7 replies to this topic

[Billieboy]

Hi Folks.

Having been injured 3 years now, I have experianced some pretty poor care agencies.
Coming home newly injured was a complete nightmare..
Facing up to your injuries is a hard enough task - but then to have to rely on care agencies that don't give a damn about their clients is hell.
(My carers that I have are fantastic people - it's the management that are the problem.
Over comitting the carers hours just to get a few more pounds in their pockets).

I am now in the process of starting up my own agency.
I think that understanding peoples needs and feelings at first hand will put me in good stead for a good quality agency.

Anyone care to add what they would list as being important when looking for a good care company ?


Cheers
Billie

[zepac]

First thing... dont get 40years old person as a carer. Theyre just too dumb to understand certain things. Younger, about 18-30 should be ok.

How will you get money to start the agency?

[Billieboy]

How can age have anything to do with this ?



Does anyone have any more....helpful advise.

Billie.

[miss piggy]

Hi
I have a lady who helps me care for my brother-in-law she is 50 years old and is amazing .i never have to tell her anything twice and i don't have to worry about her keep going off to put her make-up on like lots of others have. GOOD LUCK BILLIEBOY .Also i am 37

[Gary Anderson]

Quote

First thing... dont get 40years old person as a carer. Theyre just too dumb to understand certain things. Younger, about 18-30 should be ok.

Is there something pervy about this comment? Why the hell not get someone in their 40s who is experienced in caring. I am paraplegic and do not require full time care, however, if I did I certainly would want an experienced carer and not some 18-30 person poking about my personal bits. Sounds as though there is a thrill factor involved here throwing common sense out the window.

Setting up a care agency - then go somewhere reputable and try and attract mature people, preferably ex nurses who know what they are about and can care for someone adequately.

Otherwise, you may find yourself sued right, left and centre.

[Billieboy]

LoraB, on Jul 25 2006, 06:39 PM, said:

Hi Billie.


First of all let me wish you the best if luck in your project.
It seems that most agencys are in it to make lots of money but have no empathy or respect for their clients..

On the question of staff, whether the carer is Male or Female, 24 or 54 doesn't matter it's their attitude and if their suited to the job.

I have to say I agree 100% with Gary's comments (yes all of them!!) If I were starting a care agency , and it has crossed my mind, I would go for the over 40s. Also I would steer clear of the ones just doing it to fill in between jobs, uni or whatever.

However you did ask what is top of the list when looking for a care agency.Well No1 is that it employs mature, caring people and is run by someone who is experienced and hands on.

Thanks for the replies- Miss piggy, Lorna & Gary.

I am starting with the carers that I have with my current agency.
(The Manager will be too busy counting money to even glance at websites like this) !!
They are caring, thoughtful and do the job because they really do care.
(The age range is from 20 through to late 40's).

Having experianced carers of all types.
From the original agency that employed dead heads that were in the business because no one else would employ them, where the only thoughs were to get clients to bed asap (sometimes id get put in bed at 5.30), so they could get off down the pub etc. I really do understand the importance of quality staff.

Then the current agency - that will over commit to too many clients and no planning, lie to you blaming the staff when no one is arranged to turn up or turning up like the No. 9 bus in 3's !!!
Having learnt from this - I arrange my own cover with my carers, bypassing the office - so we all know who is where and when.


My main thoughts are
What would influence you in choosing an agency - ie the little extras (not through cost) that would make a real difference to your well being.
I won't be so much hands on, but will be first hand at the experiance , as I aim to train each carer with such things as dignity, pressure sore, auto dis etc..


Keep any ideas coming.

Cheers

Billie

Edited by Billieboy, 25 July 2006 - 07:03 PM.

[Jordanx]

Well i think the whole age thing can be an issue but it depends on how old the client is i mean i wouldnt wanna hang around with a 50yr old cos interests would be different