Thank you to everyone that joined us for our 2023 Halloween Party day!
We had the most amazing and Spooktacular time this year and it was so great to see our amazing carers, service users and families join us.
Some of the raffle prizes consisted of chocolate and sweet hampers, teddys, wax melts and burners, and plenty more, so well done to everyone that was lucky enough to win a prize! As well as this, we had plenty to do, including a face painting station, find the eye balls in the box to win sweets, guess how many sweets are in the tub, guess the name of the bear, colouring, an amazing buffet of food, and of course unlimited tea and coffee.
Well done to our lovely carer Rachel and her daughter (Morticia and Wednesday Addams) for winning the best fancy dress prize. You both looked amazing.
We cannot wait to host our next party and hope to see you there!
As a company, we want to show our appreciation to our amazing care support workers who strive to go above and beyond for our service users. Their hard work does not go unrecognised, and due to this we have recently implemented a ‘carer of the month’ award.
We have set up a fair system by putting our carers names into a draw when they receive a compliment from a service user or other care provider such as district nurses, occupation therapists, physiotherapists, etc… We then at random pull out a name and the carer will then receive a certificate as well as prizes as a way to say thank you.
If you as a service user or family of service user wishes to put a name forward for this, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to put a carer forward for this.
One to One Homecare Feedback from Quality Assurance Survey
February 2018 – Care Support Workers
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to complete our questionnaire, your views and opinions matter to us and we value your comments.
We are not perfect and sometimes things do not always go according to plan, however, we always endeavour to support you to support our Service Users to deliver a high standard of care and support.
There was a poor response return of the questionnaires this time around.
Less than half were returned.
Survey Findings
- Of those returned, 90% were generally happy with the support received from Care Coordinators, Wages department and the Training delivered including supervisions and support.
Some of the comments made
- Since I have started with One to One I feel very supported – The staff at Lowestoft have made me feel very welcome and nothing is ever too much trouble. I have also felt supported when I have been out on care out of office hours has answered the phone quickly and helped me with any queries.
- Overall Good.
- Great team in the office at present.
- Teach some carers common sense.
- Not had any problems
- ……is a great asset to the team.
- Would be nice to be kept a bit more up-to-date with things.
- When a Service User passes away I have not always been told by the office and have been told by the family or another carer.
- Care plans are comprehensive.
Answers to some of these points
- We try to support all staff as much as we can, if there is something on your mind, please come and talk to us.
- Unfortunately common sense cannot be taught, we are not all the same and sometimes we do not always do things in a logical order, we can overlook some things occasionally, we are all human. If things are not being done properly though please tell us, we want to support everyone to provide the best possible care.
- We apologise if we do not always get updates to you quickly, particularly when someone dies, we call everyone individually and sometimes the sad news gets passed before we have had chance to call you personally. We will take this concern on board and try to make sure you are kept informed of things like this.
- Care plans are comprehensive, they have to be, we try to capture as much as we can of an individual this helps us all to provide not just care (daily tasks) but support, understanding and compassion. When completing documentation please do not just list what has been done, we are all individuals and have unique aspects to us, record this. (for example) Samantha said she had a lovely time this weekend her grandson visited… or chatted to Carl about the football…. Jane said she feels a little low today; I helped her dial the number to talk to her son.
Thank you for your continued support of our Service Users, we do appreciate everything you do and we will try to continue to support you with a high standard you deserve.
If things are not as you would like or you have any concerns please talk to us, we cannot promise to get it right all of the time but we will certainly try our best.
Yours sincerely
Branch Manager
One to One Homecare Ltd
One to One Homecare Ltd Feedback from
Quality Assurance Survey sent out in January 2018
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to complete our questionnaire, your views and opinions matter to us and we value your comments.
We are not perfect and sometimes things do not always go according to plan, however, we always endeavour to support you and your families and deliver a high standard of care and support.
Survey Findings
- 86% of questionnaires were returned.
- 14% not returned.
Of the 86% of questionnaires that were returned:
- 81% rated our services as Excellent, Very Good and Good (the majority being Very Good).
- 5% not very good.
- 70% are completely satisfied with the overall service.
Some of the comments made
- Put stamp on return envelope.
- I think you should let people give gifts to carers as I was told in the office you get lots of goods at Christmas. More than you let your carers get.
- Inform clients if carer is late or held up. Also if carer has been changed.
- I feel disappointed with your company as I fill out questionnaires but nothing ever changes. I feel this is just a tick box exercise.
- The only issues my parents have with the care service they have received seems to be with the way their bed is sometimes made.
- 100% happy – Thank you.
- I would like to thank you all as a team for all your care and consideration. I’m sure that you have many things and situation to deal with and I greatly appreciate the consideration that you show in sending a regular team to us when people have strokes they get very muddled and the regular team certainly helps.
- Hiccups occasionally but not often – nothing to deter me from having your service. Thank you.
- I don’t know what I would have done without my carer; He goes the extra mile as I myself have been very poorly.
- Excellent care all round.
- All good.
- Office and Carers – we are very grateful for the care, kindness and flexibility 121 have shown particularly over the last year.
- Keep up the good work.
- My sister-in-law has built up a good relationship with her 121 carers and chooses you over any others.
- I am very happy with the good care I receive from my carers. Grateful thanks to you.
- The service supplied by carers and office staff has always been exemplary, we will always be grateful for the care provided by 121 and the peace of mind that we got from knowing he was in safe hands.
Answers to some of these points
- We note the point about stamped return envelopes.
- Gifts at Christmas – every single member of staff receives a gift from the Directors and a gift personally from me, as Branch Manager. We also invite all staff to a ‘Nibbles Day’ in the lead up to Christmas and we provide all food, drink and a Raffle. Staff are allowed gifts from the individuals they support up to the value of £5.
- Informed of changes – We apologise. We will endeavour to rectify this concern, being kept informed of changes is vital.
- Tick box exercise – most certainly not, we value your views. If there are concerns of any kind please talk to us, we will try our hardest to put things right.
- Bed making methods – let us know how you would like things done and we will try to do it for you.
Thank you for your continued support of our staff, we do appreciate individuality and we will try to continue to support you with a high standard you deserve.
If things are not as you would like, please talk to us, we cannot promise to get it right all of the time but we will certainly try our best.
Yours sincerely,
Branch Manager
One to One Homecare Ltd
And second place goes to……. Marie Lee and Terence Kent for outstanding contribution in the community.
We at One to One were delighted when we heard that two of our nominees Marie Lee and Terence Kent had gained second place in the Judges Special Category.
Marie and Terence supported one of our services users and their family in extreme circumstances a few months ago, unfortunately the outcome was not a positive one. Marie and Terence are hardworking, compassionate and supportive individuals who always go that extra mile to ensure the highest possible care and consideration is given. Something we can all take comfort in and carry forward.
We attended an Award Ceremony at The Victoria Hotel on the evening of 7th December.
Many unsung Heroes and Heroines from all walks of life were acknowledged on that evening.
We are honoured and proud to be part of it.
Congratulations to Marie Lee and Terence Kent.
In 2014 it was reported that 7% of us will be alone this Christmas Day and HALF A MILLION of the elderly will be on their own.
How you can help
There are many ways to help end loneliness this Christmas.
- Join Age UK’s campaign to end loneliness in the elderly. A million older people in the UK haven’t spoken to anyone in a month. End the silence – donate or visit a centre.
For more information visit: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/loneliness/
- Invite your elderly relatives or neighbours round. They may not have told you they’re alone because they don’t want to be a burden.
Tips to celebrate Christmas if you are alone
Decorate for Christmas
While it may seem unusual to decorate when you’re by yourself, it is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and lift your own spirits. Choose your favorite decorations, or go out and purchase some new ones if you don’t have any. If you enjoy making things, you can also make your own Christmas decorations for a special touch. Put up your tree, hang decorations around the house and string up a garland or two. Put some lights out the front; that way, they can be shared with everyone who goes past
Play Christmas Music
Prepare a playlist of your favourite Christmas songs, or purchase pre-recorded Christmas CDs. Keep the music playing on Christmas Day to help you feel in the spirit. An added bonus is that you can sing as loudly as you want along with the carols and not feel embarrassed!
Send Christmas cards or Christmas emails out to as many people as you can.
Send cards or email greetings to any family members.
Send them to your friends.
Send them to people you work with.
Send them to people who provide you services.
Send as many as you can; doing this will help you feel like you are sharing Christmas with others. Send the cards or greetings early and you will find that people send them back. Even though you are on your own, you will know others are thinking of you at Christmas.
Buy yourself some gifts.
It’s normal to buy things for yourself all through the year, so why not treat yourself at Christmas too. The great thing about buying gifts for yourself is that you get exactly what you want in the color, shape and size you want. Wrap the gifts up using great Christmas paper and put them under the tree to open on Christmas morning. Even though you know what they are it is still fun to open presents on Christmas morning.
Plan a great Christmas meal
Since you are celebrating Christmas on your own, you can serve all your very own favorite foods. This might be as quirky as turkey and ice cream, as functional as pizza, or as traditional as what your Mother used to make when you were little. Anything that takes your fancy. Get your favorite foods, your favorite drinks, your favorite dessert and all the trimmings. Set the table up beautifully with a special tablecloth and candles to make it feel like an extra special meal.
On Christmas Day:
Go to church if you normally do this
This will allow you to spend Christmas with others. Also it will mean that you will think more about the real meaning of Christmas and discover it is just as special whether you have hundreds of people to celebrate with or no one at all. If you are lonely, go to church services at three different churches on the day and see which is your best.
Get your favourite DVD of all time to watch, or one you have been dying to see
Watch this as part of your Christmas Day celebrations.
Find an outing that you can go to that is open on Christmas Day. Movies are often open and can be a way of being around others while enjoying a film.
Volunteer at a church, hospital, residential home or even a prison to help make other people’s Christmas special
This will allow you to be around others and to be helping. It is impossible to feel lonely when you’re helping others and it can help put your own situation into perspective.
If you want to volunteer or see what events are around your area, Community Christmas is a good source of information and can be found on http://communitychristmas.org.uk/ or their partner Friends of the Elderly on http://www.fote.org.uk
James Paget University Hospital is the main hospital that serves both Norfolk and Suffolk. If you wish to make a difference please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on 01493 452304.
HMP Norwich predominantly serves the Courts of Norfolk and Suffolk and can be contacted by calling 01603 708 600.
Plan a peaceful rendezvous with nature
Go for a walk or hike and be mindful of what you see and experience. How does the air feel? What birds do you notice? What sounds do you hear? Nature has a magical way of putting things into perspective
References: Wikihow.com
Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.
Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
The chances of these problems are higher if you’re vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:
- you’re over 65
- you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
- you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung, kidney disease or an end of life condition
- you are disabled (physically or mentally)
How to fight flu
Flu is a highly infectious illness that can spread rapidly. You may be eligible for a free flu jab if you’re at risk of complications from flu. Your General Practitioner will ensure you are offered this if you meet the criteria.
Find out if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx
Or contract your GP Surgery.
Fuel poverty facts
In the UK, in the winter of 2012-13 there were 31,000 deaths linked to the cold weather.
Currently, there are 2.46 million households in England in fuel poverty. This is when a household is living below the poverty line and has higher than average energy bills.
Read more about fuel poverty from the Energy Bill Revolution:
http://www.energybillrevolution.org
Keep your home warm
- If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C and make sure you wear enough clothes to stay warm. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night.
- If you’re under 65 and healthy, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable.
- You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed. It would be safer, if you have a disability, to ensure you have someone to assist you when preparing your hot water bottle.
- Ensure your electric blanket has been checked for safety issues i.e. frayed edges, worn connections etc. This should be done on a regular basis.
Eat well in winter
Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.
It is always worth thinking about having a flask of soup or hot drink by your side if your mobility is compromised.
Wear warm clothes
Wrap up warm, inside and out. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
A warm hat is good for keeping you warm and at an even temperature.
Help your neighbours in winter
Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather.
If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact Social Services or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 169 2081.
If you have not seen your relative/s or elderly neighbour/s during the cold periods, please contact the emergency services or Social Services.
End of Life Conditions
Those that experience end of life conditions may need the temperature of their home increased more than normal. If this causes financial hardship, you may be entitled to some help from Macmillan Cancer Support or Marie Curie.
To ascertain if you or someone you know are eligible, please refer to these services direct.
Macmillan Cancer Support helpline is: 0808 808 0000 (Monday to Friday 9am-8pm) or visit their website: http://www.macmillan.org.uk
Marie Curie helpline is: 0800 090 2309 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or visit their website: http://www.mariecurie.org.uk
Cold weather benefits
You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
Winter Fuel Payment
A Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 is available if you were born on or before January 5 1953 or you normally live in Northern Ireland or Great Britain on any day during 21st-27th September. You can get it if you’re working or claiming a benefit.
Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment-how-to-claim
Or from Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk
Cold Weather Payment
Cold Weather Payment may be available to you if you receive certain benefits. Payments are made when your local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
You’ll get a payment, decided by the government, of £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.
Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Or from Age UK: https://www.ageuk.org.uk
How to reduce your energy bills
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has advice on how to reduce bills and make your home more energy efficient. They can also advise on grants and schemes available around the UK.
Find out more online from the EST website (http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) or call 0300 123 1234 (9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday).
Your local County Council or Housing Association can also advise/help on reducing your energy bills or making improvements to your home.
Tips on how to cope in very cold weather
Follow these tips to keep you, your family and those around you warm and well in extremely cold weather.
To keep warm and well during spells of cold weather:
- Draw your curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out draughts.
- Have regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
- Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer) or a warm woolly hat or similar.
- Keep as active in your home as possible.
- Wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days.
- If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C and make sure you wear enough clothes to stay warm. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night.
- If you’re under 65 and healthy, you can safely have your house cooler than 18C, if you’re comfortable.
- If you are really struggling financially, physically or mentally during the cold weather contact your local Social Services.
For more information, visit:
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/getinvolved/spread-the-warmth1/tips-on-keeping-warm-this-winter/
Norfolk County Council
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 2DH
Tel: 0344 800 8020 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Suffolk County Council
Endeavour House
8 Russell Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 2BX
Tel: 0808 800 4002 (Monday-Friday 8am-6.45pm)