I was fortunate to find Care Net Community Nursing more than six years ago, even before I was assessed as a high care client. I am still with choices and less stressed in my own home. My first experience with Care Net proved very reassuring because of the personalised attention I was given when arranging services from them, as well as the willing cooperation to fit in with my needs. All of the staff coordinating care for me have been and still are genuinely warm and professionally helpful which always leaves me feeling connected and part of a community.
This is so important in a situation of dependency and often isolation which can happen in these years and circumstances. My needs are detailed and specific, requiring patience, respect and consideration of choices. I need to be included in decision making where possible according to the capabilities of my condition and the availability in Care Net. These choices are always considered as much as possible.
Continuity of familiar helpers where possible and flexibility to assist in changing needs is a great help with my fluctuating pain and comfort. Calm efficiency with sensitivity to my condition and my home situation, without fuss, is a boon. It is helped in Care Net’s organisation by the individual approach from the whole staff there. Losing independence can result in a feeling of helplessness in a busy world. Connecting with people is a part of my staying as healthy as possible and has improved the quality of my life in these difficult years. The trust I have that I won’t get lost in the system, which can happen if an organisation becomes so big the personal factor suffers, is assured with Care Net.
To be able to have choices within the range of availability of carers/support workers and times that fit in with my day to day needs is an added advantage. These needs are less fixed in frail times. Flexibility is much kinder than hard and fast rules. In Care Net, the involvement of coordinators and management helps a dependent person feel valued, and means less stress when there is already so much loss of control in our changed lives.
Occupational health and safety needs which in Care Net are carefully considered by the management with full personal involvement, gives me confidence in difficult procedures. It is obvious that their staff and support workers feel valued and valuable. This comes across in the quality of the care provided. Relaxation, less stress, continuing to still be in familiar circumstances with people who are dependable, kind and respectful is vital in times that come with extra burdens and coping needs in my life. I am grateful to have found this one to one support where I feel personally known and cared about in an extended family. Thank you Care Net.
