Compassion and time for dementia sufferers from local care team

Reporter : Judith Grinter

Families can give their loved ones the specialist dementia care they deserve thanks to a service offered by trusted Springhead-based home care company Caremark Oldham.

Caremark have a team of specialist dementia care and support workers on hand to ensure people living with dementia retain their independence and dignity for as long as possible, whilst living in their own homes.

All Caremark staff have basic awareness dementia training but a number of qualified staff members have undertaken specialist training and achieved a Foundation Certificate in Dementia Awareness accredited by the Alzheimer’s Society, to ensure they know the best ways of supporting individuals with the condition. Coupled with an extensive needs assessment given to every Caremark client, the training enables staff to better understand an individual’s particular needs and offer personalised support.

Company directors Stephanie Doherty and Helan Graham, who established Caremark Oldham in 2011, said the service has been created with both the client and their family in mind.

Stephanie told Saddleworth News and Life: “We are giving staff the expertise to support people who are living with dementia, ensuring that we improve their lived experience as well as that of their carers and family.
“Dementia affects people in different ways so it’s about knowing the person well enough to establish a relationship. We look at the person as a whole and take in their life history, their previous employment and interests to ensure they and their family feel comfortable with us.
“Our calls to dementia patients are at least an hour long so there is no rushing around which can agitate a client, and we ensure there is continuity of care among our small specialist team.
“Not only can the client benefit but families can have some time off knowing their relative is being looked after by a dedicated team with expert knowledge.”

Helan said: “Dementia is a growing condition for our ageing population and we want to ensure that as a company we can meet any future needs. A lot of people struggle for such long time by themselves and don’t realise the support they can get from us.”
“As a care provider, we aim to give people quality of life as well as quality of service. ”

It’s not only dementia care that the company provide – Caremark Oldham understands the needs of its clients, whatever their age or requirements, and has flexible care plans to fit adults, young people and vulnerable children in their own home and community.

These include:
• companionship – where a care and support worker spends time with a relative
• social activities – taking customers on shopping trips, visits to hairdressers or to the local social club
• domestic duties – help with chores such as washing, ironing and cooking
• respite care – trained and experienced professionals can give carers a well-deserved break.
The company also offers round-the-clock care.

Caremark staff receive PEG feed training and emergency CPR to name a few, and the company was awarded a good rating in its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in August 2015.
Stephanie told Saddleworth News and Life: “There is huge pressure on social care at the moment and local authorities are having to help those with the highest levels of need.
“That’s why people who want quality care from well-trained staff who are passionate about the work they do should contact us for an informal chat.
“Deciding to access care can be a difficult decision but we are here to help a person maintain their dignity and independence in their own homes in any way we can.”

Caremark are always looking to recruit care workers so for more information contact them on 0161 627 0891.
Caremark Oldham
Unit 7a, County End Business Centre, Jackson Street, Springhead, Oldham
Call 0161 627 0891 or visit their website www.caremark.co.uk/oldham

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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