A better quality of life

Home care can not only help our customers enjoy a better quality of life, it can also benefit their loved ones as well.

Gill Noble turned to Caremark Kirklees after mum Joan’s deteriorating health and mobility led to several hospital stays.

“Mum had lived with us for a few years, and I’d given up my job to look after her,” said Gill, 58.

“I realised it was just becoming too much for me and I needed an extra pair of hands.”

Gill’s brother was concerned at the toll looking after their 95-year-old mum was having on his sister and at one point they had discussed whether the only option was a residential care home.

 “In hospital mum was just fading away, the staff are so overworked there’s no time for any social interaction and I feared that’s what might happen in a care home,” said Gill.

“Mum loves living here with us, and the cats and we are able to ensure she is comfortable and is eating and drinking enough. We wanted mum to be able to stay with us and felt home care support would allow that and also allow me to get some of my life back.”

Gill admits the first night she and husband Euan left mum with a carer it was an anxious time.

“We went to a Deacon Blue concert, and I was worried,” said Gill. “The carer was lovely, she texted me to say mum was fine and then again later to say she was safely tucked up in bed. It was very thoughtful and helped me relax.”

As Joan’s mobility has decreased, she has needed more help with everyday tasks such as getting in and out of bed, washing and dressing. Two carers now visit four times a day.

“It has made such a difference to mum, not just the help side but also the social interaction with different people,” said Gill. “The carers don’t just go through the motions; they are very attentive and chat and joke. Mum loves the slide sheet they use to move her on the bed, I can hear her laughing which is lovely.”

Gill has also been impressed by the flexibility Caremark offers. Recently a communication breakdown meant Joan was due to be released from hospital without home care support being in place. Gill contacted the office and within 24 hours Caremark had arranged a four-visit daily rota.

“The way Caremark pulled out all the stops at such short notice was phenomenal,” said Gill. “It has made such a difference to mum’s life and to mine.” She added: “I’ve been so impressed that all the staff are of such a high standard, there isn’t one where we feel “oh I wish it was someone else.”

Gill’s advice to anyone else trying to find a way to allow a loved one to stay living at home, is to do their research.

“It can be difficult when you first try to navigate the care sector, but help is out there,” said Gill.