Homecare company takes on more staff as new branch proves big success

A homecare company’s new branch has nearly doubled the number of its staff within a few weeks of opening.

Westmorland Homecare opened its new branch in Lancaster at the end of September with 15 staff.

But, due to demand for its services, it has taken on new recruits and now has 29 employees, including 25 homecare assistants.

And care manager Christie Parker said it was likely even more staff would be taken on soon.

“It is a constant recruitment process as we take on new clients and that is likely to increase still further as more people are wanting to remain in their own homes and stay out of hospital,” said Miss Parker, who has worked in the care sector for ten years.

Westmorland Homecare provides hundreds of hours of care each week, which enables anyone aged 18 and above, including elderly and often frail people, to live independently in their own home.

Its services include home care, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation and personal care, such as help with dressing, bathing and getting in and out of bed.

Earlier this year the Kendal branch was given an ‘outstanding’ rating in all five key areas following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care services in England.

The new branch is based in offices at Brock Street in Lancaster and covers Lancaster, Morecambe, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, Halton, Heysham and smaller surrounding villages.

Miss Parker said the reaction from the local community to the opening of the branch had been very positive. “A lot of relatives of people needing care have contacted us because they are aware of our strong reputation in Kendal and in Poulton-le-Fylde,” she said. “A lot of people have followed the Westmorland Homecare journey and already trust in us and understand the way we work.”

The branch’s clients had a variety of needs, she said. For example, one had a weekly visit, where home care assistants and offered companionship, building up a trusting relationship to empower the client to make her own choices and go out for walks, shopping and to the cinema. Another client, who was visited twice a day, had Alzheimer’s disease and needed support to ensure she took her medication. Another had a brain injury and needed assistance with personal care, taking medication and meal preparation. Staff, in conjunction with medical colleague, were also helping the client with rehabilitation.

Miss Parker said that, when the Covid-19 pandemic and any associated rules permitted, she hoped to introduce coffee mornings at the branch for clients, their families, staff and anyone who might feel isolated.

All new staff take part in a week-long induction training programme, which teaches skills such as manual handling, first aid and safeguarding and instils the core values of Westmorland Homecare. It leads to the awarding of the nationally-recognised Care Certificate.

Dr Chris Moss, co-founder of Westmorland Homecare, said: “We believe that every individual should be free to remain in their home as long as they wish, should be able to be as active and independent as ever before and should continue to have rich and fulfilling lives.”

A relative of one of the new office’s clients has told Westmorland Homecare: “The care you are providing for my mum could not have come at a better time. It’s such a relief to know mum is being so well looked after. The carers are fantastic.”

One of the new members of staff at Lancaster is Lucy Trusler, who started as a homecare assistant at the Kendal branch and had now moved to the Lancaster branch as a client co-ordinator.

“From her personal experience, Lucy fully understands clients’ needs and what homecare assistants need to do on a daily basis,” said Miss Parker.

• Westmorland Homecare’s Lancaster branch is based at 25 Brock Street, Lancaster, LA1 1UR. Its telephone number is 01524 956240. The office is open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.