Proper care model benefits all concerned

I READ with interest the recent media coverage of figures showing that the number of concerns recorded by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regarding home care has tripled since 2010.

With so much home care being allocated on the basis of block contracts, it is not really all that surprising.

I own a home care company which follows a different business model from that which is typical in our sector – we do not enter into contracts with local authorities as these are typically for short-duration care visits (30 minutes). It is exactly this type of care visit that puts carers under extreme pressure.

I note that Unison Cymru claimed people receiving care were at risk and that, as well as being under too much pressure, care staff were not properly trained.

We are demonstrating that there is another way to care – it’s not about rushed task-based care but it’s about who the person is, how they want to feel and the care that is right for them. It’s personal. Get this right in a business model and the rest will follow.

Caring for our own employees is key to our success.

To retain care staff, it is important to offer excellent rates of pay, flexible hours and industry-leading training, but looking after the well-being of staff is also key to retention.

It all begins with outcomes-based care – get this right for older clients and it means care workers can enjoy a meaningful role.

We place so much importance on the training and support provided that we conduct independent research with our CAREGivers once a year to measure employee engagement and satisfaction.

The latest survey, carried out in June, showed that:

■ 92% of CAREGivers are proud to work for Home Instead;

■ 97% feel motivated to do more than is required of them;

■ 95% would recommend Home Instead’s services;

■ 100% are happy with the initial training.

We are committed to providing only the very best care and companionship to our clients and being the employer of choice in the home care sector. There is a better way of working, and it’s working.

Phil Batchelor, Managing director Home Instead Senior Care –

Cardiff, Penarth & Barry