August 2024
NEWSLETTER
As August draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for allowing Solihull Home Care Ltd to be a part of your lives. Your comfort, happiness, and well-being are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s a privilege to support you each day. This month, we’re excited to share some uplifting stories, introduce friendly new faces, and provide a general update on what has been happening behind the scenes. Thank you for being a cherished member of our Solihull Home Care family.
SPECIAL CELBRATION
WMCA Excellence in Care Awards 2024
We are incredibly proud of Chloe! Out of more than 150 applicants, she has been selected as one of the three finalists for the West Midlands Care Association’s Excellence in Care Awards 2024. The winners will be announced at the Grand Final on the evening of Friday, 25th October 2024, at the Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill. This recognition is truly well deserved, and we hope you’ll join us in wishing her the best of luck!
We're excited to share that our wonderful Becky, is going on maternity leave after impressively working up to 8 months pregnant! Last week, we celebrated with a joyful office baby shower in her honour. Becky will be greatly missed by all of us, and we wish her all the best as she prepares to welcome her baby boy into the world. We can’t wait to meet the little one!
NEW & NOT SO NEW ADDITIONS Since our last newsletter, Sophie has returned to us full time, We have also had Jane with us for a few months now and she has slotted in perfectly with our little family. Most recent is Selda and Laura
For those who remember Jackie, who retired at the end of last year, we're happy to share that we're still in regular contact with her. She continues to send us birthday cards and is enjoying life in Cornwall with Don and their two springer spaniels.
Adrienn has now stepped into Jackie’s role as our office administrator, and when she’s not out providing care, she’s been instrumental in helping us go more digital and paper-free.
SERVICE USER GUIDE You may remember, when you first joined Solihull Home Care, you would have received a service user guide. From recent feedback, there have been a few clients saying that they are not aware of this or would not know how to make a complaint or give a compliment. If this is the case for any of you, please let me know so that we can provide you with another copy. Our service user guide is a legal requirement for us to provide you with, but it is also full of very useful information pertaining to the support we provide. I will say though, when in doubt give us a ring and we will be happy to go through anything with you.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We’re excited to share that Solihull Home Care is supporting two wonderful causes this season: the Rotarians Shoe Appeal and the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. These initiatives provide much-needed shoes to adults and children and holiday gifts to children in need, and we encourage anyone who’d like to get involved to join us in making a difference. On a fun note, I’m also trying to convince the team to take part in Age UK’s charity skydive, but to date I have had little response—wish me luck!
If there is anything close to your heart, please let us know so that we can get behind it with you. We are always on the lookout for new charity events we can support.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
As we transition into cooler weather, it’s important to stay mindful of both physical and mental health. We are backing Age UK’s petition to save the Winter Fuel campaign. Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong decision. We want the Government to halt their proposed change to the Winter Fuel Payment and think again. What you can do to help • If you have five minutes: Sign the petition, if you haven’t already. Just visit www.ageuk.org.uk/winterfuelpayment or print off the paper version (at the end of this document). You can also request one by writing to FREEPOST Age UK Campaigns. • If you have ten minutes: Print off the paper petition and ask your friends, family, and colleagues to sign it! You can also email your friends and family asking them to sign the petition. You can return it to us for free at FREEPOST Age UK Campaigns (no stamp needed!). • If you have an hour: Write a letter to the Chancellor and your MP to tell them about how this decision affects you or a loved one – and to ask them to reconsider. To prevent falls this winter, ensure your home is well-lit and free of tripping hazards, and wear non-slip footwear. Additionally, keeping your mind active and connected with loved ones can help maintain mental well-being during the darker months. If you’re feeling isolated, remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. We’re always here to help you stay safe and healthy.
Lastly…………. Recently, traffic has been challenging, and the recent riots and demonstrations have only made things worse. Please be patient if your carers are running late and allow a 15-minute window before and after the scheduled appointment time. Rest assured, they will be with you, but sometimes delays are beyond their control. I regularly remind them to prioritiase their safety and not rush or drive recklessly. Thank you for your understanding.
As always, we are only a phone call away if you have any concerns or simply want a chat.
Lee-Ann, Chloe, and the Solihull Home Care Team
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