Carer Times Summer 2016

“To me, imagination is the closest thing we have to compassion. To have compassion you have to be able to imagine the lives of others, including people who are suffering, and people whose

lives are affected by us.”

Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club

Summer 2016

At Last! Carer House 2

Consultus Care Training Centre

Pressure Sore Prevention

Dame Esther Rantzen Rings in the Changes

Care Consultant Profile

Courageous Carer Receives Bravery Award

A Caring Life

A Glimpse into the Leisurely Days of Lists

Pretty in Pink

Miss Green

Help the Bees!

Pet’s Corner

Down on the Farm

Thank YOU!

Getting Sociable with Consultus Live

CONTENTS


Our HousekeepersOur lead Housekeeper, Diane Ashenden will remain at Carer House 1 with the existing carers, whilst Maureen (Mo) Young will take over Carer House 2 and the new carers. Michelle Boyce, Assistant Housekeeper, will be responsible for supporting both.

All the Housekeepers will also intermittently work in both Houses and will rotate overnight stays at Carer House 2 when necessary.

Maureen (Mo) Young“I began my career as a housekeeper in the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells and thoroughly enjoyed this busy and challenging role - I met so many lovely people. Prior to joining Consultus I worked in a solicitor’s office in marketing for 4 years but longed to return to housekeeping, so when the Consultus role came along, I jumped at it! I am really enjoying the position and I love that no two days are the same. At home, I am kept busy with my teenage daughter - we have a passion for long country walks.”

Michelle Boyce“Following my career as a carer for Abbeyfield Care, which I loved, I spent five years as head housekeeper at a Premier Inn. In between and after these roles I was privileged to be able to focus on my growing family, enjoying that special time at home for my children’s vital years. I was keen to return to work and start my career once more and am really enjoying my new role with Consultus - I love meeting the carers and I thrive on the challenge of the role – I’m always happier when I’m kept busy. My weekends are spent walking my Japanese Akita. I am a keen swimmer and I also enjoy watching my favourite football team, Tottenham!”

2

Carers in the HouseOur carers’ first impressions of Carer House 2 Meanwhile, at number 14a...

Consultus is delighted to announce that the new carer house for our carers and nurses, ‘Carer House 2’, opened on 25 April 2016.

This expansive residence has 7 large bedrooms and a spacious drawing room and kitchen / breakfast room; both of which open out to a generous sized conservatory and attractive garden. The house is decorated with stencilling artwork using our carer and client fabulous testimonials which are both attractive and inspiring.

The outstanding ‘Carer House 2’ will provide accommodation for our new carers and nurses attending our training courses, whilst the existing ‘Carer House 1’ will provide existing carers and nurses with accommodation when booking training courses, when they need to stay between bookings or when they need a short break.

New carers can arrange accommodation when booking their Induction Training Course.

Please keep a watch on our website and social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, etc) for more information on your Houses – we aim to continue with the high standard for which we are well known – to give our carers and nurses a very warm welcome to extremely clean and comfortable accommodation and surroundings, offering the support and rest they deserve.

Refurbishments at Carer House 1 have been taking place and we are ready to welcome our existing carers back with open arms!

The downstairs bedroom has been transformed into an office and additional recreational space for carers.

We do hope that you enjoy your stay!

3

Diane AshendenDiane joined us as Deputy Housekeeper in 2013, taking over from Pam Nevin as Housekeeper of Carer House 1 in 2015. She is very much part of the Consultus team, attending a number of our training courses in order to understand the life of a Consultus Carer. Diane says:

“Our carers travel from all over the world to train and care with Consultus and I am so happy to be a friendly face who welcomes them to their home away from home. As a navy wife for over 20 years, I know what it is like to be away from family and home. I have lived in Hong Kong with two small boys which was hard work. I now have two sons and two granddaughters, whom I adore. I also know what it is like to be a carer as I looked after my husband for a year while he bravely fought cancer … sadly it was a fight he lost.

“Consultus strive to keep their houses to the best possible standard and ensure our carers feel safe, comfortable, relaxed and ready to take on their duties. I have already met some truly wonderful carers and it is always a pleasure to welcome them back.

I look forward to welcoming you all to the Carer Houses!”

“Dear Diane,

I’ve enjoyed meeting you and thank you so very much for your friendly hospitality and letting me extend my stay in this very beautiful new carers’ house.

I feel as though I’m leaving the security of a cocoon and that the time here has been a gentle easing into life here in Britain, having come from across the other side of the world, New Zealand.

I hope you’ve managed to have a good rest this holiday weekend, after your very hectic last couple of weeks with the moving.

Take care and I look forward to meeting up again!

Warmest regards, J”

All Carer House 1 bookings, for existing carers, should be made via Sarah Bell in our Carer Application department. Carers can contact Sarah on the main Consultus telephone number or via email [email protected]. Alternatively, if carers are in the office they can ask for her directly.

Thanks for a wonderful nights sleep and rest here at the “new” carers house. Yet another home away from home.

Look forward to staying again sometime.

Love A”

“Hi! Diane!

Thank you for a really lovely time during my stay in the carer house; amazing atmosphere and made to feel very welcome. I am hoping to get lots of work with the odd days off so I can come back to stay here.

Wishing you all the best in the new house.Hope to see you soon

Kind regards, M”

“I just wanted to say thank you for making my stay here so wonderful. Your friendliness and welcoming manner made my stay here so refreshing!

Thank you and no doubt I will see you again soon!

E”


Our HousekeepersOur lead Housekeeper, Diane Ashenden will remain at Carer House 1 with the existing carers, whilst Maureen (Mo) Young will take over Carer House 2 and the new carers. Michelle Boyce, Assistant Housekeeper, will be responsible for supporting both.

All the Housekeepers will also intermittently work in both Houses and will rotate overnight stays at Carer House 2 when necessary.

Maureen (Mo) Young“I began my career as a housekeeper in the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells and thoroughly enjoyed this busy and challenging role - I met so many lovely people. Prior to joining Consultus I worked in a solicitor’s office in marketing for 4 years but longed to return to housekeeping, so when the Consultus role came along, I jumped at it! I am really enjoying the position and I love that no two days are the same. At home, I am kept busy with my teenage daughter - we have a passion for long country walks.”

Michelle Boyce“Following my career as a carer for Abbeyfield Care, which I loved, I spent five years as head housekeeper at a Premier Inn. In between and after these roles I was privileged to be able to focus on my growing family, enjoying that special time at home for my children’s vital years. I was keen to return to work and start my career once more and am really enjoying my new role with Consultus - I love meeting the carers and I thrive on the challenge of the role – I’m always happier when I’m kept busy. My weekends are spent walking my Japanese Akita. I am a keen swimmer and I also enjoy watching my favourite football team, Tottenham!”

2

Carers in the HouseOur carers’ first impressions of Carer House 2 Meanwhile, at number 14a...

Consultus is delighted to announce that the new carer house for our carers and nurses, ‘Carer House 2’, opened on 25 April 2016.

This expansive residence has 7 large bedrooms and a spacious drawing room and kitchen / breakfast room; both of which open out to a generous sized conservatory and attractive garden. The house is decorated with stencilling artwork using our carer and client fabulous testimonials which are both attractive and inspiring.

The outstanding ‘Carer House 2’ will provide accommodation for our new carers and nurses attending our training courses, whilst the existing ‘Carer House 1’ will provide existing carers and nurses with accommodation when booking training courses, when they need to stay between bookings or when they need a short break.

New carers can arrange accommodation when booking their Induction Training Course.

Please keep a watch on our website and social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, etc) for more information on your Houses – we aim to continue with the high standard for which we are well known – to give our carers and nurses a very warm welcome to extremely clean and comfortable accommodation and surroundings, offering the support and rest they deserve.

Refurbishments at Carer House 1 have been taking place and we are ready to welcome our existing carers back with open arms!

The downstairs bedroom has been transformed into an office and additional recreational space for carers.

We do hope that you enjoy your stay!

3

Diane AshendenDiane joined us as Deputy Housekeeper in 2013, taking over from Pam Nevin as Housekeeper of Carer House 1 in 2015. She is very much part of the Consultus team, attending a number of our training courses in order to understand the life of a Consultus Carer. Diane says:

“Our carers travel from all over the world to train and care with Consultus and I am so happy to be a friendly face who welcomes them to their home away from home. As a navy wife for over 20 years, I know what it is like to be away from family and home. I have lived in Hong Kong with two small boys which was hard work. I now have two sons and two granddaughters, whom I adore. I also know what it is like to be a carer as I looked after my husband for a year while he bravely fought cancer … sadly it was a fight he lost.

“Consultus strive to keep their houses to the best possible standard and ensure our carers feel safe, comfortable, relaxed and ready to take on their duties. I have already met some truly wonderful carers and it is always a pleasure to welcome them back.

I look forward to welcoming you all to the Carer Houses!”

“Dear Diane,

I’ve enjoyed meeting you and thank you so very much for your friendly hospitality and letting me extend my stay in this very beautiful new carers’ house.

I feel as though I’m leaving the security of a cocoon and that the time here has been a gentle easing into life here in Britain, having come from across the other side of the world, New Zealand.

I hope you’ve managed to have a good rest this holiday weekend, after your very hectic last couple of weeks with the moving.

Take care and I look forward to meeting up again!

Warmest regards, J”

All Carer House 1 bookings, for existing carers, should be made via Sarah Bell in our Carer Application department. Carers can contact Sarah on the main Consultus telephone number or via email [email protected]. Alternatively, if carers are in the office they can ask for her directly.

Thanks for a wonderful nights sleep and rest here at the “new” carers house. Yet another home away from home.

Look forward to staying again sometime.

Love A”

“Hi! Diane!

Thank you for a really lovely time during my stay in the carer house; amazing atmosphere and made to feel very welcome. I am hoping to get lots of work with the odd days off so I can come back to stay here.

Wishing you all the best in the new house.Hope to see you soon

Kind regards, M”

“I just wanted to say thank you for making my stay here so wonderful. Your friendliness and welcoming manner made my stay here so refreshing!

Thank you and no doubt I will see you again soon!

E”

Humble beginningsIn April 2006, Consultus purchased 5 distance learning courses and I was recruited to facilitate the Distance Learning Training Scheme. My desk was located in the corridor near the kitchen, so I soon became familiar with all the members of staff as they passed by and the new carers joining the company who came into the office for their interviews.

All new carers were offered the choice of one distance learning course when they came for their interview and existing carers were given the opportunity to choose one free course to complete and four more to purchase. The distance learning scheme became a great success and over the last ten years we have extended the choice of distance learning courses, currently having 20 different courses available. All new carers are now asked to complete the Infection Control and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults courses as part of the induction process. Any existing carers attending training are also offered the opportunity to update their knowledge in these two vital subjects.

Our first in-house training courseIn June 2007, in response to the government’s decision to register all carers, my first colleague, Barbara Williams, was recruited to join our fledgling department. Barbara and I worked hard to write a comprehensive induction course meeting the standards set by the General Social Care Council (now the CQC) and in November 2007 we ran our first Induction & Manual Handling Training Day. Carers may remember completing the theory part of the day at Consultus and then getting into our cars for a drive down to a local nursing home where we carried out the practical side of the training.

New training facilitiesCarer registration was put on permanent hold in 2009, and following, the success of our first in-house course and the major refurbishment of Consultus head office, we moved into our new training room and office. Mary Pursell, a Registered Nurse, who had been working as a Care Consultant, joined us as a Trainer, new courses were written and from 2010 we offered new carers the opportunity to attend a 2 day induction course and all carers the chance to attend courses on First Aid, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Manual Handling and Personal Care. By 2013 Mary had transferred to work in the Nursing Department, Barbara had retired and I had been joined by trainers Julie Andrews, Helen Haggertay and Laura Cooper. New in-house courses on End of Life Care and Diabetes were launched to an enthusiastic response from carers who have attended.

Edexcel/Pearson accreditationIn September 2014, following accreditation from Peason/Edexcel, we began offering carers the opportunity to undertake the level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care and in 2015 the level 3 qualification. Over the last eighteen months 25 carers have successfully completed the level 2 Diploma, 10 carers the level 3 qualification and we currently have 18 carers undertaking a level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.

Continuing successDue to the high demand for our courses we are in the process of recruiting a second administration assistant to work alongside Zoe Dawson, who joined us in 2014 and in 2015 Lisa Wilson joined as our fifth trainer. Last year we trained 118 more carers on the manual handling course than in previous years and with carers refreshing their manual handling skills every year, it looks as though 2016 will be even busier.

We are proud of the continuing success of the Training Centre, continually amazed by the wonderful standard of written work we receive from learners completing the level 2 and 3 NVQ/Diploma and distance learning courses and the enthusiastic response and fantastic contribution carers make to our in-house training courses; no training day is ever the same!

Training Team Celebrates its 10th Birthday!


Susan AntenbringTraining Manager

From left to right

Julie, Susan, Zoe, Helen, Lisa & Laura

Four Day InductionCourse for new carersFrom 4 July 2016 Consultus will extend the current three day induction course for our new carers to four days. The extra day will allow us to offer an induction day which is less rushed with an emphasis on welcoming carers to Consultus, providing timed interviews and DBS checks and giving carers the opportunity to prepare for their new role; such as organising bank accounts.

The cost of the four day course will remain the same as the current three day induction (£90) but carers may need to stay an extra night in the Carer House. The cost per night at the Carer House will remain at £29.

The format of the four day induction will be:

Day 1: Induction• A welcome session from a member of the Carer • Application Department • Induction session with a member of the training team• Timed interview and DBS check (lasting approximately 1 hour)• Time to organise bank accounts, mobile phones, National Insurance numbers etc.

Day 2: Manual Handling No change from the current manual handling course

Day 3: The role of the carer Day three includes training sessions on all aspects of a self employed carer’s role: communication, equality & diversity, health & safety, food hygiene and infection control, duty of care, handling information and the importance of training and personal development.

Day 4: Person Centred Care Day four includes sessions on care values, assisting with personal hygiene tasks, pressure area care and helping clients to dress/undress. Information and advice will be given to help the carer to support the client to eat and drink, provide help with toileting and how to deal with incontinence, catheters and colostomy or ileostomy. A session on basic life support, including primary survey, CPR, recovery position and choking, will round off the day.

Second training facilityFrom July 2016 we will be using the conservatory in the superb new Carer House as our second training room. The bright and airy conservatory will be a comfortable training facility complete with a large TV screen and room for up to 14 carers. This second training room will enable us to offer carers a greater choice of in-house courses each month; including First Aid, Dementia and Manual Handling.

Two new distance learning courses now availableThe two newest additions to our distance learning range of courses are Consent and Record Keeping:

The Consent course covers relevant legislation, such as the Mental Capacity Act, the principles of consent, enduring and lasting power of attorney, types of consent and advice on what to do if consent is refused or cannot be established. Record Keeping looks at relevant legislation, confidentiality, the importance of keeping, updating and maintaining records and ways of receiving and passing on information. Both courses cover areas of care that are important for all carers and should they undertake a Diploma in Health & Social Care, consent and record keeping form part of the mandatory units they have to complete.

NVQ / Diploma Success!Many congratulations to the following carers who have successfully completed the Level 2 NVQ/Diploma in Health & Social Care:

Cristina Teixeira, Gaye Vincent, Lena BayfordIsabella Styczynska, Petra Malan

Very well done to our second intake of carers who have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care. Siobhan and Christine have now completed both the Level 2 & 3 qualifications with Consultus.

Siobhan Sampson, Christine Bridges, Sophia SparkesSarah Kentish

Are you interested in gaining an NVQ/Diploma in Health & Social Care?

Although our main learner intakes for the NVQ/Diploma take place in March and September each year we now provide a ‘rolling’ programme which offers carers more flexibility to start the qualification when they are available, subject to assessor availability.

Stop press!Following the great success of our NVQ programmes, our application to deliver the BTEC Level 2 Award in Dementia has now been approved. This 1 day accredited course will be available from October 2016. Please contact the Training Centre for more information.

Looking ahead...Not content with resting on our laurels, here is what is new for 2016

Susan, Barbara and Mary in 2011

4 5

The 2016 Training Team

Humble beginningsIn April 2006, Consultus purchased 5 distance learning courses and I was recruited to facilitate the Distance Learning Training Scheme. My desk was located in the corridor near the kitchen, so I soon became familiar with all the members of staff as they passed by and the new carers joining the company who came into the office for their interviews.

All new carers were offered the choice of one distance learning course when they came for their interview and existing carers were given the opportunity to choose one free course to complete and four more to purchase. The distance learning scheme became a great success and over the last ten years we have extended the choice of distance learning courses, currently having 20 different courses available. All new carers are now asked to complete the Infection Control and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults courses as part of the induction process. Any existing carers attending training are also offered the opportunity to update their knowledge in these two vital subjects.

Our first in-house training courseIn June 2007, in response to the government’s decision to register all carers, my first colleague, Barbara Williams, was recruited to join our fledgling department. Barbara and I worked hard to write a comprehensive induction course meeting the standards set by the General Social Care Council (now the CQC) and in November 2007 we ran our first Induction & Manual Handling Training Day. Carers may remember completing the theory part of the day at Consultus and then getting into our cars for a drive down to a local nursing home where we carried out the practical side of the training.

New training facilitiesCarer registration was put on permanent hold in 2009, and following, the success of our first in-house course and the major refurbishment of Consultus head office, we moved into our new training room and office. Mary Pursell, a Registered Nurse, who had been working as a Care Consultant, joined us as a Trainer, new courses were written and from 2010 we offered new carers the opportunity to attend a 2 day induction course and all carers the chance to attend courses on First Aid, Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Manual Handling and Personal Care. By 2013 Mary had transferred to work in the Nursing Department, Barbara had retired and I had been joined by trainers Julie Andrews, Helen Haggertay and Laura Cooper. New in-house courses on End of Life Care and Diabetes were launched to an enthusiastic response from carers who have attended.

Edexcel/Pearson accreditationIn September 2014, following accreditation from Peason/Edexcel, we began offering carers the opportunity to undertake the level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care and in 2015 the level 3 qualification. Over the last eighteen months 25 carers have successfully completed the level 2 Diploma, 10 carers the level 3 qualification and we currently have 18 carers undertaking a level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.

Continuing successDue to the high demand for our courses we are in the process of recruiting a second administration assistant to work alongside Zoe Dawson, who joined us in 2014 and in 2015 Lisa Wilson joined as our fifth trainer. Last year we trained 118 more carers on the manual handling course than in previous years and with carers refreshing their manual handling skills every year, it looks as though 2016 will be even busier.

We are proud of the continuing success of the Training Centre, continually amazed by the wonderful standard of written work we receive from learners completing the level 2 and 3 NVQ/Diploma and distance learning courses and the enthusiastic response and fantastic contribution carers make to our in-house training courses; no training day is ever the same!

Training Team Celebrates its 10th Birthday!


Susan AntenbringTraining Manager

From left to right

Julie, Susan, Zoe, Helen, Lisa & Laura

Four Day InductionCourse for new carersFrom 4 July 2016 Consultus will extend the current three day induction course for our new carers to four days. The extra day will allow us to offer an induction day which is less rushed with an emphasis on welcoming carers to Consultus, providing timed interviews and DBS checks and giving carers the opportunity to prepare for their new role; such as organising bank accounts.

The cost of the four day course will remain the same as the current three day induction (£90) but carers may need to stay an extra night in the Carer House. The cost per night at the Carer House will remain at £29.

The format of the four day induction will be:

Day 1: Induction• A welcome session from a member of the Carer • Application Department • Induction session with a member of the training team• Timed interview and DBS check (lasting approximately 1 hour)• Time to organise bank accounts, mobile phones, National Insurance numbers etc.

Day 2: Manual Handling No change from the current manual handling course

Day 3: The role of the carer Day three includes training sessions on all aspects of a self employed carer’s role: communication, equality & diversity, health & safety, food hygiene and infection control, duty of care, handling information and the importance of training and personal development.

Day 4: Person Centred Care Day four includes sessions on care values, assisting with personal hygiene tasks, pressure area care and helping clients to dress/undress. Information and advice will be given to help the carer to support the client to eat and drink, provide help with toileting and how to deal with incontinence, catheters and colostomy or ileostomy. A session on basic life support, including primary survey, CPR, recovery position and choking, will round off the day.

Second training facilityFrom July 2016 we will be using the conservatory in the superb new Carer House as our second training room. The bright and airy conservatory will be a comfortable training facility complete with a large TV screen and room for up to 14 carers. This second training room will enable us to offer carers a greater choice of in-house courses each month; including First Aid, Dementia and Manual Handling.

Two new distance learning courses now availableThe two newest additions to our distance learning range of courses are Consent and Record Keeping:

The Consent course covers relevant legislation, such as the Mental Capacity Act, the principles of consent, enduring and lasting power of attorney, types of consent and advice on what to do if consent is refused or cannot be established. Record Keeping looks at relevant legislation, confidentiality, the importance of keeping, updating and maintaining records and ways of receiving and passing on information. Both courses cover areas of care that are important for all carers and should they undertake a Diploma in Health & Social Care, consent and record keeping form part of the mandatory units they have to complete.

NVQ / Diploma Success!Many congratulations to the following carers who have successfully completed the Level 2 NVQ/Diploma in Health & Social Care:

Cristina Teixeira, Gaye Vincent, Lena BayfordIsabella Styczynska, Petra Malan

Very well done to our second intake of carers who have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care. Siobhan and Christine have now completed both the Level 2 & 3 qualifications with Consultus.

Siobhan Sampson, Christine Bridges, Sophia SparkesSarah Kentish

Are you interested in gaining an NVQ/Diploma in Health & Social Care?

Although our main learner intakes for the NVQ/Diploma take place in March and September each year we now provide a ‘rolling’ programme which offers carers more flexibility to start the qualification when they are available, subject to assessor availability.

Stop press!Following the great success of our NVQ programmes, our application to deliver the BTEC Level 2 Award in Dementia has now been approved. This 1 day accredited course will be available from October 2016. Please contact the Training Centre for more information.

Looking ahead...Not content with resting on our laurels, here is what is new for 2016

Susan, Barbara and Mary in 2011

4 5

The 2016 Training Team

Zoë Upton

Nursing Manager - Joined in 2016Zoë qualified as a registered nurse with the University of Brighton in 1996. Her career began at the Kent and Sussex Hospital Tunbridge Wells, working in acute surgery. She moved to the McIndoe Burns Centre at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead in 1997 gaining a wide variety of experience working as a staff nurse and Sister. Zoë held the position of Burns Ward Manager for 4 years prior to joining us. Growing up in Tonbridge where she still lives, Zoë is Mum to her teenage twin daughters and enjoys socialising with family and friends in her spare time.

Jane Nielsen

Assistant Care at Home Manager - Joined in 2011Whilst continuing to work in Care at Home as a Care Consultant, Jane has been promoted to the position of Assistant Manager, supporting Celia Hoare (Operations Director) in the day to day running of the Care at Home operations. Jane qualified as an Enrolled Nurse in 1984, before gaining experience in paediatric and accident and emergency nursing. She is the subject of our Consultant Profile for this summer’s edition of The Carer Times, so do have a read – she is a modest but exceptional lady.

Emily Garvey Recruitment Consultant - Joined in 2016Emily has 10 years’ experience working in retail management, beauty and fashion recruitment in London. Her clients have included some of the most reputable names in the industry including the LVMH and Arcadia group. She has managed both temporary and permanent desks where she was solely responsible for the full 360° recruitment cycle. Emily is calm and talented and we are so fortunate to be able to welcome her to the team. Emily enjoys walking her dogs, keeping fit and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Bell

Recruitment Administrator - Joined in 2016Sarah joins Carer Applications to provide recruitment and administration support to the team. She began her career as an insurance underwriter in the city, leaving after 10 years’ in finance to start a family. Her return to work saw her as an administrator with the NHS, where she spent five years’ in children’s hearing service. A move to Tonbridge led to her joining Consultus, a company Sarah is delighted to work for, not least as she lives within walking distance of the office.

We wish them all the very best in their new roles! 6 7

...Consultus Care Training Centre

A Quick Guide to Pressure Sore Prevention1. A pressure sore forms when skin and

underlying tissue is damaged. Pressure sores are caused by pressure and friction on any part of the body. At risk areas include the buttocks, heel, hip, elbow, ankle, shoulder and back of the head.

2. Pressure sores are painful and distressing.

3. Clients are most at risk if they:

• Cannot move easily • Have poor nutrition and hydration • Have an underlying health condition • Are aged over 70 • Suffer from incontinence

4. Prevention is the key:

Regularly check your clients’ skin and look out for:

• Discolouring, particularly redness of the skin • Soreness, pain or itching in affected area • Skin may be warm and spongy or hard

5. For at risk clients:

• Keep skin clean and dry • Encourage those clients who lie in bed or sit down for

long periods to change position regularly or stand to relieve the pressure

• Avoid creases or detritus in the bed, particularly on the bottom sheet • Ask the local healthcare professionals for advice about pressure relieving equipment such as chair cushions, heel protectors or special mattresses

Sara Taylor

Carer Development Manager - Joined in 2005Having worked most diligently and resourcefully for 11 years as a Care Consultant, Sara has been promoted to the new role of Carer Development Manager, in Carer Applications. She supports and recruits the best new carers into the business utilising her inexhaustible energy, extreme competence and cheerfulness. Sara has comprehensive experience in recruitment and human resources having held senior roles with a leading retail company. At home she is mum to her two teenage sons and leads a busy social life.

Staff News - Significant changes at Consultus

Sandra Jones

Care Consultant - Joined in 2013Sandra transferred from her recruitment position in Carer Applications in March 2016, a role she held successfully for 3 years, to join the Care at Home team as a Care Consultant. She is already thoroughly enjoying the challenge, drawing on past experiences as account manager and southern regional director at a national IT recruitment company. Her interest in specialist recruitment is thriving in her new role, matching carers and clients with professional judgement. Sandra enjoys long-distance running, travel and spending time with her family.

Jacky Pett Care Consultant - Joined in 2015Jacky has extensive experience in the care industry, both as a live-in carer and a field care supervisor in numerous locations. This insight into our carers’ world helps her immensely in her role. Jacky shows patience and empathy when required, demonstrating strong people skills honed from many years spent working as a teacher, in pastoral and administration roles at an international school in Spain. Jacky has an interest in foreign culture and speaks Spanish, Danish and French having lived and worked abroad for many years. She loves outdoor life and the all encompassing world of equestrian activities.

Common Sites for Pressure SoresWhen Sitting Down

Common Sites for Pressure SoresWhen Lying Down

If you think your client has a pressure sore, or you are concerned that they are at risk, record your findings in the client’s log book whilst continuing to monitor the area, and contact the family and the local healthcare professionals as soon as possible.

More information on pressure sores can be found by completing the Tissue Viability Distance Learning Course, which is available from the Training Centre or by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-ulcers or nhs.stopthepressure.co.uk from which the information above is based.

6

Zoë Upton

Nursing Manager - Joined in 2016Zoë qualified as a registered nurse with the University of Brighton in 1996. Her career began at the Kent and Sussex Hospital Tunbridge Wells, working in acute surgery. She moved to the McIndoe Burns Centre at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead in 1997 gaining a wide variety of experience working as a staff nurse and Sister. Zoë held the position of Burns Ward Manager for 4 years prior to joining us. Growing up in Tonbridge where she still lives, Zoë is Mum to her teenage twin daughters and enjoys socialising with family and friends in her spare time.

Jane Nielsen

Assistant Care at Home Manager - Joined in 2011Whilst continuing to work in Care at Home as a Care Consultant, Jane has been promoted to the position of Assistant Manager, supporting Celia Hoare (Operations Director) in the day to day running of the Care at Home operations. Jane qualified as an Enrolled Nurse in 1984, before gaining experience in paediatric and accident and emergency nursing. She is the subject of our Consultant Profile for this summer’s edition of The Carer Times, so do have a read – she is a modest but exceptional lady.

Emily Garvey Recruitment Consultant - Joined in 2016Emily has 10 years’ experience working in retail management, beauty and fashion recruitment in London. Her clients have included some of the most reputable names in the industry including the LVMH and Arcadia group. She has managed both temporary and permanent desks where she was solely responsible for the full 360° recruitment cycle. Emily is calm and talented and we are so fortunate to be able to welcome her to the team. Emily enjoys walking her dogs, keeping fit and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Bell

Recruitment Administrator - Joined in 2016Sarah joins Carer Applications to provide recruitment and administration support to the team. She began her career as an insurance underwriter in the city, leaving after 10 years’ in finance to start a family. Her return to work saw her as an administrator with the NHS, where she spent five years’ in children’s hearing service. A move to Tonbridge led to her joining Consultus, a company Sarah is delighted to work for, not least as she lives within walking distance of the office.

We wish them all the very best in their new roles! 6 7

...Consultus Care Training Centre

A Quick Guide to Pressure Sore Prevention1. A pressure sore forms when skin and

underlying tissue is damaged. Pressure sores are caused by pressure and friction on any part of the body. At risk areas include the buttocks, heel, hip, elbow, ankle, shoulder and back of the head.

2. Pressure sores are painful and distressing.

3. Clients are most at risk if they:

• Cannot move easily • Have poor nutrition and hydration • Have an underlying health condition • Are aged over 70 • Suffer from incontinence

4. Prevention is the key:

Regularly check your clients’ skin and look out for:

• Discolouring, particularly redness of the skin • Soreness, pain or itching in affected area • Skin may be warm and spongy or hard

5. For at risk clients:

• Keep skin clean and dry • Encourage those clients who lie in bed or sit down for

long periods to change position regularly or stand to relieve the pressure

• Avoid creases or detritus in the bed, particularly on the bottom sheet • Ask the local healthcare professionals for advice about pressure relieving equipment such as chair cushions, heel protectors or special mattresses

Sara Taylor

Carer Development Manager - Joined in 2005Having worked most diligently and resourcefully for 11 years as a Care Consultant, Sara has been promoted to the new role of Carer Development Manager, in Carer Applications. She supports and recruits the best new carers into the business utilising her inexhaustible energy, extreme competence and cheerfulness. Sara has comprehensive experience in recruitment and human resources having held senior roles with a leading retail company. At home she is mum to her two teenage sons and leads a busy social life.

Staff News - Significant changes at Consultus

Sandra Jones

Care Consultant - Joined in 2013Sandra transferred from her recruitment position in Carer Applications in March 2016, a role she held successfully for 3 years, to join the Care at Home team as a Care Consultant. She is already thoroughly enjoying the challenge, drawing on past experiences as account manager and southern regional director at a national IT recruitment company. Her interest in specialist recruitment is thriving in her new role, matching carers and clients with professional judgement. Sandra enjoys long-distance running, travel and spending time with her family.

Jacky Pett Care Consultant - Joined in 2015Jacky has extensive experience in the care industry, both as a live-in carer and a field care supervisor in numerous locations. This insight into our carers’ world helps her immensely in her role. Jacky shows patience and empathy when required, demonstrating strong people skills honed from many years spent working as a teacher, in pastoral and administration roles at an international school in Spain. Jacky has an interest in foreign culture and speaks Spanish, Danish and French having lived and worked abroad for many years. She loves outdoor life and the all encompassing world of equestrian activities.

Common Sites for Pressure SoresWhen Sitting Down

Common Sites for Pressure SoresWhen Lying Down

If you think your client has a pressure sore, or you are concerned that they are at risk, record your findings in the client’s log book whilst continuing to monitor the area, and contact the family and the local healthcare professionals as soon as possible.

More information on pressure sores can be found by completing the Tissue Viability Distance Learning Course, which is available from the Training Centre or by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-ulcers or nhs.stopthepressure.co.uk from which the information above is based.

6

Belinda DavidsonConsultus Carer since January 2016

Apart from fast becoming one of our very popular carers, Belinda is an accomplished writer and has had recipes and short stories published in The Guardian newspaper. However, she’s not here today to promote herself but to bring to our attention the fabulous talents of one her clients, Mrs Ethelwyn Dixon. Belinda has been helping Mrs Dixon filter through 55 year’s worth of household memories and came across this rather marvellous poem written by her client:

I’ve got to an age when I’m pretty in pink

And I’m not a young girl if that’s what you think

I’m a mouldy old crow with a thinning thatch

And a wrinkly old face - an immaculate match!

I’ve knees that give trouble and legs that give way

And I can’t always hear the things that you say

But perhaps that’s a blessing, though I shouldn’t say that

I’d miss all your jokes and life would be flat

I’ve got so forgetful that in spite of my lists

I’m always regretting the things that I’ve missed

My hands are so stiff they can only fumble

And I have to be careful to speak clearly, not mumble

I can’t run anymore and stairs are a worry

In case I should slip and fall down in a flurry

I love watching games even though I can’t play

Kitchen bridge I can do and my hair’s not yet grey

I stagger around with my eyes on the blink

But hey! What does it matter, I’m still pretty in pink!

By Ethelwyn Dixon Consultus Client since January 2016

Pretty in Pink

8

A Glimpse into the Leisurely Days of ListsAmanda Butow Consultus Carer since 2007

My client and I had decided to tackle a drawer a day after breakfast, and what fun we had in the process. A time when life was less hurried, details were planned and noted and memories were treasured.

The story is told in a beautiful embossed leather volume, dated 19 July 1947 Birmingham, hand written in calligraphy. Large gold leaf letters start each paragraph; decorative vignettes adorn the pages, as it records their Quaker marriage vows. Each of the 62 guests had signed and recorded their names and the gift list includes:- grapefruit bowls, a book of poems, umpteen tray cloths, a sandwich dish, a grandfather clock and a gun!!!

The guest book also dates from 1947 and this is the preface:

“Hail guest, we ask not what thou art;If friend, we greet thee, hand & heart;If stranger, shall no longer be;If foe, our love shall conquer thee.”

Over the years guests hailed from Holland, France, New Zealand Switzerland, Jamaica, Canada, Australia and Crete as well as obviously more local visitors – the last entry being July 2014

We then have guests and menus; with occasions ranging from ‘The Hunt’ to ‘Billiards’ and ‘Return from the Antipodes’

The Menu for ‘Pre Silver Wedding Party’ is:

ChampagneAvocado and prawn moussePheasant Soup (Reader’s Digest recipe)Beef WellingtonBroccoli and AlmondsPommes DuchesseHot Chocolate SouffléPavlovaCoffeeMintsCourvoisier VSOP

In another volume is a list of plantings in the garden, along with a price list, and an invitation to visit the nursery, preferably by appointment:

W.E. Pye (Forestry) Ltd, Nurserymen and Contractors – Garrya Eliptica Tassle Bush – north wall - 65p, Kolkwitzia pink cloud Beauty Bush - front border - £1.09

The garden is still most beautiful and Mrs S recollects the plantings with joy.

Bound volumes of every holiday dating from their honeymoon in Switzerland 1947 through to the last sail on their yacht ‘Rozinate’ in 2005. Recounting the extensive South African tour of 1982, along with the photographs, gave us much to discuss.

A little book of MY AFFAIRS, definitely not what you might think, but a record of all personal information including; “property not belonging to me”, articles pledged, revisionary interests or reminders, government securities, a private chattels scheme and war damage insurance.

The advantages of keeping such a record are manifest, however, the following points must be observed:- . . . And the list goes on … And on … until we reach the end, with my client’s notation:

“This record, if carefully kept, may save one’s nearest and dearest much worry and confusion at a time of great stress.”

Mrs S

9

Belinda DavidsonConsultus Carer since January 2016

Apart from fast becoming one of our very popular carers, Belinda is an accomplished writer and has had recipes and short stories published in The Guardian newspaper. However, she’s not here today to promote herself but to bring to our attention the fabulous talents of one her clients, Mrs Ethelwyn Dixon. Belinda has been helping Mrs Dixon filter through 55 year’s worth of household memories and came across this rather marvellous poem written by her client:

I’ve got to an age when I’m pretty in pink

And I’m not a young girl if that’s what you think

I’m a mouldy old crow with a thinning thatch

And a wrinkly old face - an immaculate match!

I’ve knees that give trouble and legs that give way

And I can’t always hear the things that you say

But perhaps that’s a blessing, though I shouldn’t say that

I’d miss all your jokes and life would be flat

I’ve got so forgetful that in spite of my lists

I’m always regretting the things that I’ve missed

My hands are so stiff they can only fumble

And I have to be careful to speak clearly, not mumble

I can’t run anymore and stairs are a worry

In case I should slip and fall down in a flurry

I love watching games even though I can’t play

Kitchen bridge I can do and my hair’s not yet grey

I stagger around with my eyes on the blink

But hey! What does it matter, I’m still pretty in pink!

By Ethelwyn Dixon Consultus Client since January 2016

Pretty in Pink

8

A Glimpse into the Leisurely Days of ListsAmanda Butow Consultus Carer since 2007

My client and I had decided to tackle a drawer a day after breakfast, and what fun we had in the process. A time when life was less hurried, details were planned and noted and memories were treasured.

The story is told in a beautiful embossed leather volume, dated 19 July 1947 Birmingham, hand written in calligraphy. Large gold leaf letters start each paragraph; decorative vignettes adorn the pages, as it records their Quaker marriage vows. Each of the 62 guests had signed and recorded their names and the gift list includes:- grapefruit bowls, a book of poems, umpteen tray cloths, a sandwich dish, a grandfather clock and a gun!!!

The guest book also dates from 1947 and this is the preface:

“Hail guest, we ask not what thou art;If friend, we greet thee, hand & heart;If stranger, shall no longer be;If foe, our love shall conquer thee.”

Over the years guests hailed from Holland, France, New Zealand Switzerland, Jamaica, Canada, Australia and Crete as well as obviously more local visitors – the last entry being July 2014

We then have guests and menus; with occasions ranging from ‘The Hunt’ to ‘Billiards’ and ‘Return from the Antipodes’

The Menu for ‘Pre Silver Wedding Party’ is:

ChampagneAvocado and prawn moussePheasant Soup (Reader’s Digest recipe)Beef WellingtonBroccoli and AlmondsPommes DuchesseHot Chocolate SouffléPavlovaCoffeeMintsCourvoisier VSOP

In another volume is a list of plantings in the garden, along with a price list, and an invitation to visit the nursery, preferably by appointment:

W.E. Pye (Forestry) Ltd, Nurserymen and Contractors – Garrya Eliptica Tassle Bush – north wall - 65p, Kolkwitzia pink cloud Beauty Bush - front border - £1.09

The garden is still most beautiful and Mrs S recollects the plantings with joy.

Bound volumes of every holiday dating from their honeymoon in Switzerland 1947 through to the last sail on their yacht ‘Rozinate’ in 2005. Recounting the extensive South African tour of 1982, along with the photographs, gave us much to discuss.

A little book of MY AFFAIRS, definitely not what you might think, but a record of all personal information including; “property not belonging to me”, articles pledged, revisionary interests or reminders, government securities, a private chattels scheme and war damage insurance.

The advantages of keeping such a record are manifest, however, the following points must be observed:- . . . And the list goes on … And on … until we reach the end, with my client’s notation:

“This record, if carefully kept, may save one’s nearest and dearest much worry and confusion at a time of great stress.”

Mrs S

9

We are here to chat to you today about your availability over Christmas and the New Year.

Working over Christmas can be very rewarding…Especially if you jet off to the sun in 2017

Please contact our friendly and dedicated team of Care Consultants on 01732 355 231www.consultuscare.com

10

Best book?I really do like reading and one of my favourites is “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. I’ve also just read “The Lady in the Van” by Alan Bennett, which I loved. He is a great observer of people in their day-to-day lives.

Do you have a favourite TV personality/film star?Aidan Turner as “Poldark” is very easy on the eye! Dame Judi Dench is fabulous in everything she does, as are Morgan Freeman and Johnny Depp.

If you could be or look like someone famous, who would it be and why?Audrey Hepburn – wouldn’t everyone?

What do you like/don’t like to eat?I’m allergic to shellfish - but I love fish.

Where in the world would you like to travel?India; for the culture, the colour and the vast difference in society – the palaces and the poverty. I’d love to be able to help somehow.

I visited Egypt in the late 80’s, staying with business colleagues of my father in Cairo, in the most amazing houses, taking private tours around the area, which included a visit to one of the local hospitals and I was shocked and saddened by the disparity of the classes.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what three luxuries would you take with you?

1. Mascara, because I don’t go anywhere without it. 2. A never ending glass of very cold New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 3. A radio – for the sound of human voices when I needed to hear something other than the sea – and to listen to “The Archers” of course!

Jane Nielsen Care Consultant and Assistant Care at Home Manager

How did you first hear about Consultus? Having had a career as a nurse and following a career break to bring up two children, I was looking for something new related to nursing but not requiring re-training and came across the advertisement for a Consultus Care Consultant in the local newspaper.

What initially attracted you to the role of Care Consultant?I thought my nursing background would be suitable for the position and was so pleased that Consultus thought so too, when they accepted me into the Consultus family.

What did you do prior to working for Consultus?I trained as a nurse from the age of 18 at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, qualified as an Enrolled Nurse in 1984, progressing to gain three years’ experience in Accident and Emergency. I then met and married a Dane, moved to Copenhagen for a year, before returning to the UK to work at the Horder Centre in Crowborough – an orthopaedic hospital for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. I followed on from this by working on the Paediatric Ward at the old Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells for three years, before leaving to start a family, returning once more for a few more years of nursing, before having our second child.

How does this translate into your role as Care Consultant?Hopefully, knowledge and empathy translates well. I do enjoy listening and speaking to new and current clients, hearing their stories. It is rewarding matching carers and clients together and is gratifying when carers are asked to return.

Do you recall any particularly memorable situations with clients or carers?I have been to visit some really wonderful clients – I find putting a face and a setting to a name very rewarding.

Do you have any advice for carers? I ask all carers to be respectful whilst working in another person’s home. Something I am sure they would ask for in return.

Your role is certainly a busy one, how do you like to relax when you leave the office?I do try to ignore the telephone once I get home – after using it so much during the day, having a break is a luxury. I enjoy seeing friends, meals out with friends or family, trips to the cinema, the theatre, or seeing live music. A long walk and a pub lunch is a perfect way to spend a Sunday. I also enjoy horse riding and playing tennis but do not seem to have a lot of time to do either.

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions, either personal or professional?I wanted to be a nurse from the age of 10, although I also had an ambition to be a ballet dancer. An audition at The Royal Ballet School in London at the age of 12 proved it was not to be. I vividly remember at that time, however, sharing the audition stage with Lena Zavaroni.

Do you have any obscure hobbies?Is ballet dancing obscure? I would love to attend a ballet exercise class for adults but haven’t managed to find one yet! I did love tennis for some time but I still want to dance!

Where did you grow up?In Kent. I grew up in the same house in which my parents still live – it is the Garden of England after all.

Who inspires you?Probably, my parents – they raised me with good ethics – to be kind, courteous, fair and hardworking. I also have great admiration for Edith Cavell, the British nurse who was celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers without discrimination and in helping some 200 allied soldiers escape from German occupied Belgium in WW1.

What’s in your CD collection?Currently, Sam Smith and Adele, but also plenty of Soul and Motown. I listen to the radio a lot, which is great as I’m easily pleased. The mood of the moment dictates my music choices. I am also an “Archers” fan, but don’t tell anyone!

What do you think are the attributes of a good carer?

“Empathy and compassion, and being a good listener rather than a talker.”

Jane is responsible and courteous, self-disciplined and nurturing – perfect for the role of a Care Consultant and also for her new role as Assistant Care at Home Manager. She is approachable and comfortable with people from all walks of life. Jane joined Consultus in 2011.

10 1111

We are here to chat to you today about your availability over Christmas and the New Year.

Working over Christmas can be very rewarding…Especially if you jet off to the sun in 2017

Please contact our friendly and dedicated team of Care Consultants on 01732 355 231www.consultuscare.com

10

Best book?I really do like reading and one of my favourites is “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. I’ve also just read “The Lady in the Van” by Alan Bennett, which I loved. He is a great observer of people in their day-to-day lives.

Do you have a favourite TV personality/film star?Aidan Turner as “Poldark” is very easy on the eye! Dame Judi Dench is fabulous in everything she does, as are Morgan Freeman and Johnny Depp.

If you could be or look like someone famous, who would it be and why?Audrey Hepburn – wouldn’t everyone?

What do you like/don’t like to eat?I’m allergic to shellfish - but I love fish.

Where in the world would you like to travel?India; for the culture, the colour and the vast difference in society – the palaces and the poverty. I’d love to be able to help somehow.

I visited Egypt in the late 80’s, staying with business colleagues of my father in Cairo, in the most amazing houses, taking private tours around the area, which included a visit to one of the local hospitals and I was shocked and saddened by the disparity of the classes.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what three luxuries would you take with you?

1. Mascara, because I don’t go anywhere without it. 2. A never ending glass of very cold New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. 3. A radio – for the sound of human voices when I needed to hear something other than the sea – and to listen to “The Archers” of course!

Jane Nielsen Care Consultant and Assistant Care at Home Manager

How did you first hear about Consultus? Having had a career as a nurse and following a career break to bring up two children, I was looking for something new related to nursing but not requiring re-training and came across the advertisement for a Consultus Care Consultant in the local newspaper.

What initially attracted you to the role of Care Consultant?I thought my nursing background would be suitable for the position and was so pleased that Consultus thought so too, when they accepted me into the Consultus family.

What did you do prior to working for Consultus?I trained as a nurse from the age of 18 at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, qualified as an Enrolled Nurse in 1984, progressing to gain three years’ experience in Accident and Emergency. I then met and married a Dane, moved to Copenhagen for a year, before returning to the UK to work at the Horder Centre in Crowborough – an orthopaedic hospital for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. I followed on from this by working on the Paediatric Ward at the old Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells for three years, before leaving to start a family, returning once more for a few more years of nursing, before having our second child.

How does this translate into your role as Care Consultant?Hopefully, knowledge and empathy translates well. I do enjoy listening and speaking to new and current clients, hearing their stories. It is rewarding matching carers and clients together and is gratifying when carers are asked to return.

Do you recall any particularly memorable situations with clients or carers?I have been to visit some really wonderful clients – I find putting a face and a setting to a name very rewarding.

Do you have any advice for carers? I ask all carers to be respectful whilst working in another person’s home. Something I am sure they would ask for in return.

Your role is certainly a busy one, how do you like to relax when you leave the office?I do try to ignore the telephone once I get home – after using it so much during the day, having a break is a luxury. I enjoy seeing friends, meals out with friends or family, trips to the cinema, the theatre, or seeing live music. A long walk and a pub lunch is a perfect way to spend a Sunday. I also enjoy horse riding and playing tennis but do not seem to have a lot of time to do either.

Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions, either personal or professional?I wanted to be a nurse from the age of 10, although I also had an ambition to be a ballet dancer. An audition at The Royal Ballet School in London at the age of 12 proved it was not to be. I vividly remember at that time, however, sharing the audition stage with Lena Zavaroni.

Do you have any obscure hobbies?Is ballet dancing obscure? I would love to attend a ballet exercise class for adults but haven’t managed to find one yet! I did love tennis for some time but I still want to dance!

Where did you grow up?In Kent. I grew up in the same house in which my parents still live – it is the Garden of England after all.

Who inspires you?Probably, my parents – they raised me with good ethics – to be kind, courteous, fair and hardworking. I also have great admiration for Edith Cavell, the British nurse who was celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers without discrimination and in helping some 200 allied soldiers escape from German occupied Belgium in WW1.

What’s in your CD collection?Currently, Sam Smith and Adele, but also plenty of Soul and Motown. I listen to the radio a lot, which is great as I’m easily pleased. The mood of the moment dictates my music choices. I am also an “Archers” fan, but don’t tell anyone!

What do you think are the attributes of a good carer?

“Empathy and compassion, and being a good listener rather than a talker.”

Jane is responsible and courteous, self-disciplined and nurturing – perfect for the role of a Care Consultant and also for her new role as Assistant Care at Home Manager. She is approachable and comfortable with people from all walks of life. Jane joined Consultus in 2011.

10 1111

Anne BallanceConsultus Carer since 2009Carer Anne Ballance, who valiantly tried to save the life of Lady Jean Gilmour as fire raged through the 93-year-old’s home last January, has been publicly recognised.

For her distinguished actions that night, which went above and beyond the call of duty in risking her own life to try and save another, Anne has been presented with a special bravery award.


Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main presentsthe certificate of the award to Anne Ballance,

wearing her medal

It was on 31 January 2015 that a devastating fire swept through Invernauld, Rosehall, home of the Gilmour family since 1922. Despite the valiant efforts of her carer and the fire crews, it was not possible to save either Lady Gilmour or the house.

On that night around 9pm, after Lady Gilmour and Anne had enjoyed supper, Anne was tidying up in the Invernauld kitchen. Lady Gilmour had gone though to the sitting room, which was quite a way from the kitchen. This was a regular routine; once in the sitting room Lady Gilmour usually transferred herself from her wheelchair to her more comfortable armchair.

A little time later, Anne heard the screech of a smoke alarm. She rushed along the corridors and, on reaching the sitting room, found it thick with smoke and some items alight.

Anne tried to lift Lady Gilmour bodily into her battery operated wheelchair, so that she could “drive out of the room”. However, there was no response from Lady Gilmour, and an up-lift proved too difficult. Anne tried to phone for help, only to find the line dead. Refusing to give up and with great courage and disregard for her own safety, Anne returned to the room, now filled with smoke and flames, and using every ounce of her strength tried to lift Lady Gilmour again, to no avail.

Anne then decided to seek help and went out to the car, which required turning round, but there was snow on the ground and the car became stuck.

It is only a very special person who has the courage to movetowards such danger in a bid to help, yet Anne’s determination, resolve and doggedness led her to have one more attempt to get Lady Gilmour out. Unfortunately, by then the smoke had worsened and the flames had taken a real hold. At that moment the realisation of the need for self preservation prevailed.

Anne ran through the snow in bare feet, having lost her shoes, to the nearest house a quarter of a mile away, to raise the alarm and, despite her injuries, then returned to Invernauld to offer any help she could.

However it was impossible to go back inside so, as the first fire crew from Lairg arrived, Anne was taken to the house of nearby First Responders who looked after her until she was taken by ambulance to Raigmore.

Despite her serious injuries and the traumatic experience, Anne still retained her indomitable spirit in adversity.

Fire crews from all over the north worked valiantly all that night but were unable to save the house. Despite a detailed investigation the cause of the fire is not known.

Following her traumatic experience, Anne moved south to stay with her brother so that she could continue treatment at a burns unit in London, before being well enough to return home to Africa three months later, where she lives with her husband.

Anne was able to return recently to her caring work in the UK and made the journey to Rosehall to be presented with a bravery award. The commendation from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire is “in testimony of distinguished conduct while engaged in the rescue of life from fire on the 31st day of January 2015 at Invernauld, Rosehall, Sutherland”.

Dr Monica Main, Lord Lieutenant, had been instrumental in setting in motion the award so, on 22 March 2016, a family lunch party was held at Shenaval, Altass when she made the presentation to Anne in the presence of Lady Gilmour’s daughter Susan Sewell and son Colin, with Peter Sewell and Carol Gilmour.

Also present were Anne Gould who was Lady Gilmour’s partner in the Craft Shop they ran, James and Christina Murray who were the family back-up during Anne’s time at Raigmore and Julie and Gary Stevens, the Rosehall First Responders who coped with Anne’s injuries on the night of the fire.

Anne still wears pressure gloves on her hands and other scars may remain with her for the rest of her life.

Lady Gilmour’s family will always be grateful to Anne, and are delighted that her bravery has been recognised.

Celia Hoare, Consultus Operations Director, comments:“The incredible determination and bravery shown by Anne Ballance during this devastating event undeniably took her role as a carer to a completely new level. Her unwavering courage and compassion cannot be praised too highly.

Despite this traumatic experience, Anne continues to tirelessly help our clients. She is a truly remarkable carer and we feel extremely privileged to have such an extraordinary individual working through us.”

Consultus would like to thank Lady Gilmour’s family and Anne Ballance for granting permission to publish this article and accompanying photograph. This piece is exclusively for the Carer Times and not for circulating via any social media platforms.

It is only a very special person who has the courage to move towards such danger in a bid to help...

12

Dame Esther Rantzen DBE Rings in the Changes

After four years hosting the Consultus Carer and Nurse Awards Luncheon, Dame Esther Rantzen DBE, has announced that she is now stepping down from some of her commitments, in order to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

Dame Esther says “I have enjoyed every moment I have spent presenting the Consultus Awards. They celebrate the real commitment of the skilled Consultus team to the welfare of their clients, who are often suffering from physical or mental ill-health. The dedication of these carers and nurses who ensure the independence and dignity of their clients is inspiring, and I always ended the day feeling moved and impressed. I will certainly keep in touch with Consultus, who are a leading example of good practice, demonstrating the huge difference excellent care can make, transforming lives and giving real reassurance to clients and their families.”

Dame Esther began presenting the awards in 2013, and 2016 will be the last time she attends the event in Tonbridge. Consultus has valued and treasured Dame Esther’s inspirational support to our carers, nurses and head office staff. Her presence has really lifted the occasion making it all the more special. It really is the highlight of the year for Consultus.

The continual challenges Dame Esther faces on the 30th Anniversary of ChildLine, with the further development of The Silver Line and of course the involvement and support of her three new grandsons, are incomparable.

The Silver Line provides a 24-hour phone line for elderly people who may not be in regular contact with friends and family. It helps 1,200 older people each week with a friendship call – among the volunteer callers are Consultus staff! The Silver Line is always looking for more volunteers who can spare 30 minutes each week to provide support for a lonely elderly person. It is a lifeline for those feeling isolated and lonely.

Consultus is committed to continuing support of The Silver Line, the charity Dame Esther founded in 2012. The Silver Line is funded by the Big Lottery, alongside sponsors and corporate partners, including Consultus. More information can be found at www.thesilverline.org.uk.

This year’s Long-Standing Carer and Nurse Award ceremony will take place on 14 September 2016 at the Consultus head office in Tonbridge. The carers and nurses attending have either achieved 100 bookings or have gone ‘the extra 5 miles!’ beyond what is expected of them in their work.

“Consultus has valued and treasured Dame Esther’s inspirational support to our carers, nurses and head office staff.”

A marquee is erected in the garden and attendees are greeted with champagne and canapés before sitting down to a sumptuous 3 course luncheon! Following lunch, Dame Esther presents the awards and always offers remarkable observations and converses with each carer. More than just a figurehead at the event – she stays all day at Consultus, talking with the carers and taking an interest in them and their work.

Rewarding high performance is something Consultus takes very seriously. The quality of care our clients receive makes all the difference to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The carers who receive the awards set the benchmark for the type of care with which Consultus identifies; they are most definitely our ambassadors.

Before the lunch on 14 September, Dame Esther will officially open the new carer house – ‘Carer House 2.’ This second residence will enable Consultus to provide the much needed extra accommodation for our growing community of carers and nurses whilst training with us or in-between their assignments with us.

Dame Esther says: “I have been delighted to have the opportunity of meeting with the carers who have received these awards over the years and have loved hearing their stories. I am sad that I am unable to continue to attend the ceremony but I look forward to receiving regular updates from Consultus about their work.”

Peter Seldon, CEO of Consultus, said: “It has been a privilege to welcome Dame Esther to our carer and nursing award events over the past few years. She really understands the importance of high quality care and the real difference our carers and nurses make to the lives of our clients and their families.”

Dame Esther and Peter Seldon

All at Consultus would like to thank Dame Esther for making our Carer and Nurse luncheons truly magical

events. Her magnetic presence on the day created an extraordinary experience which the Consultus

family thoroughly enjoyed. Dame Esther brought joy, excitement, pride and motivation to everyone who

has been lucky enough to meet her.We will be forever grateful.

Anne BallanceConsultus Carer since 2009Carer Anne Ballance, who valiantly tried to save the life of Lady Jean Gilmour as fire raged through the 93-year-old’s home last January, has been publicly recognised.

For her distinguished actions that night, which went above and beyond the call of duty in risking her own life to try and save another, Anne has been presented with a special bravery award.


Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main presentsthe certificate of the award to Anne Ballance,

wearing her medal

It was on 31 January 2015 that a devastating fire swept through Invernauld, Rosehall, home of the Gilmour family since 1922. Despite the valiant efforts of her carer and the fire crews, it was not possible to save either Lady Gilmour or the house.

On that night around 9pm, after Lady Gilmour and Anne had enjoyed supper, Anne was tidying up in the Invernauld kitchen. Lady Gilmour had gone though to the sitting room, which was quite a way from the kitchen. This was a regular routine; once in the sitting room Lady Gilmour usually transferred herself from her wheelchair to her more comfortable armchair.

A little time later, Anne heard the screech of a smoke alarm. She rushed along the corridors and, on reaching the sitting room, found it thick with smoke and some items alight.

Anne tried to lift Lady Gilmour bodily into her battery operated wheelchair, so that she could “drive out of the room”. However, there was no response from Lady Gilmour, and an up-lift proved too difficult. Anne tried to phone for help, only to find the line dead. Refusing to give up and with great courage and disregard for her own safety, Anne returned to the room, now filled with smoke and flames, and using every ounce of her strength tried to lift Lady Gilmour again, to no avail.

Anne then decided to seek help and went out to the car, which required turning round, but there was snow on the ground and the car became stuck.

It is only a very special person who has the courage to movetowards such danger in a bid to help, yet Anne’s determination, resolve and doggedness led her to have one more attempt to get Lady Gilmour out. Unfortunately, by then the smoke had worsened and the flames had taken a real hold. At that moment the realisation of the need for self preservation prevailed.

Anne ran through the snow in bare feet, having lost her shoes, to the nearest house a quarter of a mile away, to raise the alarm and, despite her injuries, then returned to Invernauld to offer any help she could.

However it was impossible to go back inside so, as the first fire crew from Lairg arrived, Anne was taken to the house of nearby First Responders who looked after her until she was taken by ambulance to Raigmore.

Despite her serious injuries and the traumatic experience, Anne still retained her indomitable spirit in adversity.

Fire crews from all over the north worked valiantly all that night but were unable to save the house. Despite a detailed investigation the cause of the fire is not known.

Following her traumatic experience, Anne moved south to stay with her brother so that she could continue treatment at a burns unit in London, before being well enough to return home to Africa three months later, where she lives with her husband.

Anne was able to return recently to her caring work in the UK and made the journey to Rosehall to be presented with a bravery award. The commendation from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire is “in testimony of distinguished conduct while engaged in the rescue of life from fire on the 31st day of January 2015 at Invernauld, Rosehall, Sutherland”.

Dr Monica Main, Lord Lieutenant, had been instrumental in setting in motion the award so, on 22 March 2016, a family lunch party was held at Shenaval, Altass when she made the presentation to Anne in the presence of Lady Gilmour’s daughter Susan Sewell and son Colin, with Peter Sewell and Carol Gilmour.

Also present were Anne Gould who was Lady Gilmour’s partner in the Craft Shop they ran, James and Christina Murray who were the family back-up during Anne’s time at Raigmore and Julie and Gary Stevens, the Rosehall First Responders who coped with Anne’s injuries on the night of the fire.

Anne still wears pressure gloves on her hands and other scars may remain with her for the rest of her life.

Lady Gilmour’s family will always be grateful to Anne, and are delighted that her bravery has been recognised.

Celia Hoare, Consultus Operations Director, comments:“The incredible determination and bravery shown by Anne Ballance during this devastating event undeniably took her role as a carer to a completely new level. Her unwavering courage and compassion cannot be praised too highly.

Despite this traumatic experience, Anne continues to tirelessly help our clients. She is a truly remarkable carer and we feel extremely privileged to have such an extraordinary individual working through us.”

Consultus would like to thank Lady Gilmour’s family and Anne Ballance for granting permission to publish this article and accompanying photograph. This piece is exclusively for the Carer Times and not for circulating via any social media platforms.

It is only a very special person who has the courage to move towards such danger in a bid to help...

12

Dame Esther Rantzen DBE Rings in the Changes

After four years hosting the Consultus Carer and Nurse Awards Luncheon, Dame Esther Rantzen DBE, has announced that she is now stepping down from some of her commitments, in order to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

Dame Esther says “I have enjoyed every moment I have spent presenting the Consultus Awards. They celebrate the real commitment of the skilled Consultus team to the welfare of their clients, who are often suffering from physical or mental ill-health. The dedication of these carers and nurses who ensure the independence and dignity of their clients is inspiring, and I always ended the day feeling moved and impressed. I will certainly keep in touch with Consultus, who are a leading example of good practice, demonstrating the huge difference excellent care can make, transforming lives and giving real reassurance to clients and their families.”

Dame Esther began presenting the awards in 2013, and 2016 will be the last time she attends the event in Tonbridge. Consultus has valued and treasured Dame Esther’s inspirational support to our carers, nurses and head office staff. Her presence has really lifted the occasion making it all the more special. It really is the highlight of the year for Consultus.

The continual challenges Dame Esther faces on the 30th Anniversary of ChildLine, with the further development of The Silver Line and of course the involvement and support of her three new grandsons, are incomparable.

The Silver Line provides a 24-hour phone line for elderly people who may not be in regular contact with friends and family. It helps 1,200 older people each week with a friendship call – among the volunteer callers are Consultus staff! The Silver Line is always looking for more volunteers who can spare 30 minutes each week to provide support for a lonely elderly person. It is a lifeline for those feeling isolated and lonely.

Consultus is committed to continuing support of The Silver Line, the charity Dame Esther founded in 2012. The Silver Line is funded by the Big Lottery, alongside sponsors and corporate partners, including Consultus. More information can be found at www.thesilverline.org.uk.

This year’s Long-Standing Carer and Nurse Award ceremony will take place on 14 September 2016 at the Consultus head office in Tonbridge. The carers and nurses attending have either achieved 100 bookings or have gone ‘the extra 5 miles!’ beyond what is expected of them in their work.

“Consultus has valued and treasured Dame Esther’s inspirational support to our carers, nurses and head office staff.”

A marquee is erected in the garden and attendees are greeted with champagne and canapés before sitting down to a sumptuous 3 course luncheon! Following lunch, Dame Esther presents the awards and always offers remarkable observations and converses with each carer. More than just a figurehead at the event – she stays all day at Consultus, talking with the carers and taking an interest in them and their work.

Rewarding high performance is something Consultus takes very seriously. The quality of care our clients receive makes all the difference to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The carers who receive the awards set the benchmark for the type of care with which Consultus identifies; they are most definitely our ambassadors.

Before the lunch on 14 September, Dame Esther will officially open the new carer house – ‘Carer House 2.’ This second residence will enable Consultus to provide the much needed extra accommodation for our growing community of carers and nurses whilst training with us or in-between their assignments with us.

Dame Esther says: “I have been delighted to have the opportunity of meeting with the carers who have received these awards over the years and have loved hearing their stories. I am sad that I am unable to continue to attend the ceremony but I look forward to receiving regular updates from Consultus about their work.”

Peter Seldon, CEO of Consultus, said: “It has been a privilege to welcome Dame Esther to our carer and nursing award events over the past few years. She really understands the importance of high quality care and the real difference our carers and nurses make to the lives of our clients and their families.”

Dame Esther and Peter Seldon

All at Consultus would like to thank Dame Esther for making our Carer and Nurse luncheons truly magical

events. Her magnetic presence on the day created an extraordinary experience which the Consultus

family thoroughly enjoyed. Dame Esther brought joy, excitement, pride and motivation to everyone who

has been lucky enough to meet her.We will be forever grateful.

“I am very pleased to learn (from Gary Firth, holder of the national collection of Myrtus and its relatives) that I am growing a distinct form unlike any others he has and he has suggested I give it a cultivar name.

Now it just so happens that I’ve had it in mind to name something after Miss Green, the lady I worked for the last ten years, who died last spring.

I worked at Pool Meadow for the last 10 years and she was the most excellent person to work for - always interested in new and interesting things for the garden, even up to a few weeks before she passed, when we went to Plantbase and bought a whole load of new and wacky Australian and South African plants.

So here it is –

Miss Green also made a huge contribution to the setting up of my company Brighton Plants - by letting me take cuttings and seeds from her collection and just generally trusting and encouraging me. Brighton plants would probably still exist without her input but it wouldn’t be anything like as good as it is.

It is especially apposite as the parent plant is in her garden and has been for several decades. Miss Green probably got it from one of the many expert nurserymen she was friends with back in the day.

I am hugely grateful and everyone who knew her will miss her terribly. Please see the Pool Meadow set of photographs on Flickr for more of her garden.

Steve Law of Brighton Plants, Sussex, England Rare & unusual, hardy herbaceous & woody plants

The late Miss Green in her garden at Pool Meadow

It’s suitable for sheltered woodland but flowering and fruiting best on a sunny wall. The parent plant was quite badly damaged a couple of winters ago but fully recovered very quickly. A perfect ‘ericaceous’ plant for those of us without acid soil. Compact hardy form - very free fruiting”

Ugni molinae - Miss Green

A modestly sized Chilean species with neat glossy rounded leaves and equally neat rounded white flowers in summer, followed by masses of dark red berries that scent the garden with (to me at any rate) toffee apples. Not a bad flavour - a bit like apples. I can’t resist scrumping a few every time I pass.


Miss GreenOn a visit from one of our longstanding carers, Consultus were told a story of a plant that had been accepted as a new species which was to be named after our late client, Miss Green, by her gardener of many years, Steve Law, who is the owner of “Brighton Plants” in Sussex.

You can see from his “blog” the description of “Ugni molinae”, the plant he kindly named after his employer, “Miss Green”. A wonderful memorial to very a special lady.

1514

A Caring LifeAt her 90th Birthday Celebrations, Mary Lampitt and her friend Elaine Poupon exchanged a few experiences of their lives as carers, which they kindly agreed to share.

The Party Table

Mary LampittConsultus Carer from 1992 to 2007

After a career in the hospitality business, I decided that I might be interested in the caring business, so I contacted Consultus.

Having been accepted into this new world, my first booking was to a lovely country house in Yorkshire. The client was a rather grumpy, titled, elderly Lady, who spent her days in a very large sitting room on the first floor, overlooking a beautiful garden and part of the estate. With regard to the plans for the day her dress code was a very smart house coat, or a dressing gown, depending upon on how Lady H felt!

One afternoon a week my client would have a “Bridge Party”. I made small scones with jam & cream & Victoria sponge cake. The guests enjoyed their tea and often asked “when are you coming again?!”

Another interesting event was the filming of a very well known “Soap Opera” on the estate. The film crew came up to the front door and into the hall. It was all so fascinating to see the actors in their costumes and all the props, something one did not see ordinarily.

Sadly, I did not return to this client, as Lady H died, but later on in my new found career I encountered numerous fascinating and interesting incidents throughout my many bookings!

I can say that working as a carer there was never a dull moment.

Elaine PouponConsultus Carer since 2001

I embarked upon a career in the hospitality business 40 years ago; which was when I first met Mary. I became friends with her daughter, Jane, when I started my first job in Bowness-on-Windermere. I was a long way from home, feeling homesick and not looking forward to my first Christmas away from my family, so I was delighted to be included in some festive celebrations with Mary and her husband John, whenever they spent a few days visiting Jane. I then became a regular visitor to Mary’s home.

On my first visit I got to know Granny Lampitt, Mary’s mother-in-law. She was a fascinating lady, who had been educated at Roedean and became a scientist - quite something in those days. Sadly she had Alzheimer’s disease and this did not make things easy for Mary! This was my first encounter with the effect such a disease can have on a family. Mary dealt with it without complaint and her marvellous sense of humour was invaluable.

When I married and we started a family, I took a long break from the world of work, especially when my former husband’s work took us to live on other continents.

On my return to the UK my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. My mother could not cope with this and I became his carer. One year after my father passed away my mother died of cancer. I had cared for her also. This took the wind out of my sails!

As I had promised my mother to “do right” as she put it to a dear friend, the caring continued for a few more years! I then decided to return to my former career, by then a much changed hospitality business.

At first I enjoyed my work but there was a great deal of responsibility and enormous pressure, little job satisfaction, with no quality time with family and friends. So, as Mary had told me that she enjoyed caring through Consultus - that she could arrange her work around her life and not the other way round - I decided to give it a go!

That was 15 years ago and up until my first grandson was born it has been pretty much full time. During that time I have been privileged to know and care for some amazing people and their families.

The many letters and messages of thanks I have received really reinforce the importance of “Care at Home”.

Mary & Elaine

14

“I am very pleased to learn (from Gary Firth, holder of the national collection of Myrtus and its relatives) that I am growing a distinct form unlike any others he has and he has suggested I give it a cultivar name.

Now it just so happens that I’ve had it in mind to name something after Miss Green, the lady I worked for the last ten years, who died last spring.

I worked at Pool Meadow for the last 10 years and she was the most excellent person to work for - always interested in new and interesting things for the garden, even up to a few weeks before she passed, when we went to Plantbase and bought a whole load of new and wacky Australian and South African plants.

So here it is –

Miss Green also made a huge contribution to the setting up of my company Brighton Plants - by letting me take cuttings and seeds from her collection and just generally trusting and encouraging me. Brighton plants would probably still exist without her input but it wouldn’t be anything like as good as it is.

It is especially apposite as the parent plant is in her garden and has been for several decades. Miss Green probably got it from one of the many expert nurserymen she was friends with back in the day.

I am hugely grateful and everyone who knew her will miss her terribly. Please see the Pool Meadow set of photographs on Flickr for more of her garden.

Steve Law of Brighton Plants, Sussex, England Rare & unusual, hardy herbaceous & woody plants

The late Miss Green in her garden at Pool Meadow

It’s suitable for sheltered woodland but flowering and fruiting best on a sunny wall. The parent plant was quite badly damaged a couple of winters ago but fully recovered very quickly. A perfect ‘ericaceous’ plant for those of us without acid soil. Compact hardy form - very free fruiting”


A modestly sized Chilean species with neat glossy rounded leaves and equally neat rounded white flowers in summer, followed by masses of dark red berries that scent the garden with (to me at any rate) toffee apples. Not a bad flavour - a bit like apples. I can’t resist scrumping a few every time I pass.


Miss GreenOn a visit from one of our longstanding carers, Consultus were told a story of a plant that had been accepted as a new species which was to be named after our late client, Miss Green, by her gardener of many years, Steve Law, who is the owner of “Brighton Plants” in Sussex.

You can see from his “blog” the description of “Ugni molinae”, the plant he kindly named after his employer, “Miss Green”. A wonderful memorial to very a special lady.

1514

A Caring LifeAt her 90th Birthday Celebrations, Mary Lampitt and her friend Elaine Poupon exchanged a few experiences of their lives as carers, which they kindly agreed to share.

The Party Table

Mary LampittConsultus Carer from 1992 to 2007

After a career in the hospitality business, I decided that I might be interested in the caring business, so I contacted Consultus.

Having been accepted into this new world, my first booking was to a lovely country house in Yorkshire. The client was a rather grumpy, titled, elderly Lady, who spent her days in a very large sitting room on the first floor, overlooking a beautiful garden and part of the estate. With regard to the plans for the day her dress code was a very smart house coat, or a dressing gown, depending upon on how Lady H felt!

One afternoon a week my client would have a “Bridge Party”. I made small scones with jam & cream & Victoria sponge cake. The guests enjoyed their tea and often asked “when are you coming again?!”

Another interesting event was the filming of a very well known “Soap Opera” on the estate. The film crew came up to the front door and into the hall. It was all so fascinating to see the actors in their costumes and all the props, something one did not see ordinarily.

Sadly, I did not return to this client, as Lady H died, but later on in my new found career I encountered numerous fascinating and interesting incidents throughout my many bookings!

I can say that working as a carer there was never a dull moment.

Elaine PouponConsultus Carer since 2001

I embarked upon a career in the hospitality business 40 years ago; which was when I first met Mary. I became friends with her daughter, Jane, when I started my first job in Bowness-on-Windermere. I was a long way from home, feeling homesick and not looking forward to my first Christmas away from my family, so I was delighted to be included in some festive celebrations with Mary and her husband John, whenever they spent a few days visiting Jane. I then became a regular visitor to Mary’s home.

On my first visit I got to know Granny Lampitt, Mary’s mother-in-law. She was a fascinating lady, who had been educated at Roedean and became a scientist - quite something in those days. Sadly she had Alzheimer’s disease and this did not make things easy for Mary! This was my first encounter with the effect such a disease can have on a family. Mary dealt with it without complaint and her marvellous sense of humour was invaluable.

When I married and we started a family, I took a long break from the world of work, especially when my former husband’s work took us to live on other continents.

On my return to the UK my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. My mother could not cope with this and I became his carer. One year after my father passed away my mother died of cancer. I had cared for her also. This took the wind out of my sails!

As I had promised my mother to “do right” as she put it to a dear friend, the caring continued for a few more years! I then decided to return to my former career, by then a much changed hospitality business.

At first I enjoyed my work but there was a great deal of responsibility and enormous pressure, little job satisfaction, with no quality time with family and friends. So, as Mary had told me that she enjoyed caring through Consultus - that she could arrange her work around her life and not the other way round - I decided to give it a go!

That was 15 years ago and up until my first grandson was born it has been pretty much full time. During that time I have been privileged to know and care for some amazing people and their families.

The many letters and messages of thanks I have received really reinforce the importance of “Care at Home”.

Mary & Elaine

14

From the British Beekeepers Association:

Did you know that one in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination at a time when a crisis is threatening the world’s honey bees?

The BBKA (British Beekeepers Association) was set up in 1874 to promote and further the craft of beekeeping and to advance the education of the public in the importance of bees in the environment. It is the UK’s leading organisation representing beekeepers.

The BBKA promote:• The importance of bees in the environment• Support for beekeepers through education necessary to maintain healthy colonies of honey bees• Awareness of the craft of beekeeping• On behalf of their members, they lobby Government, the EU and Official Bodies on the importance of providing adequate funding for honey bee research

Funds raised are invested in research into honey bee health and education programmes for both beekeepers & the public. Do visit the website for further information and advice or if you are interested in becoming a member.

Extract from the BBKA – www.BBKA.org.uk

Help theBees!

The queen bee has control over whether she lays

male or female eggs.

Bees are the only insects that produce food eaten by man.

It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a

bee’s flight around the world.

Only worker bees sting, and only if they feel threatened and they die once they sting. Queens have a stinger, but they don’t leave the hive to help defend it.

How can you Help? Plant a Bee Friendly GardenBy planting flowering plants for honeybees we can provide the forage nectar and pollen they need from early spring right through to early winter. In doing so we also support bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and other pollinators with the continuous supply of the pollen and nectar they require. In turn this creates habitats, which produce the berries and seeds that wildlife such as birds, small mammals and other insects depend on.

Whether we use our garden for pleasure or as a vegetable plot, we can all enjoy the rewards of planting for bees. In gardens or on balconies, allotments, window boxes, hanging baskets, pots or tubs we can all provide honey bees and other insect pollinators with a banquet throughout the year.

Not only will they benefit from the sensual feast plants provide, so will we!

These are popular perennial plants which produce soft blue flowers year after year. These lovely flowers resemble cornflowers but with darker centres. They can flower in the first year.

The ancient Greeks and Romans knew a good thing when they saw it. They loved Cantananche so much they used the flowers as the main ingredient in love potions, hence its common name, Cupid’s Dart!

Although Cupid’s Dart are true perennials, they have a tendency to die out after a year or two so you could add new plants every year or allow the flower heads to mature and set their own seeds so a new generation can sprout in your garden. They grow equally well in containers too. Try mixing with annual flowers for the best effect.

Cupid’s Dart is not intended for human or animal consumption.

Suttons SeedsSuttons Seeds are delighted to be working with the BBKA to helpprevent the decline of the honey bee. Awareness is growing that we rely heavily on honey bees and other pollinators for much of the food that is on our plate; fruit, vegetables, salad and even chocolate! In an effort to ensure these essential insects have access to the food they need to survive, they have developed Suttons Wildlife Sanctuary; a mixture of flower, vegetable and herb seeds to provide nectar and pollen all-year-round.

For more information about Suttons Seeds please visit their website: www.suttons.co.uk

“Cupid’s Dart” Catananche caerulea

A honey bee can fly for up to six miles, and as fast as 15 miles per hour.

16 17

Please find above your own packet of seeds to plant to entice bees and butterflies to your garden

(or indeed that of your client’s garden!)

From the British Beekeepers Association:

Did you know that one in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination at a time when a crisis is threatening the world’s honey bees?

The BBKA (British Beekeepers Association) was set up in 1874 to promote and further the craft of beekeeping and to advance the education of the public in the importance of bees in the environment. It is the UK’s leading organisation representing beekeepers.

The BBKA promote:• The importance of bees in the environment• Support for beekeepers through education necessary to maintain healthy colonies of honey bees• Awareness of the craft of beekeeping• On behalf of their members, they lobby Government, the EU and Official Bodies on the importance of providing adequate funding for honey bee research

Funds raised are invested in research into honey bee health and education programmes for both beekeepers & the public. Do visit the website for further information and advice or if you are interested in becoming a member.

Extract from the BBKA – www.BBKA.org.uk

Help theBees!

The queen bee has control over whether she lays

male or female eggs.

Bees are the only insects that produce food eaten by man.

It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a

bee’s flight around the world.

Only worker bees sting, and only if they feel threatened and they die once they sting. Queens have a stinger, but they don’t leave the hive to help defend it.

How can you Help? Plant a Bee Friendly GardenBy planting flowering plants for honeybees we can provide the forage nectar and pollen they need from early spring right through to early winter. In doing so we also support bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and other pollinators with the continuous supply of the pollen and nectar they require. In turn this creates habitats, which produce the berries and seeds that wildlife such as birds, small mammals and other insects depend on.

Whether we use our garden for pleasure or as a vegetable plot, we can all enjoy the rewards of planting for bees. In gardens or on balconies, allotments, window boxes, hanging baskets, pots or tubs we can all provide honey bees and other insect pollinators with a banquet throughout the year.

Not only will they benefit from the sensual feast plants provide, so will we!

These are popular perennial plants which produce soft blue flowers year after year. These lovely flowers resemble cornflowers but with darker centres. They can flower in the first year.

The ancient Greeks and Romans knew a good thing when they saw it. They loved Cantananche so much they used the flowers as the main ingredient in love potions, hence its common name, Cupid’s Dart!

Although Cupid’s Dart are true perennials, they have a tendency to die out after a year or two so you could add new plants every year or allow the flower heads to mature and set their own seeds so a new generation can sprout in your garden. They grow equally well in containers too. Try mixing with annual flowers for the best effect.

Cupid’s Dart is not intended for human or animal consumption.

Suttons SeedsSuttons Seeds are delighted to be working with the BBKA to helpprevent the decline of the honey bee. Awareness is growing that we rely heavily on honey bees and other pollinators for much of the food that is on our plate; fruit, vegetables, salad and even chocolate! In an effort to ensure these essential insects have access to the food they need to survive, they have developed Suttons Wildlife Sanctuary; a mixture of flower, vegetable and herb seeds to provide nectar and pollen all-year-round.

For more information about Suttons Seeds please visit their website: www.suttons.co.uk

“Cupid’s Dart” Catananche caerulea

A honey bee can fly for up to six miles, and as fast as 15 miles per hour.

16 17

Please find above your own packet of seeds to plant to entice bees and butterflies to your garden

(or indeed that of your client’s garden!)

One often sees stories or clips on TV on how beneficial and therapeutic dogs are to patients who spend a lengthy time in hospital and we’ve also seen them visiting care homes to boost the spirits of these lonely elderly people who, for some of them sadly, these 4-legged friends are their only visitors. As a live-in carer, I’ve seen first-hand for myself how pets can benefit the elderly and bring joy into their lives when, for a lot of them, depression and loneliness sets in, leaving them with a feeling of despair and lethargy.

I had a lovely client in Kent who was clearly an animal lover and who used to have pets in her home before her husband passed away. It was clear to see her love of animals whilst showing her clips on “YouTube” of cute dogs and cats performing clever tricks or just being really funny. She had advanced Alzheimer’s and this would sadly leave her anxious and worried for her family all the time and, due to her lack of short term memory, she always thought her family had not visited her and felt unloved. I suggested to the daughter about getting a rescue cat, so that her mother could centre her attention on the cat full-time, rather than worry about her family.

Cats don’t require a lot of “maintenance” as they are self-cleaning and “walk themselves”. All they want is food and love.

The daughter agreed and acquired a cute little black and white “Tom” which they named Bo Jangles. From the minute Bo Jangles came to the house of my client, those days of worrying about her family and feeling unloved disappeared instantaneously. Luckily Bo Jangles was a very affectionate kitty and within days was sitting on my client’s lap purring contently and keeping my client in fits of laughter while it chased a ball around the house or just did those peculiar mysterious “moves” that cats are prone to do. When we returned from an outing, whether it was shopping or just a short walk round the block, Bo Jangles was always there to greet us. Even when my client was experiencing a “bad” day, it was almost impossible not to smile at the sight of a cute little kitty rubbing against your legs and purring with happiness at the sight of you.

The daughter of my client saw this dramatic positive change in her mother and her only regret was that she hadn’t acquired a cat sooner.

Dogs too are so beneficial. Yes, they require a little more “maintenance” but as long as carers are animal lovers, perhaps the extra duties of dog walking, grooming, feeding etc., would balance the enormous benefits to their clients. Dogs provide unconditional love and loyalty and seem tuned in to their owners with regard to knowing when they are sad or poorly.

Special care dogs are used to visit hospitals for therapeutic therapy and it’s proven very successful. I understand that many people who own a dog or cat can attest to their unconditional love, and animals often forge a special connection with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, a sentiment with which I heartily agree.

At the end of the day, if a pet can successfully divert a person’s attention from worrying about the family to focus on her beloved pet, it truly is a win-win situation.

Judy Page - Consultus Carer since 2006

Judy has helped Consultus clients for many years, covering 190 bookings, so her judgement can be trusted as she shares with The Carer Times how strongly she feels about the importance of having a pet at home.

Benefits of Pets at Home

Judy and Mrs Tall with her Labrador

The late Major Coke with Judy and his horses

A Tribute to Man’s Best Friend that just says

it all.

When God Made...When God made the Earth and sky,

The flowers and the trees,He then made all the animals,

And all the birds and bees.

And when his work was finished,Not one was quite the same,

He said, “I’ll walk this earth of mine,And give each one a name.”

And so he travelled land and seaAnd everywhere he went,

A little creature followed him,Until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth,And in the sky and sea,

The little creature said, “Dear Lord,There’s not one left for me.”

The Father sniffed and softly said,“I’ve left you ’til the end.

I’ve turned my own name back to front,And called you Dog, my friend!”

Author unknown

Judy with Mrs Brash and her

Lhasa Apso

Naomi van den BergConsultus Carer since 2014

Another Furry Friend“Dear Consultus Office Team, Directors and Staff,

To be handed a large fat white envelope with my name on it, on arrival at my latest Consultus assignment not only helped soothe the certain hint of trepidation in a new household, it also gave me a warm feeling of validation of myself and my integral role.

Inside, cheery Christmas card with Consultus good wishes, stylish bookmark, quiz sheet, other bits and bobs, and best of all, the winter edition of The Carer Times, was happy reading on my first night. Heartfelt thanks.

May I in return, extend to Consultus Directors and Staff every good wish for an extraordinarily fun filled, successful and prosperous 2016.

SincerelyNaomi van den Berg”

After the marvellous article “Our Furry Friends” that Naomi contributed to the summer 2015 edition of The Carer Times, Consultus received the wordsmith’s heartfelt thanks which we would like to share.

We also received a further email from Naomi, full of memories from time spent with one particular client and the importance that the presence of animals held for them.

Consultus do hope that all our carers share a similar sense of warmth on opening their Carer Times packages!

“Dear Andrea,

All the thanks and re-thanking is like being on a merry-go-round. What fun! Of course you may publish my email. Thank you for the compliment.

My stay with Mr B was novel. I imagine he was a really interesting, dignified and gentle man in former years. Sadly he is now almost in the reflex stage of vascular dementia, mostly rigid, hardly ever opening his eyes, and is no longer able to speak. One can only imagine how much he comprehends.

I was told that Mr B likes Classic FM, which I am sure, is acceptable for most. But at that festive time of the year, the same carols and Christmas music played every which way became incessantly boring. I switched to the TV travel channel and immediately Mr B opened his eyes and seemed to take notice. What a welcome relief for both of us. Thereafter, I held satisfying one way conversations about the programmes, musing about India, and whether he had ever walked in the Hindu Kush. (For a good giggle, do read “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by Eric Newby)

The other relief was the daily company of a neighbour’s cat. Talk about the important effect of animals on the elderly; this well mannered tabby would gently climb onto his lap, rubbing its head against his limp hands. Over the 14 days I was with Mr B, I watched carefully and did see him very occasionally attempt to lift his hand and stroke the cat. How gratifying to witness.

Oh yes. And when Mr B does open his lovely eyes is when he is eating trifle!

I was fortunate to meet all 3 of Mr B’s successful daughters of whom he is so proud; all are most generous of spirit, empathetic and supportive of their father. One of Mr B’s daughters with her husband very kindly brought on Christmas Eve, a bottle of wine and a light supper of smoked salmon which we all enjoyed in happy companionship.

Each one of my bookings over the year of working through Consultus has been a satisfying challenge in its own way, and often a joy. I have had the privilege of meeting some extremely interesting people whose lives and stories have touched me deeply. Moreover, I have learnt much about myself in the quiet time of other people’s lives.

Wishing you a very happy and successful 2016

SincerelyNaomi”

“All at Consultus wish you a very happy and successful 2016 and thank you for all the hard work you do – and for sharing your sentiments and experiences with us all.

Our carers bring a huge richness into their clients’ lives for which our gratitude knows no bounds.

“Carers change lives”

With kind regardsAndrea Daddy, Projects Director”

Thank you, Naomi...

PETS CORNER

1918

One often sees stories or clips on TV on how beneficial and therapeutic dogs are to patients who spend a lengthy time in hospital and we’ve also seen them visiting care homes to boost the spirits of these lonely elderly people who, for some of them sadly, these 4-legged friends are their only visitors. As a live-in carer, I’ve seen first-hand for myself how pets can benefit the elderly and bring joy into their lives when, for a lot of them, depression and loneliness sets in, leaving them with a feeling of despair and lethargy.

I had a lovely client in Kent who was clearly an animal lover and who used to have pets in her home before her husband passed away. It was clear to see her love of animals whilst showing her clips on “YouTube” of cute dogs and cats performing clever tricks or just being really funny. She had advanced Alzheimer’s and this would sadly leave her anxious and worried for her family all the time and, due to her lack of short term memory, she always thought her family had not visited her and felt unloved. I suggested to the daughter about getting a rescue cat, so that her mother could centre her attention on the cat full-time, rather than worry about her family.

Cats don’t require a lot of “maintenance” as they are self-cleaning and “walk themselves”. All they want is food and love.

The daughter agreed and acquired a cute little black and white “Tom” which they named Bo Jangles. From the minute Bo Jangles came to the house of my client, those days of worrying about her family and feeling unloved disappeared instantaneously. Luckily Bo Jangles was a very affectionate kitty and within days was sitting on my client’s lap purring contently and keeping my client in fits of laughter while it chased a ball around the house or just did those peculiar mysterious “moves” that cats are prone to do. When we returned from an outing, whether it was shopping or just a short walk round the block, Bo Jangles was always there to greet us. Even when my client was experiencing a “bad” day, it was almost impossible not to smile at the sight of a cute little kitty rubbing against your legs and purring with happiness at the sight of you.

The daughter of my client saw this dramatic positive change in her mother and her only regret was that she hadn’t acquired a cat sooner.

Dogs too are so beneficial. Yes, they require a little more “maintenance” but as long as carers are animal lovers, perhaps the extra duties of dog walking, grooming, feeding etc., would balance the enormous benefits to their clients. Dogs provide unconditional love and loyalty and seem tuned in to their owners with regard to knowing when they are sad or poorly.

Special care dogs are used to visit hospitals for therapeutic therapy and it’s proven very successful. I understand that many people who own a dog or cat can attest to their unconditional love, and animals often forge a special connection with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, a sentiment with which I heartily agree.

At the end of the day, if a pet can successfully divert a person’s attention from worrying about the family to focus on her beloved pet, it truly is a win-win situation.

Judy Page - Consultus Carer since 2006

Judy has helped Consultus clients for many years, covering 190 bookings, so her judgement can be trusted as she shares with The Carer Times how strongly she feels about the importance of having a pet at home.

Benefits of Pets at Home

Judy and Mrs Tall with her Labrador

The late Major Coke with Judy and his horses

A Tribute to Man’s Best Friend that just says

it all.

When God Made...When God made the Earth and sky,

The flowers and the trees,He then made all the animals,

And all the birds and bees.

And when his work was finished,Not one was quite the same,

He said, “I’ll walk this earth of mine,And give each one a name.”

And so he travelled land and seaAnd everywhere he went,

A little creature followed him,Until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth,And in the sky and sea,

The little creature said, “Dear Lord,There’s not one left for me.”

The Father sniffed and softly said,“I’ve left you ’til the end.

I’ve turned my own name back to front,And called you Dog, my friend!”

Author unknown

Judy with Mrs Brash and her

Lhasa Apso

Naomi van den BergConsultus Carer since 2014

Another Furry Friend“Dear Consultus Office Team, Directors and Staff,

To be handed a large fat white envelope with my name on it, on arrival at my latest Consultus assignment not only helped soothe the certain hint of trepidation in a new household, it also gave me a warm feeling of validation of myself and my integral role.

Inside, cheery Christmas card with Consultus good wishes, stylish bookmark, quiz sheet, other bits and bobs, and best of all, the winter edition of The Carer Times, was happy reading on my first night. Heartfelt thanks.

May I in return, extend to Consultus Directors and Staff every good wish for an extraordinarily fun filled, successful and prosperous 2016.

SincerelyNaomi van den Berg”

After the marvellous article “Our Furry Friends” that Naomi contributed to the summer 2015 edition of The Carer Times, Consultus received the wordsmith’s heartfelt thanks which we would like to share.

We also received a further email from Naomi, full of memories from time spent with one particular client and the importance that the presence of animals held for them.

Consultus do hope that all our carers share a similar sense of warmth on opening their Carer Times packages!

“Dear Andrea,

All the thanks and re-thanking is like being on a merry-go-round. What fun! Of course you may publish my email. Thank you for the compliment.

My stay with Mr B was novel. I imagine he was a really interesting, dignified and gentle man in former years. Sadly he is now almost in the reflex stage of vascular dementia, mostly rigid, hardly ever opening his eyes, and is no longer able to speak. One can only imagine how much he comprehends.

I was told that Mr B likes Classic FM, which I am sure, is acceptable for most. But at that festive time of the year, the same carols and Christmas music played every which way became incessantly boring. I switched to the TV travel channel and immediately Mr B opened his eyes and seemed to take notice. What a welcome relief for both of us. Thereafter, I held satisfying one way conversations about the programmes, musing about India, and whether he had ever walked in the Hindu Kush. (For a good giggle, do read “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” by Eric Newby)

The other relief was the daily company of a neighbour’s cat. Talk about the important effect of animals on the elderly; this well mannered tabby would gently climb onto his lap, rubbing its head against his limp hands. Over the 14 days I was with Mr B, I watched carefully and did see him very occasionally attempt to lift his hand and stroke the cat. How gratifying to witness.

Oh yes. And when Mr B does open his lovely eyes is when he is eating trifle!

I was fortunate to meet all 3 of Mr B’s successful daughters of whom he is so proud; all are most generous of spirit, empathetic and supportive of their father. One of Mr B’s daughters with her husband very kindly brought on Christmas Eve, a bottle of wine and a light supper of smoked salmon which we all enjoyed in happy companionship.

Each one of my bookings over the year of working through Consultus has been a satisfying challenge in its own way, and often a joy. I have had the privilege of meeting some extremely interesting people whose lives and stories have touched me deeply. Moreover, I have learnt much about myself in the quiet time of other people’s lives.

Wishing you a very happy and successful 2016

SincerelyNaomi”

“All at Consultus wish you a very happy and successful 2016 and thank you for all the hard work you do – and for sharing your sentiments and experiences with us all.

Our carers bring a huge richness into their clients’ lives for which our gratitude knows no bounds.

“Carers change lives”

With kind regardsAndrea Daddy, Projects Director”

Thank you, Naomi...

PETS CORNER

1918

21

www.consultuscare.com

Consultus is actively searching for ways in which to improve and enhance our carers and nurses experience with Consultus. We are in the process of developing a carer and nurse community based platform in which you can all communicate and receive updates from Consultus.

In time you will be able to view your bookings, join live Q&A sessions, download our newsletters, purchase Consultus uniform and share articles with your friends, fellow carers and nurses.

Consultus is creating this platform as a response to your feedback and this is being developed with you in mind. We will be launching this in the coming weeks and we are very excited about the platform so far.

Simply called “Consultus Live” this is another form of communication with Consultus, whether you are in a booking feeling a little isolated or in need of some advice or support or just simply want to connect with some other carers or nurses.

Keep an eye out for updates and an invitation to the first live Q&A session.

Stephanie Coyne, Marketing Executive


As more and more of you are connecting with us on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ we are also aware that although some of you do not wish to join these sites, you would like to be kept up to date with the upcoming developments and news within Consultus.

20

Kate and Taylor

Kate MoranConsultus Carer since 2013“If you get time could you check the cows have enough fodder?”

I had arrived an hour earlier, on my second visit with my now regular client, when the phone call came from J, the farm manager, (and grandson of my employer Mr S). Keen as ever to tromp about outside, we both donned our jackets and wellies, and Mr S led the way across the farmyard, supported by one of his fabulous collection of sticks (many sporting antlers).

He comes alive when playing his role as farmer - being used to working from dawn to dusk outside - and appreciates every opportunity to check up on things.

On my first visit in late summer we would “walk the boundaries” but unfortunately this was not possible just three months later, as his knee and hip replacements were letting him down.

The cows have been raised by J with care and concern, and are a friendly bunch, who crowd over, jostling one another as the silage is forked towards them. It’s a great upper body workout, and there is satisfaction in piling up the mounds of hay, which are soon gobbled up.

A huge new red Highland bull called Angus had arrived to service the girls, and I soon realised he needed special attention because he couldn’t fit his massive head through the feeding bars. A new first in my life - hand (fork) feeding a gnarly great bull. “Come on, come on, keep going down the line!” Mr S was in full boss mode and didn’t appreciate my lingering with Angus. “This isn’t in my job description” I laughingly replied and continued forking hay towards him. Suddenly all the cows were hustled out of the way. Angus was following me, and his side-ways stance meant they were kept well back from the feeding bars. I decided to pile a mound of silage in front of him, and as he chomped, I added to it. Woe betide any of the “girls” who showed interest in his stack because he butted them away, but not too aggressively!

Shortly after initiating this specialised feeding programme J asked if I’d like to get in among the cows and meet his special “pets”. I duly climbed through the bars and was introduced to Taylor, a castrated and very placid bull, who isn’t averse to a bit of a cuddle. This was a great experience, to get so close to such a large animal, as he lay contentedly, chewing the cud. Another beautiful “blue and cream” pet cow came over to be fussed by J, and several others kicked their heels and frolicked about the barn.

Altogether a marvellous time and I’ll be wielding that trusty fork again soon!

FROM OUR CEO

Consultus has always taken the view that our excellent carers and nurses are a vital part of our family community, and I’m delighted to confirm that we shall shortly be launching a new, live and interactive communications platform branded ‘Consultus Live’ just for our carers and nurses, and accessible directly or via the Consultus website.

This platform or portal will be a dedicated area for Consultus to regularly communicate and ‘talk’ with our carers and nurses, and for them to communicate back to us, and with each other – and indeed with their friends.

In addition to developments and news about Consultus including for instance about the carer houses, and information on existing and new training courses coming on stream, carers signing in with their own user names and passwords will be able to directly access information about their future client bookings, and training courses on which they are booked, as well as updated information on the DBS process and all other relevant and useful information which affects them.

‘Consultus Live’ is based on new and innovative technology and will enable Consultus to ‘converse’ with and grow our community of existing and prospective carers on a daily basis, and will help us provide the support they need, and communicate the enormous value we feel and rightly confer on them – thereby highlighting why their best option is to be a Consultus Carer!

Peter Seldon

“I duly climbed through the bars and was introduced to Taylor, a castrated and very placid bull, who isn’t averse to a bit of a cuddle.”

21

DOWN ON THE FARM

21

www.consultuscare.com

Consultus is actively searching for ways in which to improve and enhance our carers and nurses experience with Consultus. We are in the process of developing a carer and nurse community based platform in which you can all communicate and receive updates from Consultus.

In time you will be able to view your bookings, join live Q&A sessions, download our newsletters, purchase Consultus uniform and share articles with your friends, fellow carers and nurses.

Consultus is creating this platform as a response to your feedback and this is being developed with you in mind. We will be launching this in the coming weeks and we are very excited about the platform so far.

Simply called “Consultus Live” this is another form of communication with Consultus, whether you are in a booking feeling a little isolated or in need of some advice or support or just simply want to connect with some other carers or nurses.

Keep an eye out for updates and an invitation to the first live Q&A session.

Stephanie Coyne, Marketing Executive


As more and more of you are connecting with us on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ we are also aware that although some of you do not wish to join these sites, you would like to be kept up to date with the upcoming developments and news within Consultus.

20

Kate and Taylor

Kate MoranConsultus Carer since 2013“If you get time could you check the cows have enough fodder?”

I had arrived an hour earlier, on my second visit with my now regular client, when the phone call came from J, the farm manager, (and grandson of my employer Mr S). Keen as ever to tromp about outside, we both donned our jackets and wellies, and Mr S led the way across the farmyard, supported by one of his fabulous collection of sticks (many sporting antlers).

He comes alive when playing his role as farmer - being used to working from dawn to dusk outside - and appreciates every opportunity to check up on things.

On my first visit in late summer we would “walk the boundaries” but unfortunately this was not possible just three months later, as his knee and hip replacements were letting him down.

The cows have been raised by J with care and concern, and are a friendly bunch, who crowd over, jostling one another as the silage is forked towards them. It’s a great upper body workout, and there is satisfaction in piling up the mounds of hay, which are soon gobbled up.

A huge new red Highland bull called Angus had arrived to service the girls, and I soon realised he needed special attention because he couldn’t fit his massive head through the feeding bars. A new first in my life - hand (fork) feeding a gnarly great bull. “Come on, come on, keep going down the line!” Mr S was in full boss mode and didn’t appreciate my lingering with Angus. “This isn’t in my job description” I laughingly replied and continued forking hay towards him. Suddenly all the cows were hustled out of the way. Angus was following me, and his side-ways stance meant they were kept well back from the feeding bars. I decided to pile a mound of silage in front of him, and as he chomped, I added to it. Woe betide any of the “girls” who showed interest in his stack because he butted them away, but not too aggressively!

Shortly after initiating this specialised feeding programme J asked if I’d like to get in among the cows and meet his special “pets”. I duly climbed through the bars and was introduced to Taylor, a castrated and very placid bull, who isn’t averse to a bit of a cuddle. This was a great experience, to get so close to such a large animal, as he lay contentedly, chewing the cud. Another beautiful “blue and cream” pet cow came over to be fussed by J, and several others kicked their heels and frolicked about the barn.

Altogether a marvellous time and I’ll be wielding that trusty fork again soon!

FROM OUR CEO

Consultus has always taken the view that our excellent carers and nurses are a vital part of our family community, and I’m delighted to confirm that we shall shortly be launching a new, live and interactive communications platform branded ‘Consultus Live’ just for our carers and nurses, and accessible directly or via the Consultus website.

This platform or portal will be a dedicated area for Consultus to regularly communicate and ‘talk’ with our carers and nurses, and for them to communicate back to us, and with each other – and indeed with their friends.

In addition to developments and news about Consultus including for instance about the carer houses, and information on existing and new training courses coming on stream, carers signing in with their own user names and passwords will be able to directly access information about their future client bookings, and training courses on which they are booked, as well as updated information on the DBS process and all other relevant and useful information which affects them.

‘Consultus Live’ is based on new and innovative technology and will enable Consultus to ‘converse’ with and grow our community of existing and prospective carers on a daily basis, and will help us provide the support they need, and communicate the enormous value we feel and rightly confer on them – thereby highlighting why their best option is to be a Consultus Carer!

Peter Seldon

“I duly climbed through the bars and was introduced to Taylor, a castrated and very placid bull, who isn’t averse to a bit of a cuddle.”

21

DOWN ON THE FARM

Amy Tan is an American writer whose works explore mother-daughter relationships and the Chinese-American experience. As a child she

believed her life was duller than most and she read to escape. Her parents wanted her to be a doctor and a concert pianist - she secretly dreamed of becoming an artist. She began writing fiction when she was 33 and her first short story was published when she was 34. Three years later, she published her first book; a

collection of short stories called “The Joy Luck Club”, which the critics reviewed as a novel. It has since

been translated into 35 languages.

Cover Credits

2322

Photograph Credits

Lavender & Bumble Bee - Dan Evans

Honey Bee - David Denton

Luncheon and Staff - John Caruana

Carer House and Staff - Stephanie Coyne

Thank YOU to every single carer

You are such very inspirational people and probably have more than enough to do already to fill your day. However, we wonder if there are any more of you who would care to share a story, or a letter, with us and your fellow carers in The Carer Times?

The following carers have already shared their stories:

POSITIVE CARER FEEDBACK FROM OUR LATEST QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEY




Summer 2016




Dame Esther Rantzen

Rings in the Changes



A Caring Life


Pretty in Pink

Miss Green

Help the Bees!

Pet’s Corner

Down on the Farm

Thank YOU!


CONTENTS

We do hope you enjoy receiving The Carer Times. Look out for a Carer Times Survey which we will send out by e-mail.

• The Care Consultants were singled out for praise with adjectives such as ‘wonderful’, ‘professional’, ‘sympathetic’ and ‘informative’ written in the additional comments section.

• 97% of carers say they receive the amount of work they require and 94% say that Consultus fulfils their professional expectations. 93% feel that they can call the Care Consultants for information and support at any time.

• More and more of our carers are receiving support from the Consultus Care Training Centre to reach their individual goals. Specialist training has been implemented with marvellous success. Our carers are immensely impressed with the Training Centre.

• We have an on call service over weekends for emergencies and important problems.

• Andrea Daddy, Projects Director, said: “We are delighted that the high level of satisfaction our carers have always had with Consultus is continuing. We work hard to create a positive culture and strong team ethos, and are always looking for ways to change and improve. It is very much appreciated that our carers take time to respond to us and give us feedback.”

“Thank you very much for sending me the extra copies of the magazine, as well as the gift voucher. It is so amazing to see my photo in the magazine.

The NVQ courses were really worth the effort and I hope that my experiences encourage others to take up the challenge. I am very pleased at how the article turned out.”

Leigh Vollaire

“Thank you for the way you displayed Alice’s story in our magazine. Alice was delighted. Also thank you from Alice for the flowers which came this morning. She feels spoilt and says they are lovely. I also thank you for the voucher for M&S – we spent it on treats. The way Consultus displayed the item and then rewarded us is much appreciated by the both of us.”

Constance Kane

“How delighted I was yesterday when I received three copies of The Carer Times and the generous gift voucher, which was totally unexpected. I look forward to buying myself something nice!

My heartfelt thanks to everyone at Consultus for the gift and for the support I have received these past five years.”

Anne Kirsten

“You have always listened and comforted”

“Carers provided by Consultus have lifted an enormous weight from our minds”

Our clients say:THANK YOU! - OUR FANTASTIC CARERS!

Do let Andrea Daddy or Maggie Evans know if you would like to contribute – a small voucher should come your way if we use your article – but not enough to retire on!

Amy Tan is an American writer whose works explore mother-daughter relationships and the Chinese-American experience. As a child she

believed her life was duller than most and she read to escape. Her parents wanted her to be a doctor and a concert pianist - she secretly dreamed of becoming an artist. She began writing fiction when she was 33 and her first short story was published when she was 34. Three years later, she published her first book; a

collection of short stories called “The Joy Luck Club”, which the critics reviewed as a novel. It has since

been translated into 35 languages.

Cover Credits

2322

Photograph Credits

Lavender & Bumble Bee - Dan Evans

Honey Bee - David Denton

Luncheon and Staff - John Caruana

Carer House and Staff - Stephanie Coyne

Thank YOU to every single carer

You are such very inspirational people and probably have more than enough to do already to fill your day. However, we wonder if there are any more of you who would care to share a story, or a letter, with us and your fellow carers in The Carer Times?

The following carers have already shared their stories:

POSITIVE CARER FEEDBACK FROM OUR LATEST QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEY




Summer 2016




Dame Esther Rantzen

Rings in the Changes



A Caring Life


Pretty in Pink

Miss Green

Help the Bees!

Pet’s Corner

Down on the Farm

Thank YOU!


CONTENTS

We do hope you enjoy receiving The Carer Times. Look out for a Carer Times Survey which we will send out by e-mail.

• The Care Consultants were singled out for praise with adjectives such as ‘wonderful’, ‘professional’, ‘sympathetic’ and ‘informative’ written in the additional comments section.

• 97% of carers say they receive the amount of work they require and 94% say that Consultus fulfils their professional expectations. 93% feel that they can call the Care Consultants for information and support at any time.

• More and more of our carers are receiving support from the Consultus Care Training Centre to reach their individual goals. Specialist training has been implemented with marvellous success. Our carers are immensely impressed with the Training Centre.

• We have an on call service over weekends for emergencies and important problems.

• Andrea Daddy, Projects Director, said: “We are delighted that the high level of satisfaction our carers have always had with Consultus is continuing. We work hard to create a positive culture and strong team ethos, and are always looking for ways to change and improve. It is very much appreciated that our carers take time to respond to us and give us feedback.”

“Thank you very much for sending me the extra copies of the magazine, as well as the gift voucher. It is so amazing to see my photo in the magazine.

The NVQ courses were really worth the effort and I hope that my experiences encourage others to take up the challenge. I am very pleased at how the article turned out.”

Leigh Vollaire

“Thank you for the way you displayed Alice’s story in our magazine. Alice was delighted. Also thank you from Alice for the flowers which came this morning. She feels spoilt and says they are lovely. I also thank you for the voucher for M&S – we spent it on treats. The way Consultus displayed the item and then rewarded us is much appreciated by the both of us.”

Constance Kane

“How delighted I was yesterday when I received three copies of The Carer Times and the generous gift voucher, which was totally unexpected. I look forward to buying myself something nice!

My heartfelt thanks to everyone at Consultus for the gift and for the support I have received these past five years.”

Anne Kirsten

“You have always listened and comforted”

“Carers provided by Consultus have lifted an enormous weight from our minds”

Our clients say:THANK YOU! - OUR FANTASTIC CARERS!

Do let Andrea Daddy or Maggie Evans know if you would like to contribute – a small voucher should come your way if we use your article – but not enough to retire on!

Consultus acknowledges the kind permission of clients, carers and staff for the use of their personal data and photography.

Privileged to Care

Head Office:

17 London Road, Tonbridge, Kent. TN10 3AB

t +44 (0)1732 355231 f +44 (0)1732 360693 e [email protected] w www.consultuscare.com

London Office:

14 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, London. SW3 1AJ

t +44 (0)20 7147 7083f +44 (0)20 7147 7093e [email protected] w www.consultuscarelondon.com

Documents

Carer Times Summer 2016