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THERE is, as the saying goes, no place like home and yet, for many people, there comes a time when continuing to live at home can present a myriad of challenges.
And, as Christies Care operations director Charlotte Driver-Young explains, it is not just those advancing in years who can struggle to remain within the comfort of their own four walls.
“We work with clients from the age of 18 to 105, many of whom have complex needs stemming from learning disabilities, dementia or other illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease,” she said.
“Whatever a person’s health condition, we strongly believe that they should receive care which enables them to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.”
For some people, that might involve moving into a nursing or residential home but, as Charlotte says, many others would prefer to retain as much independence as they can for as long as possible – and that is where live-in care can provide a solution.
Since it was established in Suffolk in 1987 by Hugh Gathorne-Hardy, the family-owned and run business has employed a team of carers across the UK who provide just that service.
“While we are large company, operating across the UK and Jersey, those core family values remain at the heart of everything we do,” said Charlotte.
“Hugh is now 82 but he still comes into the office every day and goes out to visit clients. He also meets all our carers and spends time with them as part of their training.”
And this personal approach, coupled with a commitment to a comprehensive training regime – which recently saw the company receive the Princess Royal Training Award – is, says Charlotte, central to ensuring that all clients receive the highest level of care.
“Everything we do is designed to enhance our clients’ lives, and we are incredibly proud to have been rated outstanding by the UK Care Quality Commission, a ranking which puts us among the top 4% of care providers in the country,” she added. “That is the quality of care which Islanders can expect to receive from our team.”
Having established a presence in Jersey last July, Christies Care’s team of live-in carers also works closely with other local agencies, including Karen’s Care and RJ Response.
“It is important for us to work with other care providers and Adult Social Care to ensure that each person who comes to us receives exactly the right care package for their needs,” explained Charlotte.
“If people require a service we cannot offer, we are able to refer them to another provider most suitable to them.”
The decision to specialise in live-in care stemmed, said Charlotte, from Hugh’s desire to support adults with learning difficulties.
“When we first launched the live-in service, it wasn’t an option which was widely available,” she said, “but Hugh recognised the tremendous difference that staying at home made to people with learning disabilities, autism and other health conditions.
“We have now cared for some clients for more than 25 years, which just shows how long people can retain independence if they receive the right support.”
As well as long-term care arrangements, Christies Care offers respite services, enabling people to return to, and stay at, home while recovering from an operation or illness.
“Live-in care is a great way to avoid the distress of having to make the big and final decision to go into a care home or sell your home,” said Charlotte.
“For a lot of people, having a live-in carer offers more than just help with their physical needs. It gives them companionship and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that someone is there if they need them.
“While it can be daunting to think about opening up your home to another person, choosing this option can enable you to carry on with your life and achieve your goals and aspirations.
“We understand that, for many people, turning to a care provider is a last resort but if you have to do that, we want to ensure that you receive the best quality care possible and if we can give someone even one or two more years in their home, that is incredibly rewarding for us.”
For more information, visit christiescare.com.
