Find out about the practical care we can provide in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere.
Carers tell us that having practical support with caring roles and a break when they need it are vitally important to helping them to continue to care and stay well. That is why we have care services in Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers to support carers in this way. In other parts of the county similar services are offered by the charity Crossroads Caring for Life.
All of our Care Support Workers receive comprehensive training to make sure the care we provide meets the highest standards. We believe high quality care to those who need it most is vital for many carers, and we are looking for more people who share our values and want to work in this vital and rewarding role.
Training for our Care Support Workers continues throughout their employment, and we encourage our staff to develop their skills by offering additional training in the areas in which they may have a specific interest. For example, Dementia care, or end-of-life care.
Our dedicated staff love their work and their experience and training mean they understand the needs of family members/those in a caring role and the person requiring care or support and take pleasure in fitting into family life.
All staff are required to complete full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and provide two references before they can commence working.
You can watch Kevin and Sara’s stories about being Care Support Workers below. If you would like to find out more about this very rewarding role as a Care Support Worker or other vacancies please visit our Jobs page. We also have volunteering vacancies that may be of interest.
Our Care Service is regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure we meet the fundamental standards of quality and safety.
The last inspection was carried out at the end of 2017. You can read our latest CQC report here.
The Inspector commented on the robust recruitment process and regular training staff received. She also stated that: “People felt safe,” and “People were treated with dignity and respect. All staff told us that their aim was to provide people with the best possible quality of care and support to meet their needs.”
The Inspector recognised the Service was responsive as it had a robust out-of-hours system meaning that people could speak to staff at any time. In addition, people were involved in the development of their care and support plans.
The Inspector also recorded that:
“The registered manager demonstrated an open, transparent and inclusive way where people were at the forefront of everything they did. There was an appetite to achieve continual improvement and it was clear they were passionate about delivering a high-quality service.”
Our Home Care service (also known as domiciliary care) works mainly in Borehamwood area and involves providing individual packages of care to those who need support to remain living at home as independently as possible. The service is highly regarded by local commissioners and colleagues in the health and social care sector and most importantly those receiving a service from us.
Trained Care Support Workers provide the service for people with minimal need as well as to people who may need a substantial amount of support. This may include caring for people:
We plan all our care with the person with care needs and their close family to ensure the most appropriate service is delivered at all times.
Our scheme is registered with the Care Quality Commission and complies with their legal requirements under Domiciliary (Home) Care Standards Regulations.
We start with a question: What do you need to help you to remain as independent as possible in your own home?
This could be anything from a short visit to make a simple lunch or make sure important medication has been taken, to two workers helping someone to be washed and comfortable using specialist equipment such as a hoist. It can be several times a day or once a week, depending on what is needed.
Referrals for the Domiciliary Care service are usually made by Social Workers, healthcare professionals, GP’s, District Nurses, etc.
However, you, a family member, partner or friend can also make a direct request for support. We will discuss your requirements and if appropriate will arrange to visit, carry out an assessment of your needs and design a specific care package.
We can provide a personal service to those with care needs and will ensure that the provision of such personal care works with you to meet your needs.
You can find out more or discuss Domiciliary Care by calling us on 020 8905 1158.
We want every carer to be recognised, supported, and offered services to help them maintain their health and wellbeing. Services provided to respond to the needs of carers as well as the people they support, offering carers peace of mind and understanding. For carers, who need someone to be with the person they care for we offer our Carers Break Service in Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers.
A Carers’ Break involves a professional Care Support Worker spending an agreed amount of time with the person requiring care, either in or out of the home, to enable the family member/carer to have time away from their caring role.
Taking a break from caring for a friend or family member can make all the difference to the carer’s health and quality of life. It is essential to have time to pursue the things you enjoy doing, whether it be continuing to work, learning a new skill, participating in a hobby, or simply relaxing and feeling safe in the knowledge that the person you care for is also happy and being well looked after.
A Carers’ Break is based on the needs of the carer and not on finances. To receive this service as a carer you should be an adult caring for an adult who you cannot leave on their own for any length of time.
A Care Support Worker will come and spend time with the person requiring support so that you, the carer, can have a break. They could stay in with the person and talk, watch TV, play cards or do an activity they enjoy or go out. Some people who receive support go for a walk, shopping, or to a community group. The Care Support Worker will try to accommodate the requests of the person with the care needs wherever possible. They do not provide personal care such as washing and dressing, unless it is combined with a Home Care visit or is needed to make the person comfortable during the time of the visit. They are able to support with toileting if this is required. Find out more about our Home Care Service above.
A member of staff will arrange a home visit where both your needs and the needs of the person you care for will be discussed to ensure the best support package is put in place. This visit is an informal chat to get to know about the person to be supported – their hobbies, likes and dislikes and medical needs. This information can then be used to ensure the appropriate support is put in place. If you and the person who requires the support is happy to proceed and you are eligible for help then a Support Worker(s) will be identified with the required skills and interested that are the best match.
If you don’t qualify or decide not to proceed with a Carer’s Break or home care then you may be told about other suitable support and, with your agreement, referred to the organisations providing the services.
If you are an adult carer over 18 and support someone who is over 18 you may be eligible for a Carer’s Break at no cost to you. Carer Breaks are based on needs, not finances. However, if you have been given a certain number of hours a week/month by Adult Care services and want more than this, or don’t wish to involve Adult Care Services then you may pay privately for support.
To find out more or to discuss anything please contact us on 020 8905 1158 or email admin@carersinherts.org.uk.
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