The care provided to her much-loved uncle
There’s a saying that you can always tell a Yorkshireman but you cannot tell him much. It’s a saying that rings true with *Clare Phillips who oversees the care provided to her much-loved uncle *James Shackleton. You can read more in the following customer story.
“I love him to bits and whilst it is to be expected that he is set in his ways at his age, we have to work with his view of cleanliness not necessarily being the same as other people’s,” said Clare.
“The carers understand that and there are a couple who manage to get on his wavelength. They look after his personal hygiene and clothing cleanliness.”
A care plan is helping to meet his needs
Now 96, James was hospitalised with a serious eye condition a couple of years ago. After treatment, it required two different types of drops to be administered twice a day.
Clare found him a place in a residential care home near her in Sussex. However, he longed to return to his own home in Pudsey where he had lived for some 80 years.
“It was a lovely care home with nice people but it just didn’t work for James,” said Clare. “Although he had the freedom to do exactly what he does at home, he just kept saying it wasn’t his home.”
Clare contacted a number of care companies before deciding on Caremark Leeds and Caremark Bradford. A plan was drawn up to allow James to return home to Yorkshire. Carers began visiting twice a day.
Caremark was a good option for him
It was speaking to Field Care Supervisor Sarah that convinced Clare that a return home might be possible for her uncle. She also saw Caremark would be a good option for him. Additionally, the availability of their app to see the report from each carer after their visit was beneficial.
“I found her very honest and down to earth. I felt I could trust her to understand his needs,” said Clare. “There are times when issues arise or I have a concern and I’ve found Sarah very responsive to messages. We’ve used Caremark for two years now and it is working well.”
Carers check on James general welfare, cleanliness and hygiene. They ensure he takes his medication, carry out domestic tasks and do his shopping.
“The best carers are patient and understand it’s often the way you phrase a question to James that is important,” said Clare. “For example, ‘would you like a wash and change before a cup of tea or after’ means there is no other option.”
Determined to live well and for longer
The first of his family to go to University, James graduated with an engineering degree. He enjoyed a successful career in the motor industry and had and still has a passion for athletics. He would run every day well into his sixties.
“James gets a daily paper mainly for the TV listings and the date – the television is generally on all day,” said Clare. “He loves to watch any athletics, especially the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics. He also enjoys tennis and cricket and quiz shows.”
And Clare says that competitive streak still burns brightly in her uncle. “His mother lived to nearly 102 and James is determined to beat that.”
*Names changed to protect identity
About Caremark Leeds and Caremark Bradford
If, like James, the desire to stay living in your own home is overwhelming, then why not get in touch with Caremark Leeds and Caremark Bradford today to find out more about our range of home care in Bradford or home care in Leeds? From personal care and meal preparation through to community visits and companionship, we have everything covered.