Twelve Months On for Stephanie's Bespoke Care Service

On 20 June 2011, we launched Stephanie's Bespoke Care Service blog. Here we are, twelve months on, with the 47th posting.

They say that the first twelve months are the most challenging for any new enterprise. Well, I am pleased to report that the last twelve months for Stephanie's Bespoke Care Service has run like clockwork and that the usual challenges for small enterprises have not materialised for us. Save for Sarah, who left us earlier this year, we still have the same committed  team of carers. The 'co-operative model' has served us well, enabling each carer to develop their special practices whilst providing a seamless service. Importantly, I can report that we have provided 100% 'on-time' service to clients, including extra cover and emergency attendance.

When setting up the service there was always the concern that some eventuality may not have been covered. It is usually the last thing that anyone thinks of that can de-rail the provision of care for those living at home. During the last twelve months we have handled emergency call-outs, hospital admissions, problems with Health Trust provision of equipment (especially from the wheel chair service) and unscheduled visits from health care professionals. Interestingly, on each occasion, our systems, care plans and staff resources have proved more than adequate to provide a 'silver care service'. Additionally, we have maintained the 'dedicated carer' principle, advanced in continuation training, and maintained and improved the standards of care.

Of the most satisfying aspects of the service, the first has been our client feedback. Kathleen, our first client reports total satisfaction and tells us that "she is the envy of her less fortunate friends". It is wonderful to receive such praise and is credit to the small team of carers who attend her on a daily basis. The other significant joy has been the functionality of the team - meeting regularly, exchanging appropriate information, sharing experience and feeling supported.

And the next twelve months? Well, on the basis that we seem to have navigated the perfect course to date, hopefully to continue providing a valued, bespoke service to our clients, their families and the extended team of care professionals.