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Altogether Care Bridport Branch Shines a Light on Mental Health and Dementia Awareness Week

Posted on 30 May 202330 May 2023 by Access Performance

Altogether Care Bridport branch is making waves with their proactive team and trained Mental Health First Aider (MHFA). Their recent initiative aimed to recognise and support Mental Health and Dementia national Awareness Week, and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

To demonstrate their unwavering support and raise funds for these important causes, the team organised an enjoyable bake sale. Perfectly coinciding with the national bake day, this event was a testament to their dedication and compassion. Leading the charge was Sheelagh, whose role as a Mental Health First Aider and social butterfly made her the ideal candidate to spearhead this event. Registered manager Kellie Gumbrill eagerly enlisted Sheelagh’s expertise, and she embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm.

To ensure the bake sale’s success, the team sought guidance from the Dementia Awareness website, utilising their fundraising pack to decorate the exterior of their Bridport office. The decision to hold the event on a Wednesday, coinciding with Bridport’s bustling market day, ensured maximum participation. Bridport’s market is renowned for its lively atmosphere, attracting a multitude of local market traders and a supportive community. Carers from Altogether Care enthusiastically contributed by making, buying, and donating baked goods. Some even involved their families in the baking process, creating a truly enjoyable experience. The resulting cakes were not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious.

Kellie has strong connections with her team and nurtures an inclusive culture, recognised the isolation that can be faced by international carers. Angelo is a carer who has come over from Sri Lanka and who has recently moved his wife Sharmila to Bridport, and Sheelagh went above and beyond to show kindness and compassion to her. Understanding her limited social interactions, Sheelagh extended a warm invitation to Sharmila, providing her with an opportunity to engage with others and lend a helping hand at the bake sale.

The pictures captured during the event tell the tale of an overwhelming success. Sheelagh, as an MHFA, interacted with numerous local individuals who were captivated by their stall and the treats on offer. This fostered open communication, with many feeling comfortable enough to share personal stories about their experiences with dementia and mental health. Such genuine interactions perfectly align with Altogether Care’s main objective of encouraging open conversations, showing kindness and care, and raising much-needed funds.

In the end, the team accomplished a remarkable £110.38 for these worthy causes. Equally important, they significantly raised Altogether Care’s profile and showcased its family-based values within the community. Congratulations to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement!

By championing Mental Health and Dementia national Awareness Week, Altogether Care Bridport branch has left an indelible mark on the community, offering hope, support, and a delicious way to make a difference. If you’re ever in need of someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to drop by for a cup of coffee and a chat – we’re always here and happy to help.

Honouring Our Diverse Workforce Through Food

Posted on 19 May 202319 May 2023 by Access Performance

Food is one of the things that unite us all, no matter where we come from or what we do. It is a universal language that speaks to our senses and our souls. That’s why, at Altogether Care, we celebrate our diverse workforce through food.

Recently, we had the pleasure of sharing a meal with Jinson Jose, one of our mental health first aiders based in Sherbourne House, Yeovil. Jinson comes from South India and has made his home in Yeovil, where he enjoys cooking dishes that remind him of home.

Jinson’s favourite dish is Fish Molly, a creamy curry that’s packed with protein and bursting with flavour. It’s a classic South Indian dish that’s not as well-known in the UK, where North Indian cuisine is more popular.

During our meal, Jinson shared his passion for cooking and how he loves to cook with his family back in India. He’s brought that tradition to Yeovil and shares his love of cooking with his colleagues at Altogether Care.

The smell of fresh ginger, garlic, peppercorns and turmeric filled the air as Jibin, our resident chef at Yeovil care home, prepared the Fish Molly in the kitchen. Colleagues from the care home couldn’t resist the aroma and came to join us for a taste.

Jinson shared that many of the ingredients used are grown locally in his home town in South India and food and spices such as peppercorns are picked fresh and dried outside in the sunshine.

It was heart-warming to see how food can bring people together, even in the workplace. We captured some photos to share our experience with you.

If you’d like to try making Fish Molly at home, we’ve included the recipe and instructions below. It’s a tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dish that’s sure to become a new favourite in your household.

We believe that celebrating our diverse workforce through food is a great way to promote inclusivity and respect for different cultures. We encourage everyone to embrace the richness of our differences and come together over a shared love of food.

Ingredients:

500 grams fish fillets (any firm white fish like kingfish, salmon, tilapia, or cod)
1 cup thick coconut milk
1/2 cup thin coconut milk (optional)
2 medium onions, finely sliced
2 green chilies, split lengthwise
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper /powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
2-3 tablespoons oil (preferably coconut oil)
Curry leaves
Salt to taste

For tempering (optional):

2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
2-3 dry red chilies
Curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Clean the fish fillets and cut them into medium-sized pieces. Marinate the fish pieces with a pinch of turmeric powder and salt. Keep them aside for 10-15 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Add fennel seeds and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

5. Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and black pepper powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.

6. Pour in the thin coconut milk (optional) and bring it to a gentle boil. Add salt to taste.

7. Carefully add the marinated fish pieces to the pan. Gently stir to coat the fish with the spice mixture. Be careful not to break the fish pieces.

8. Cover the pan and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Be sure not to overcook the fish.

9. Once the fish is cooked, pour in the thick coconut milk and give it a gentle stir. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat.

10. In a separate small pan, heat coconut oil for tempering (optional). Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add dry red chilies and curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until the leaves turn crispy. Pour this tempering over the fish curry.

11. Remove from heat and garnish with some fresh curry leaves.

Your Fish Molly is ready to be served! Serve it hot with steamed rice, appam (rice pancakes) or bread. Enjoy your meal!

How do You Know when Dementia Care is Needed?

Posted on 17 April 202316 March 2023 by Access Performance

As we get older it’s not unusual to become a little less sharp mentally or even a bit forgetful.

At what point should you become concerned that a loved one is developing dementia and might need specialist care? And if care is needed, what should you look for?

Every individual is different. We all have our own views and attitudes about residential care. And in every case there are different levels of support available from family members and friends. This makes it more or less impossible to set a universal benchmark for when somebody will need specialist residential dementia care.

When Should You be Concerned?

Concerns usually arise when dementia starts affecting everyday life. For example, a relative finds it difficult to complete familiar tasks like cooking or washing, gets confused about time and place or persistently misplaces items by leaving them in illogical places.

None of these automatically mean it’s time for specialist residential care. But it does mean there are care needs that need to be properly assessed. This will give you and your relative a clearer picture of the care options available.

Each case is different and everyone should, as far as is possible, make their own decisions about the care they need. The situation is more acute and sensitive if somebody can no longer care for themselves or live safely in their own home.

Choosing a Dementia Care Home

If residential dementia care is the best option, your local council will give you a list of suitable homes. Checking

online reviews and CQC inspection reports is a helpful place to start but won’t necessarily tell you what will be the best choice for a particular person.

We could give you a list of objective criteria to help you choose a home, but sometimes it comes down to the home that ‘feels right’. This could be about the standard of the accommodation and the range of activities on offer.

Or, it might just be about the staff and how interested they seem in learning about your relative (their personal history, likes and dislikes, for example) and meeting their individual needs.

Visit the homes on the shortlist, take as long as you need to make the right decision, and involve your relative as much as possible.

Dementia Care at Sherborne House

Sherborne House in Yeovil specialises in dementia care. The care we offer is professional and compassionate and very much centred around the needs of each individual. Our team aims to balance care and personal safety with wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

If you’d like to discuss dementia care needs in general or take a look around Sherborne House please get in touch.

What Next for Care Costs?

Posted on 15 March 202314 March 2023 by Access Performance

Many people worry about the potential cost of personal care as they get older. Some are concerned that paying for the care they need will eat away their savings and assets and leave nothing to pass on to their children. Others worry whether they’ll be able to afford care costs at all.

While there are very real issues around the cost of care, sometimes the future isn’t as bleak as people assume. This quick summary of care cost funding will make sure you have accurate, up-to-date information for your financial planning.

Care Cost Cap

Before diving into the details we should look at the care cost cap that is scheduled to come into force in October 2023. The cap aims to ensure that no individual will pay more than £86,000 for personal care (either residential or care at home) during their lifetime.

A couple of points to note. Care costs incurred before the cap is introduced won’t count towards the total. Also, the cap doesn’t apply to the accommodation element of care home fees.

Care Needs Assessment

The process starts with a care needs assessment carried out by your local council. This is a formal statement of the personal care you need. Care not included in your assessment probably won’t be included in the care cost cap.

Means Testing

The financial support you get will be affected by your income, savings and other financial assets. Your property is included in the calculation only if you are going into residential care, and only then if you don’t have a spouse or dependent relative still living in your home. It may be possible to enter into an agreement with your local authority so that they recover your care costs from your estate after you die.

If you have capital worth more than £23,250 you will be expected to pay for all of your care costs (the upper capital limit). If your capital adds up to less than £14,250 the council will pay for your care costs. Between these two figures there’s a sliding scale for your contribution.

It’s planned for the upper capital limit to increase to £100,000 in 2025.

Hopefully this has helped to clarify the situation. If you have any questions about funding or any other aspect of care, please call Altogether Care on 01305 300 161, email contact@altogethercare.co.uk, visit our website or use our care calculator.

Steepleton Manor Care Home Celebrates Valentine’s Day

Posted on 2 March 20236 March 2023 by Access Performance

Steepleton Manor’s 2023 Valentine’s Day was absolutely full of love and fun was had by all in attendance.

The residents and staff spent some time working on arts and crafts to create some things for display and to gift to one another. They decorated the activity room with hearts made out of red tissue papers and pink card and wrapping paper that had all been laminated to last.

One of our residents made a card for her husband who has dementia, who was delighted to receive a homemade card from his wife as he hadn’t received one in a long time. It was a special moment as he recognised what the card his wife had made was and what it was for on such a special day. Another resident also made a card for his partner who came to visit that day. She was also very happy receiving a Valentine’s Day card from someone so special.

The residents enjoyed a chocolate fountain with plenty of skewers of fruit, marshmallows, biscuits, and small pieces of cake. The residents particularly enjoyed getting hands on with the task by helping staff to break up all the chocolate. Plenty of mess was made and fun was had by all.

The day ended with everyone in high spirits and delighted to have had such an action packed day of love and chocolate.

Tips for Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing for Care Home Residents

Posted on 2 February 20232 February 2023 by Access Performance

Depression and loneliness are common among the elderly and have only been worsened by the pandemic and following lockdowns.

Almost half a million people live in care homes in the UK and approximately 70% of all care
home residents have dementia or severe memory problems.

Here are the ways we support the mental wellbeing of residents in our care homes:

Download the infographic here

Right Now is the Right Time for You to Choose a Career in Care

Posted on 6 January 20236 January 2023 by Access Performance

People will always want human contact and no computer or automation will ever be able to fully replace this. People will always need care and people will likely always need carers to provide this service when they aren’t able to do it on their own any more. A career in care can be a satisfying, varied job that you will want to stay in.

Carers are Needed Now

The number of care worker vacancies has increased in the sector, this is due to having better healthcare and an increased aging population. In a report from June 2022 on the health and social care workforce, the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee reported that an extra 475,000 jobs would be needed in health and 490,000 jobs would be needed in social care by the early part of the 2030s. This gives people choosing a career in care now lots of options and opportunities.

Social care is an absolute priority for the UK government, backed by £5.4 billion in spending. The white paper People at the Heart of Care plan to reform social care sets out a 10-year vision for adult social care and funding proposals. There has never been a better time to join the sector.

Why Should You Care?

Many of the people who gravitate towards care work do so because of the benefits it offers around a good work/life balance and emotional job satisfaction. Carers can choose to work hours around their own responsibilities, it offers flexibly in hours that work around their own family needs.

When looking at care work; it’s not ‘just a job’, there are many wonderful opportunities for career progression. The on-the-job training and qualifications you’ll receive – as well as the many transferable skills you will undoubtedly pick up – will set you up for progressing within the industry.

And perhaps most importantly, there are few things more fundamentally rewarding than helping and caring for others. Whether this is helping an older person to enjoy their day and supporting them with their short or long-term health needs, caring for others is a huge privilege. Not many jobs can boast that.

Care workers qualify for the highly regarded Blue Light Card, which offers a broad range of official discounts from large national retailers to local businesses in a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and more.

If you enjoy caring for others, a job as a care worker is a fantastic opportunity to gain many skills that embrace your natural empathy. There are many care homes throughout the UK in need of kind, compassionate people who help residents have a better quality of life and feel more comfortable.

So, if you’re thinking about retraining and would love making a positive difference in people’s lives, this could be the start of a wonderful career for you.

If you want to explore a rewarding career with Altogether Care, please send your CV by email for the attention of the Recruitment Manager at careers@altogethercare.co.uk or call Altogether Care on 01305 230488.

What are the benefits of care at home?

Posted on 8 December 20222 February 2023 by Access Performance

Care at home is a great option when you’re able to stay at home but need support
with everyday tasks. If you have a disability, are recuperating from an illness,
recovering from an accident, or just need help with everyday tasks, our wide range
of home care services could be for you.

Download our infographic here

What Help and Support is Available for Unpaid Carers?

Posted on 3 November 202231 October 2022 by Access Performance

Unpaid carers are the hidden face of social care in Britain. The organisation Carers UK estimated that there are 11.5 million people across the UK who give unpaid support to someone who is elderly, seriously ill or disabled. It went on to estimate that, by doing so, unpaid carers are saving the government £193 billion a year.

Of the 900,000 unpaid carers nationally who provide this service full-time – most of whom are women – many rely on Carer’s Allowance, which is the lowest benefit of its kind at just only £67.25 a week. Understandably, life can be really tough for carers.

Stress

Unpaid carers also face a number of extra stressors that can have a negative impact on their wellbeing such as: higher levels of stress, which can eventually lead to burnout, as well as feelings of helplessness and exhaustion.

Unpaid carers have been hit harder by recent inflation rising costs than many: financial support for the person cared for has an impact, as does taking unpaid leave to cope with care needs.

What support is available if you’re an unpaid carer, to ease the pressure of looking after a loved one?

As noted above, there is a government-paid Carers Allowance which can help. You can also use a benefits calculator to see if you can claim for help with your council tax or with fuel costs.

Your local council are obliged to provide you with a care assessment which could allow you to claim for additional support, such as any equipment you might need to help you care for your loved one.

Talking

It is also important to talk to close friends and family about how you’re feeling. Being lonely and isolated will only add to feelings of despair and exhaustion. Opening up about your worries can be a huge help – as they say, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved.’

When you’re caring for someone, it is often easy to ignore your own needs. At Altogether Care, our experienced and highly-trained carers are on hand to help if you need to work or look after your own health and wellbeing. We can also offer permanent care for your loved one if you’re no longer able to do so.

We can help your loved one live an independent, active and healthy life by assisting with jobs like household cleaning, washing and ironing, shopping, cooking and collecting pensions. We can also provide a transport and escort service for medical appointments, day care attendance, and general outings.

If you would like to know more about how we could help you with caring for a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your options. Call us on 01305 300 161 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk

Is now the Right Time to Consider Respite Care for Your Loved One?

Posted on 5 August 20225 September 2022 by Access Performance

Following the distressing and turbulent times that Covid-19 brought to the UK, with its associated lockdowns and the trauma that it brought with it, this country now seems to be returning to something approaching normality.

Care homes are operating more or less normally, and the options for care for your loved ones have increased exponentially. Is now the right time to consider residential care for your older relatives?

Is a care home the best option?

Your relative might be having increasing difficulty with everyday tasks like washing, cooking or dressing themselves and taking their medication. They might be worried about falling, with no one around to help them. And they can get increasingly stressed by the little things in life.

Moving into a care home can give the elderly a new approach to life – they can meet new people with shared life experiences, and they can make new friends. Because there are highly-trained staff on hand at all times, the worries about being on their own melt away. They are fed and washed and entertained and properly looked after.

Depending on the level of care needed, their every need will be taken into account, and if they need extra nursing or dementia care, that can be arranged.

Respite care

It may be that it’s too soon for you to start thinking about full-time residential care. In which case, respite care might be a more suitable option.

Respite care can be for a short time, such as only a few hours every week, or can be overnight, or a weekend.

Even though many people take a great deal of pleasure in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home, the financial, physical and emotional consequences can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite.

To be most effective, you should consider respite services much earlier than you might think you will need them. Respite is best if you use it before you become exhausted, and isolated by your responsibilities.

Altogether Care is committed to providing your loved ones with the highest possible standards of care, and is vigilant about the possible return of variants of the Covid-19 virus, se we take every possible precaution to keep residents and staff as safe as possible.

If you’d like to explore care options available for yourself or an elderly relative, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

A Career With a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Posted on 8 July 20228 July 2022 by Access Performance

The pandemic changed the way a lot of people work, perhaps permanently. Many found working from home preferable to commuting to and from a fixed place of work.

But was it just the change of setting that made people happier in their work? Research by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) suggests that some aspects of homeworking are actually less attractive. In particular, people found it harder to collaborate with colleagues. And there’s no doubt that some people miss the social aspects of the workplace.

The biggest positive according to the ONS data was unquestionably an improved work-life balance. Being home based gave people opportunities to take or collect kids from school and generally enjoy more family time, rather than arrive home late each day after a tiring commute.

Will Work From Home Last?

The future of home working is unclear. Some organisations are already calling staff back into the office full or part time. And in other occupations such as retail there’s no option other than to be present in the workplace for a fixed number of hours.

When people say they’re looking for jobs that allow them to work from home is it that they really want to turn part of their home into a place of work? Or is it just that they want to balance work and life a little more in their favour?

Where Else Can You Find Work-Life Balance?

If the most important goal is to have a better work-life balance there are alternatives. A new job that offers flexibility to blend work and family life more harmoniously might be all you need.

In which case the care sector is an excellent place to start looking. People don’t just need care within normal office hours. So working for Altogether Care usually allows people to choose work patterns that fit best with their home life and commitments. This can take a lot of stress and pressure out of everyday life as it’s easier to fit your work around the things you need and want to do.

If you’d like to find out more about how working in the care sector can improve your work-life balance, contact Altogether Care on 01305 230488 or email careers@altogethercare.co.uk, or check out our current vacancies.

Our Dorset’s Here For Each Other Team Deliver a ‘Hug in a Mug’ to Altogether Care Staff

Posted on 1 June 20221 June 2022 by Access Performance

Our Dorset Here For Each Other Hug in a Mug

We are thrilled to have recently had the Our Dorset’s Here For Each Other team visit our wonderful staff in their coffee van as part of their ‘Hug in a Mug’ tour.

The tour is a great opportunity for staff and teams across Dorset to physically meet the team who may have supported them in the past and get answers to questions around the support available to them. So far, the team has visited many sites and plans to visit many more sites in the coming months.

Here For Each Other is Our Dorset’s enhanced staff wellbeing service supporting staff and teams across Dorset who work in social care to look after their wellbeing while prioritising others.

They have a wide range of offers ranging from; wellbeing coaching to physiotherapy, counselling, psychological therapy and mental health. There’s something for everyone and they are always here to help.

Staff and teams can access support on the website or from the Enhanced Health and Wellbeing Hub via an online referral or by calling 01202 130130 (Mon-Fri, 08:00 – 16:00).

They also offer a monthly Wellbeing Buzz newsletter full of wellbeing updates and resources from across Dorset’s health and care sector.

Find out more on their website

Are You Looking For a Job or a Career?

Posted on 4 March 202221 March 2022 by dukadmin

What’s the difference between a job and a career? A job is simply something you do for money. You trade a number of hours of your life for a financial return. Your job last year or next year doesn’t look much different from your job today.

A career is something you commit to for the longer term. Ahead of you, you can see a pathway to new skills, new knowledge and new opportunities.

Not everyone wants or needs a career. For some, a job is fine – they just want to pay the bills. But for a lot of people a job with repetitive routines and experiences isn’t a good fit. It’s dull and unfulfilling. It doesn’t feel like they’re doing anything that matters very much.

If that all sounds a bit too familiar, maybe it’s time to explore different options.

The care sector is a great place to build a career. There are different types of care and many different specialisms to explore and potentially master. There is always opportunities to continuing learning and developing as a person.

Are Jobs Secure?

The other issue when you have a job can be security. The world of work is constantly changing; Your job today might not exist in a few years’ time. If your knowledge and skills aren’t evolving, you might not find it easy to adapt to something new.

Your career is something to engage with, in a way that you never can with a job. It can bring satisfaction, pride in your work and a sense of achievement as you progress.

Another big advantage of building your career in the care sector is that there will always be a need for what you do. The population is ageing and some people will need specialist care as they live longer and develop health conditions, others will just need a bit of help with everyday life. Your skills will always be in demand.

Altogether Care is committed to career development for all of our staff. So if you’re looking for a change and want to start a rewarding career, give Altogether Care a call on 01305 230488 or email careers@altogethercare.co.uk, or check out our current vacancies.

Independence is a Personal Thing

Posted on 21 February 202228 March 2022 by dukadmin

If you ask most older people what they value most when they use care services, ‘independence’ usually comes near the top of the list. But what does ‘independence’ mean?

Meet Marjorie. She’s a bit less mobile than she used to be. Her daughter who lives in a different part of the country is worried about whether Marjorie can manage in her own home and what would happen if she had a fall.

She suggests that her mother should move into a specially converted annex in her daughter’s house where she can live independently but with somebody on hand to look out for her.

It seems like a sensible solution. It would suit many people. But for Marjorie it means moving out of the home she knows, away from her friends and her social life. It doesn’t feel like independence.

And that’s the point – independence is whatever it means to the individual.

Altogether Care encourages all of our care home residents to live as independently as possible. We know that this is important for mental wellbeing.

For our clients in residential care this works just fine. Their idea of independence is often the freedom to get on with things they enjoy, including the wide range of activities available, while somebody else takes care of many of the routine chores of daily life. But it isn’t the right option for everyone.

For other people independence means staying in their own home for as long as possible. We help them to live independently with support from our care at home service, which includes assistive technology for peace of mind for all the family. Sometimes they opt for round-the-clock care and companionship with live-in care.

We always listen to the individual and try to understand what matters most. It’s not fair to impose solutions – no matter how well intentioned.

We never assume we know what somebody means when they say they want independence. It’s a personal matter. Good quality elderly care is all about personal choices and supporting people in the way they want to live.

That’s why Altogether Care offers a range of care services that support people in the most appropriate way and so their care can be continuously adapted as their needs and wishes evolve.

If you’d like to explore care options available for yourself or an elderly relative, give Altogether Care a call, visit our website, or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

New Year, Is It Time for a New Career?

Posted on 14 January 202212 February 2022 by dukadmin

The New Year is typically the time of year when we reflect on the things we want to change in our lives. Since it takes up so much precious time, maybe your job is a good place to start.

According to recent research by the Resolution Foundation, 54% of people say they are ‘satisfied’ with their work. Put another way, nearly half aren’t. And ‘satisfied’ isn’t really a demanding benchmark, is it?

How many of those people are enthused by their work because they can see that it’s worthwhile and they feel supported by their employer? Do they get to go home at the end of every day and say, ‘what I did today was important and made a difference’?

Is Yours a Good Place to Work?

Job satisfaction isn’t just about the work you do and the tasks you perform. Your relationship with your employer also matters. So, what’s your relationship with your current job and employer like? Would you use any of the following words to describe it: trust, respect, positive, compassionate?

These, along with safety, are the principles outlined in Altogether Care’s Staff Charter. More importantly they’re the values that govern how we work, what you could expect from us as an employer and what we would expect from you in return.

If those values sound appealing but don’t reflect your current job, maybe it’s time for a change. In the care sector you have the opportunity to do something that really matters every day. Something that makes a difference to people’s lives. Not many careers give you the chance to do that. And at Altogether Care you’ll find a supportive employer who will help you build your career in care.

You can find more information on different care careers on the Skills for Care website. Alternatively, if you live in south Somerset or Dorset and are thinking about a more rewarding career, contact us on 01305 230488 or email careers@altogethercare.co.uk, or check out our current vacancies.

What to Expect When You Start Your New Career in Care

Posted on 16 December 202112 February 2022 by dukadmin

A career in care means doing important work with lots of responsibility. While that can be a welcome change from more routine jobs, we recognise it can also be a bit daunting. That’s why we work hard to support you as a new recruit and equip you with the skills and confidence you need.

What will never happen is a situation where you’re expected to deliver care without proper training and guidance. You will always have the knowledge, skills and support you need to do your job.

Induction

When you start a new career in care there’s a lot to learn. We’re careful not to overload you with too much information in one go – so your induction programme can stretch over several weeks including shadow shifts. During that time, you’ll be supported by your supervisor to help you apply what you’ve learned in practice.

The induction programme starts by making sure you understand your role and what you’ll be expected to do. You’ll also learn more about Altogether Care and the sector in general.

We also look at more general topics such as communication, equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding. Making sure that you and the clients you support are safe at all times is our first priority.

As an organisation we are fully committed to putting our clients first. We make sure they are fully involved in all decisions affecting their care. The induction programme also covers how this works in practice.

Your New Career In Care

The induction programme is just the start. Many of our staff have been with us for a long time. Part of the reason for this (apart from being a generally great place to work) is that everyone is actively supported to develop their skills and career. You’ll have regular reviews with your supervisor and regular training to update your knowledge and skills.

So if you’re considering a change of job, a new career in care could be just what you need. At Altogether Care you’ll get all the support you need to help you make the transition and succeed.

Is Now the Right Time to Move Into a Care Home?

Posted on 17 November 2021 by dukadmin

Moving into a care home is a big step. Ideally, you’ll want to take some time over the decision so that you’re well prepared for the adjustment. It’s then much more likely to be a successful transition.

In current times, with high Covid rates across the country, moving into a care home can seem like an even bigger step. But should you worry?

After almost two years of learning to live with the virus, care homes are among the safest places you can be. Anybody who isn’t fully vaccinated is not permitted into our homes, this includes staff, tradespeople and even delivery drivers.

We are also inspected by the Care Quality Commission and local councils and must demonstrate that we have robust infection prevention and control measures in place.

There are other reasons why you could benefit from moving into a care home. Isolation and loneliness increased during the pandemic. In a care home you always have company and the opportunity to take part in a pre planned activities programme including bus trips to local beauty spots or local tea rooms.

You also get three nourishing meals every day freshly prepared for. Your medications are taken care of, and there are always trained staff on hand to look after you 24 hours a day.

Moving Into a Care Home – Practical Steps

So, if moving into a care home sounds like a more reassuring and appealing prospect, what should you do next?

Always do your research. We try to offer as much information as possible to help people decide whether an Altogether Care home is the right choice for them.

Booking a short stay is a good way to sample life in one of our homes. This can also give family members who’ve been helping to care for you a bit of a break. However much information you have about life in a care home, there’s no substitute for trying it out and seeing whether it feels right – and whether moving into a care home is something you’re ready to do.

Once you’ve selected a care home, decide which clothes and other personal possessions you want to take with you. We encourage our residents to bring pictures, ornaments and items of furniture with them so that your room feels like home.

If you have any questions about moving into a care home or would like to arrange a visit to take a look around and see what life might be like, just get in touch on 01305 300 161 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Imagine Retirement With More Time To Do The Things You Love

Posted on 1 November 2021 by dukadmin

Our entire life seems to be made up of things we love doing and other ‘necessary’ stuff that isn’t much fun – like housework, shopping, mowing the lawn and house maintenance.

As you get older, time becomes more significant and precious. How good would it feel to get rid of all the chores and tedious features of everyday life? What would it be like to spend that time on something more enjoyable and worthwhile?

This is what assisted living is all about; keep the bits of life that give you the most pleasure and satisfaction – and get rid of the rest.

The ‘best bits’ are different for everyone. It might be a walk in the country, a day out, learning a new skill such as drawing or painting, trying out new activities, or just time spent in good company.

The first step is to find a way to make time. You’ll then have little problem finding ways to use it.

Assisted Living at Steepleton Manor

Assisted living and time well spent are very much the themes of life at Steepleton Manor – our Grade II listed retirement home in Dorset. We take care of all the routine tasks while our clients concentrate on how to take advantage of the wealth of leisure facilities and varied activities available.

There are impressive and extensive grounds, a croquet lawn and kitchen garden offering opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle. There’s also a library, shop, conservatory and spacious communal areas where people socialise and relax. We also have regular bus trips out in our modern mini bus to local beauty spots or to local tea rooms.

Assisted living is also about keeping your independence. We have en-suite rooms and suites with a separate living room and kitchenette. There’s plenty of choice over how you prefer to live.

So, if you’re thinking seriously about how you want to spend your time after retirement, it’s worth considering assisted living. And at Steepleton Manor, you’ll be able to spend your days in luxurious surroundings in a stunning country manor house.

If this sounds appealing, you can find out more and take a glimpse inside Steepleton Manor by watching our video. You’re also more than welcome to spend a day with us. Just follow this link for more information and to arrange a visit.

Considering A Career In Care? Who Will You Work For?

Posted on 20 October 2021 by dukadmin

The social care sector has plenty of opportunities for anyone searching for a new career. And if you’re new to the sector you might think that one care company is much like another. The truth is, they’re not.

Some care companies specialise in specific types of care – such as residential, nursing or care at home services. Some are small or medium sized family-run businesses and some are corporate entities owned by investment companies.

What should matter most is what each company will be like to work for. How will you be treated and what opportunities will you have to learn new skills and develop your career?

Care is both a demanding and rewarding career. It comes with lots of responsibility and the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. There are plenty of opportunities to develop your career in different directions. This could be into specialist areas of care such as dementia, or into supervision and management.

If you have the aptitude and enthusiasm, the chances are that you’ll have a choice of care organisations you could work for. So choose carefully.

Questions You Should Ask

Take a close look at the care provider’s track record – Do staff tend to stay with them for long periods of time?

You should also investigate their training and development policy; Do they look to do the bare minimum to comply with regulations or does every staff member have a training and development plan that helps them build new skills and progress their career?

The Indeed company rating will tell you a lot about how people find the experience of working there. The rating for Altogether Care is 4.3, which is exceptionally high and something we’re really proud of.

You should also ask about opportunities for career progression. Over 75% of our management team has been promoted from within the company. This is largely down to the fact that Altogether Care is a family owned and run business that treats the team as an extended family.

We are currently recruiting for care assistants across Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. If you think a career in care is for you, check out our current opportunities at https://altogethercare.co.uk/careers/ or contact us on 01305 230 488 and let’s talk about your future in care.

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