More cash for care in Devon could be on its way soon

BREAKING news that Devon could receive a much-needed multi-million-pound cash boost for its vital services has been welcomed by one of the county’s leading home care providers (January 2020).

Guardian Homecare, which operates services in the Exeter area, says it supports the new spending boost being proposed for essential Devon County Council services.

Regional Manager for the domiciliary care agency, Katie Jewell explained: “Devon’s ruling Cabinet agreed a draft budget, which included a rise of almost £32 million in spending on children’s services, adult care and roads across the county before Christmas.

“However, the General Election meant a delay in the Government notifying councils of what financial support they would receive in the next financial year. Now councillors are being recommended to increase the overall budget by £43.1 million.

“If councillors approve the new targets, it will mean an extra £23.7 million for adult care and health, £11.5 million more for children’s services and £2.7 million for highways including £1 million to help deal with drainage issues on the road network.”

In total, the council’s spending will rise by £43.1 million from £498 million in 2019/20 to over £541 million in 2020/21.

“In December, the council’s Cabinet heard warnings about the relentless rise in demand for services. Working in the home care industry, we understand just how much the need for care is increasing, as people live longer and have greater and more significant requirements. We also recognise how important it is to have a good road network free from drainage issues and associated potential flooding, as our carers travel around a lot, so we heartily support and welcome this much-need cash injection on all fronts.”

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

It employs nearly 200 domiciliary carers in south Devon to look after its service users in their own homes and it is currently searching for 100 new honest and kind-hearted individuals to help add to its teams.

Offering training and the opportunity for internal advancement, Guardian Homecare provides a flexible and supported working environment for anyone who joins the organisation.

Team members can also create their own career path, using the different qualifications they achieve, with the potential to achieve a job for life in the profession.

Katie adds: “We are looking for kind, honest, caring and reliable individuals who wish to have a stable and long-term career in care, and who would like to forge rewarding relationships with the service users they care for. No experience is necessary to become a carer as free, full training is offered.

“We offer new recruits a five-day training induction and a 12-week on-boarding 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.”

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.

For further details, please visit www.guardianhomecare.org.uk.