News


Report praises home care staff


ACARE agency has been praised for making life better for those copingwith a disability at home. The service, which has over 30


staff, provides practical support to NHS and private clients across the Maidstone andMalling area need- ing help with washing, dressing, eating and domestic chores. Clients include those managing


after a stroke and conditions in- cluding dementia, chronic arthri- tis,MS and life-limiting disease. A team from the Care Quality


Commission spoke with three people using Enabling Care for You, nine relatives, the manager, deputy manager, care co-ordina- tor, teamleader and three support staff.Care,medicines, recruitment and training records were also studied. The inspectors concluded the


service offered assistance thatwas “cheerful, caring and designed to meet the needs of the individual.” The agency, in Danns Lane,


Mereworth, was graded good in all aspects. Feedback from clients and their


families included: “Staff are very well trained and seemto have just the right sort of experience,” and: “Staff are lovely and go the extra mile. They’re always cheerful and will always listen tome if I need a moan. They are incredibly kind.” The CQC report said: “Staff ar-


rived on time and if theywere late due to traffic, would inform the next person to be visited by phone.” Clients were also sup- ported out-of-hours by an on-call systemmanned by senior staff. The report added: “Staff told us


they knew people well because rotas allowed them to support people consistently.” Inspectors found new recruits


received an induction programme and then gained experience by shadowingmore experienced col- leagues. Established staff received online and face-to-face training.


AmberMurphy, KCC Chair Ann Allen, Sandie Love andMax the cat Cattery opens its doors


HEADCORN’S RSPCA cattery has opened its doors to young people and county council chair Ann Allen. The cattery has housed some an-


imals for over a year, the visitors were told. The pets had come from multi-cat homeswhere they had lit- tle contact with people and were wary of humans. These cats needmore time spent


with them, to ensure they are accli- matised to life in a newhousehold. The visit was the brainchild of


long-term RSPCA volunteer and KCC employee Léonie Harrington.


MrsAllen said: “Itwas a great op-


portunity to raise awareness of the amazing work of the Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone RSPCA branch.Because ofmy involvement with young people, I am aware of the therapeutic benefits animals can bring.” Branch chair, Daphne Harris,


added: “Hopefully an added bene- fit will be more followers on our Facebook page, enabling us to find homes for our lovely cats.” If you can offer a cat a home, call the cattery on 01622 891222.


downsmail.co.uk


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Maidstone Weald September 2019


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