benefited me too. 

‘One area where Tony has made progress is in his speech. When the carers first came, he found speaking to be a real challenge. The stroke meant that forming words took some time, and he often didn’t talk or communicate at all.

‘But the girls have really worked with Tony to build his confidence, giving him time to reply in conversations and encouraging him to do so.

‘All of Tony’s carers are the same, absolutely brilliant. Every single one of them willingly gives their time, care and friendship.

‘They never tell him what to do, it’s always about asking him instead: Are you OK Tony? Would you like this Tony? I’m going to do this now, is that alright? And that’s been the making of him.’

With offices across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire quality care provision is central to the ethos at the Great Care Company.

This commitment has recently been recognised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in their first inspection of their York office, scoring Outstanding in Caring with a Good overall rating.

This comes on the back of the recent award achieved as one of the Top 20 Home Care Providers in the Yorkshire and Humber region. 

Angela Gregory, registered manager at their York office said: ‘We know that families coming to us want to be sure that their loved one is safe and comfortable.

‘Kindness, respect and friendship between our carers and our clients is a central part of how we operate.’

Photo Credit – Zach Vessels