Forum Topic

seeking a Carer for elderly relative

I am looking for recommendations for agencies that supply live in Carers or a freelance carer.We are hoping to find someone to help an elderly person get to bed in the evening and get up in the morning, make sure medication is taken and exercise performed and do light housework; cooking evening meal, washing  up and a bit of laundry. We are hoping to find a regular carer or two to establish a relationship rather than have a different person every time. It would be in the Hammersmith area ,(Ravenscourt Park).I would be really grateful for recommendations but also any companies to stay away from. Thank you.

Kim Rugg ● 3746d6 Comments

Hello Kim,This service was advertised in a local magazine recently:https://www.myhometouch.com/?gclid=CMjmsfr4ns0CFUg8Gwod25UAygI've not used them myself but it looks like a good idea and might be worth investigating.Good luck.Ann

Ann Brennan ● 3718d

Later when I discovered how disastrous the care company system was with skipped and skimped calls.  (Just take a look at a carer's rota and if they have several calls all at the same time or overlapping you are never going to get what you pay for. Carers are not being paid for their travelling  time between calls by many companies which is illegal.)  I tried Age UK again to try and set up the cleaning/shopping/post a letter type thing but wanted that to work with personal care from the carers.  I wanted to know whether they could coordinate so if one person put washing in the machine the other could take it out.  I gave up because that particular Age UK rep was clueless and I'd run out energy and patience.We had some wonderful carers and some completely irresponsible and clueless.  A lot of teenagers because they don't have to be paid so much but that meant they could be very inexperienced to the extent of using the hot tap to make a cup of tea and being unable to make a sandwich.  It took our very dedicated and brilliant carer one hour of military precision when it came to the point of personal wash, help with dressing, hearing aid, make microwave porridge and cup of tea, and give meds - and write up book - with a bit of cheerful chatter along the way. The meds were being given from a dosette box at this stage (could no longer see/feel the pills at all) which is what carers and care homes prefer but which is a loss of independence).It is important to try and stay as independent as possible and it is easy for many of the younger generation to help with fast changing technology eg it is VERY easy using a computer to make a list in large type of friends' telephone numbers - or of their Memory No when they are on speed dial and laminate it. 

Philippa Bond ● 3742d

We also had a wonderful volunteer from the library - but libraries and volunteers are harder to find. It gets harder to keep up with friends as they find it harder to get around too.I tried to set up a regular cleaner/shopper from Age Uk but after MIL's broken ankle healed they decided to go without which was a shame as you can get a good relationship going like this.  You need to find team workers.

Philippa Bond ● 3744d

Thanks for suggestions, I will follow them up. I am new to this so grateful for all the tips.At the moment friends and family are helping but we want a structured care system in place so that we can do the 'taking out' rather than the cleaning and catching up with the everyday nitty gritty. She has a lovely hair dresser but a regular chiropodist is a great idea. Will be posting about that next.

Kim Rugg ● 3745d

Home Instead was suggested to us but unfortunately they were not operating in our area.  You are absolutely right about trying to get continuity of care. Chiropody and hair-dressing are also good to set up and to have continuity with and a chat!  Although of course going out is also important.

Philippa Bond ● 3745d

I was told that Home Instead were good - haven't tried them and not sure whether they operate in all of this area.

Sara Nathan ● 3746d