What we do
At Friendly Homecare, we support individuals who are living with a range of conditions including arthritis, dementia, diabetes, impaired vision and other senses, poor mobility & Parkinson’s disease.
We always work with the individual to develop a plan of care that takes account of their privacy, dignity, personal needs and choice.
This enables us to support the individual in maintaining their independence for as long as possible or to regain it where possible.
How we've helped...
It is a long time since Friendly Homecare first introduced one of their team of carers to us. Seamlessly, as the need became greater with my husband’s frailty, other ones joined us – each contributing their particular qualities, but all of them qualified to make life in our own home, lived as nearly as possible, in our own way.
The last heart-breaking months of my husband’s life with Alzheimer’s was still managed with compassion and humour, whatever the difficulties. Now, on my own at 100 years old and needing help with two hearing aids, painting professionally is what keeps me sane. It is the carer with her manifold capabilities, among them dealing tactfully on the telephone, that makes time in my studio possible.
I am grateful for all the help, forethought and attention to my wants as well as my needs. I cannot imagine how other frail ‘elderlies’ having to rely on the homecare available on the NHS, can safely be living at home on their own.
When circumstances have changed and a new ‘carer’ is introduced, there has been sufficient flexibility and trial given to match a newcomer with my, no doubt, eccentric expectations.
Diana M. Armfield R.A. R.W.S.
Our Values
The following statements reflect the values, principles and general aims of Friendly Homecare
To focus on service users. We aim to provide personal care and support in ways which have positive outcomes for service users and promote their active participation.
To ensure that we are fit for our purpose. We examine our operations constantly to ensure that we are successfully achieving our stated aims and purposes. We welcome feedback from our service users and their friends and relatives.
To work for the comprehensive welfare of our service users. We aim to provide for each service user a package of care that contributes to his or her overall personal and healthcare needs and preferences. We will co-operate with other services and professionals to help to maximise each service user’s independence and to ensure as fully as possible the services user’s maximum participation in the community.
To meet assessed needs. Before we provide services, we ensure that a potential service user’s needs and preferences are thoroughly assessed. We aim to ensure that the care the service provides meets the assessed needs of each service user, that needs are re-assessed as frequently as necessary, and that the care and support provided have the flexibility to respond to changing needs or requirements.
To provide quality services. We are whole-heartedly committed to providing top quality services and to continuous improvement in the level of the care we offer.
To employ a quality workforce. We ensure that persons employed by Friendly Homecare have sector experience and relevant training as well as the willingness to undergo further training as required. Regular feedback would be sought to ensure that our workforce are delivering quality care in line with our high standards and expectations as well as supported to gain knowledge of best practise.
shiva@friendlyhomecare.co.uk
Meet the Registered Manager…
Shiva Singh
Shiva has been working in the social care sector for over 19 years and has an MBA in Health Management degree. He is both the Nominated Individual & Registered Manager, responsible to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the service’s compliance with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated regulations.
“My personal and work experiences have inspired my passion for encouraging and supporting elderly & vulnerable individuals to maintain their independence within their own homes; or to regain it, following a deterioration in their abilities, perhaps owing to illness or other reasons.
I am experienced in supporting & planning support for individuals with various health conditions and I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams and families to achieve positive health outcomes for service users. Through person-centred care planning, the team and I are able to promote individuals’ capabilities, choices, dignity and self-esteem, as a means of stimulating better physical and emotional wellbeing. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the positive difference you can make in someone’s life”.
How we monitor Safety and Quality
We use a digital social care record system (DSCR) which supports us with monitoring the provision of care in real time. When support workers arrive at your home, they will log in to an app and start the visit. Office staff will be able to see this, and subsequently, the visit notes that the support worker leaves, once the visit has ended. Support workers are able to access your care plan via the app and we can allocate them activities/tasks to complete, based on your needs and what is in the care plan. This way, essential tasks are not missed.
The system has capability to provide access to an attorney or authorised representative, so that they can view the records and visit notes – which is especially reassuring where a loved one lives alone.
We keep in close contact and also arrange regular review meetings with you and/or your attorney/representative to check that you are happy with the service; and to determine whether any amendments are needed to the care plan.
Homecare
Our Homecare Services
Friendly Homecare offers a broad range of affordable care and support solutions, tailored to an individual’s own personal requirements. We can provide you with varying levels of visits to suit your specific needs ranging from weekly visits to multiple daily visits.
We provide support for people suffering from dementia. Because of the need for consistency and familiarity, we will always try as best as we can to allocate as few Support Workers as possible, depending on the level of support required – whether it is a few hours a day / week or 24/7.
Due to their conditions / disability, some individuals find it difficult managing their personal care independently. This can be frustrating; and for some, cause embarrassment asking for assistance. We are here to help with these issue.
We can support individuals with equipment such as hoists to aid their mobility – whether it is a ceiling or portable hoist. Support Workers receiving training in moving and positioning people. Your care needs assessment will take full account of your needs. Some individuals may require the assistance of two Support Workers. This will be arranged. If you have a catheter, we can assist with emptying and changing the bag.
It can sometimes become daunting when vulnerable individuals have to manage their medication and remember when and what medication to take. This is especially so, if there are multiple medicines to take. You may need to take tablets, have eye drops instilled and / or creams applied. We can support you with this if needed, relieving the stress of it all.
With the availability of this service, many people choose to remain in their own homes rather than making the very difficult choice of moving permanently into a care home or other type of care establishment. It is simple – over their lifetime, people accumulate memories and form attachments to their possessions and environment. Why then would they want to leave it all behind because they need care and support?
Some individuals may require overnight support. This may be to render them with assistance in the night or simply for companionship – just knowing that you are not alone in the house in case of any emergencies. Many older people and those suffering from Dementia tend to become anxious at night especially if they live alone.
We can provide you or your loved one with a friendly and familiar face to help stimulate social interaction. This may be just to have a chat over a hot drink and reminisce over past or current events; but it can encompass much more.
Friendly Homecare provides varying levels of support to several groups of individuals including the elderly, individuals with learning or physical disabilities, mental health issues and children.
