At home care in Lancaster from Westmorland

That’s exactly what happens with the staff at Westmoreland Homecare – a care provider which delivers quality individual care whatever your needs.

The manager of Westmoreland’s Lancaster branch, Daniel Stainer, explained: “We go above and beyond for our clients. All we want to do is ensure that our clients get what they need to make the most of their lives – to live life to the full and to remain independent and in their own homes.”

But it’s not just at work that the staff care so much, but outside office hours. They have clients who are aged between 25 and 102 – they may live on their own or with family or partners and the care needed might be regular and complex, or simple and occasional respite care.

Recently one of the clients was moving away from the area, but the carers had built up such a good relationship with her that three of them took her out for a goodbye meal – all organised outside of work and in their own time. Another member of staff went out for a walk with a client – stopping to pose for pictures at the Eric Morecambe statue – just for fun!

One member of staff noticed her client’s garden was looking overgrown – in her own time she weeded and tidied it up, so that it looked smart and cheered up the client no end.

Social events

It is these social interactions, as well as the quality care delivered by properly trained, motivated and experienced carers, which can really make a difference to someone’s quality of life – and give peace of mind to their family and friends.

This is why the Lancaster branch organised a social event for clients – and has plans for regular get-togethers in the coming months.

Covid meant face-to-face gatherings had not been possible, and clients who may live round the corner from each other, had never had chance to meet or know about each other. Daniel said the social events were a perfect opportunity to meet up and that the impact on the wellbeing and happiness of the clients was immeasurable.

A venue was hired which is brand-new and fully accessible and had all the facilities needed for activities, a meal and drinks. And there are plans for a Jubilee themed social coming up and hopefully a meet the animals event where there will be pets of all kinds from guinea pigs to horses!

Going above and beyond

“At our recent client social, one of our clients was really hoping to see an old friend, who was also a Westmoreland Homecare client. They used to go to school together and to the dances when they were younger,” Daniel said. “Unfortunately, due to her health needs, this client has now had to move to a residential home, and it was thought the two had lost contact forever.

“We have contacted the family of the ex-client and have agreed to share their contact details with our current client. They are now arranging a get together to have a lovely drink and catch up.”

Stay active and independent at home

Finding quality care, which is tailored to your lifestyle and your tastes, can be difficult.

When Westmorland Homecare was set up four years ago it aimed to do just that. Its services at Kendal and Poulton are rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC inspectors – one of only a handful to attain such high ratings from over 17,500 care providers in the UK. It all started in Kendal in the Lakes but demand grew quickly and it now has offices in Lancaster, Poulton-le-Fylde and Grange-over-Sands.

Daniel said one client had very complex needs but they found and recruited someone specifically to meet those needs. Because it prides itself on the recruitment, training and retention of top quality staff – paying above average hourly rates at £19 per hour - it is a hugely attractive employer in this field, therefore has low staff turnover.

What to expect

Clients can expect a familiar face who really knows the person they are spending time with. This starts right from day one. Anyone contacting Westmorland Homecare will get a visit from a care co-ordinator – this is a free assessment done in your own home. Each person is assigned a care co-ordinator to ensure they have the right care all the time and so that clients and families know they can talk to someone who really knows them.

Contact them

If you are looking for quality home care then speak to the team at Westmorland Homecare. Call the Lancaster office for an informal chat on 01524 956240 or email [email protected].

You don’t even need to go into all the details of the care needed initially – when the care co-ordinator comes out to do the free assessment they can talk through with the client, or with their family, what might be needed.

Visit the website to read more about Westmorland’s history, ethos and services here.