Manager for Guardian Homecare, Catherine Porter.

Free advice for Dementia Action Week 2019

EXETER residents who would like more information on Dementia or have any questions regarding care can drop into a care provider’s offices in the south Devon area next week (May 20-26, 2019) for free advice.

Guardian Homecare, which cares for people in Exeter and Torbay, is supporting Dementia Action Week from May 20-26 and will have expert staff on hand on May 22 and 23 to answer any questions people may have.

Catherine Porter, Manager for Guardian Homecare in Devon, said: “According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to more than a million by 2025. This will soar to two million by 2051. Around 225,000 people will develop dementia this year, that’s one every three minutes and one in six people aged 80 and above have dementia.

“Being faced with a friend or relative who may be showing signs of dementia can be scary and many people don’t know where to turn. If anyone has any concerns, they are welcome to drop into our offices at Drew Street in Brixham, or they can give us a call on 01803 853198 for some expert advice from our team of professionals.

“The aim of this national week, which is run by the Alzheimer’s Society, is to unite people, workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia. We have a team of trained carers that work across south Devon that have specialist knowledge of the requirements those with dementia have to feel safe and happy.

“As well as being able to give people free advice during the week, we’re also available to talk to anyone who might need the services we provide as we offer domiciliary and live-in care for elderly and vulnerable people, as well as those with dementia.”

Dementia Action Week encourages people who are worried about dementia to confront their concerns by getting information and support.

Guardian Homecare staff will be on-hand to offer free advice for Dementia Action Week on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23 between 10am and 3pm at its offices at Drew Street in Brixham or people can call 01803 853198.

Catherine added: “We have a committed dementia team and we offer one-to-one bespoke support for people living with dementia, so they do not need to leave the familiar surroundings of their homes or give up their beloved pets.

“A service user’s family, friends and carers, as well as the person with dementia, where possible, are involved in developing a care plan together, based on our person-centred approach to care. Their knowledge and understanding of the individual involved is extremely valuable to ensure the very best care plan is put in place.”

Guardian Homecare delivers personalised home care supporting people wishing to stay living safely and comfortably in their own homes in south Devon.

It says, despite the current culture of change in the fast-paced world of employment, care gives people the chance to create a worthwhile career for themselves that has longevity and security. If people are looking for a job for life with training and career advancement opportunities, then it is one of the few sectors that can offer this, says Guardian Homecare.

Catherine continued: “Although we have a team of nearly 200 carers already in Devon we’re looking currently for more recruits and are keen to hear from people who are honest, committed, reliable and caring.

“We offer new recruits a five-day training induction and a 12-week onboard programme working towards a care certificate. We also offer flexible working hours, both full and part-time, as well as competitive wages and generous holiday allocation.

“It is a great opportunity for people to achieve a recognised qualification and they’ll also be able to have access to exclusive discounts online and in-store from retailers including Tesco, Primark and Argos.”

Guardian Homecare offers training and the opportunity for internal advancement. Anyone who joins the team is creating a career path using the different qualifications they can achieve.

New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount scheme for many major brands, as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.

Alternatively, please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.