Altogether Care - Care at Home (West Moors)

The daily carers were on the whole delightful but very poorly trained. For example, crucial medication was frequently not given to my Mother leading to a lack of confidence and a constant need to check whether this had been followed through. On one occasion hot soup had been positioned on a tray, onto my Mother's lap, this slipped, burning her thigh so severely that paramedics had to be called as the staff member did not undertake basic First Aid, not even applying a simple cold compress. The resultant comment from Management was that my Mother when offered had turned down assistance. On visiting my Mother 30 minutes later I found her incoherent from shock. The burn blistered and had to be treated by the District Nurses for weeks following. Appalling. The carers told me they make 22 visits daily. They are not allowed to communicate with the client's relatives, this can only be done through the Management. If anything has not already been sanctioned on the App it cannot be implemented.

Every carer who came to help me bath and wash my hair (after breaking both my arms this summer) was lovely. The office contact and support was really friendly and understanding. As a recent manager of a similar service, I was really impressed by the professional and personal service I received.

When I started with Altogether Care a time of 08:30 was agreed and for the first two years, this worked perfectly with a regular carer. For the last few months, there is a different carer most days which entails explaining daily what is required. Also for the last few months, there has been no 08:30 regularly as agreed the times now vary form 07@30 to 09:30. In spite of complaints this situation continues. Payment by direct debit would be simpler and finish the need to write a cheque, address, stamp, post and envelope.

I hope the care will continue for another year.

All the carers who come are lovely people. They enrich my life by getting to know them. They are very polite and very willing to help me. I enjoy their company and have already recommended Altogether Carer to friends.

The overall standard of care is excellent. All carers are kind, courteous, friendly and efficient. I have no complaints and think that everyone does a wonderful job.