Welcome to our latest newsletter with all our news from the past few months here at Continued Care. If you have any questions, need support or would like to discuss something with us, please call our office on 01423 871 003 for Harrogate and Knaresborough, or 01765 699 086 for Ripon and Thirsk.
Carers of the Year
Huge congratulations to Lorand Szucs and Emma Ayton who have been named our Carers of the Year for Harrogate and Ripon.
Lorand has been with our team for 9 years and Emma for 8 years. Both are dedicated, kind and skilled carers. They are both very extremely deserving of this accolade, which was voted for by Continued Care’s managers, colleagues and the people and families we support. Well done!
Celebrating Diversity
Did you know we have carers and managers from a range of countries here at Continued Care? We think our culturally diverse team is one to be proud of, bringing a range of different skills, life experience and knowledge to our company which strengthens our community team. We are grateful to ALL our staff and managers for the amazing contributions they make day in, day out to the people we support and each other.
We hold a sponsorship licence and over the past year we have welcomed several staff from India and Zimbabwe. Some have worked in health and social care previously, while for others it’s a new role. We understand how big a decision it was for them to come to the UK, so we do our best to make sure they feel welcome and settled here at Continued Care and in Harrogate. From picking them up at the airport to helping them find somewhere to live, access healthcare and open a bank account, we ensure their transition to living in Yorkshire is a smooth one. Some of our staff have now been joined by their partners, a few of whom are also working for us, and their children, and it was lovely to welcome them to the recent Celebration and Thank You Party (pictured) to say thank you to our team for their hard work and compassion. We are very proud of all our staff members.
Thank you also to all the people and families who use our services for making our overseas staff feel so welcome!
The new faces on our team join our established carers and managers from a variety of other countries including Poland, Hungary, Romania, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Leading the welcome for our overseas recruits is our care services manager and wellbeing facilitator Monica Tavares, who herself is from Portugal.
Annual survey
Our annual survey is currently underway to gain feedback about our company and services from the people and families we work with. Please take the time to complete your form as it really is invaluable in helping us to develop our services, make improvements and maintain the high standards we strive for.
All completed forms will have the chance of winning a Weetons hamper. If you have not received a form please call us on 01423 871 003.
Winter tips
Have you checked if you are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment? You could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills this winter. You may also be eligible for a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. To find out more and check if you are eligible, visit the Government website at www.gov.uk.
As winter approaches, here are a few tips to help you eat well, stay warm and save money on your heating bills:
Eating well
- Try to have at least one nourishing, hot meal a day
- Include a range of foods in your diet
- Eat some fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables every day
- Make sure you always have the basics such as bread and milk
- Eating something is better than eating nothing at all
Staying warm
- Keep the curtains open during the day to let the sun’s warmth in
- Eat warming foods such as soups and stews
- Drink hot drinks
- Keep doors shut and use draught excluders
- Wear plenty of layers, thick socks and slippers, and even a hat and gloves
- Use a hot water bottle and extra blankets
- If you have laminate or wooden floors, put rugs down to make them cosier
Heating tips to save money
- Turning your thermostat down by just one degree should still keep you warm and can save a typical home an average of £115 a year
- Reduce the flow temperature on your combi boiler
- Decrease the temperature your hot water is heated to
- Insulate your hot water cylinder
- Turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use and bleed the ones you do
- Get your boiler serviced
- Consider getting your home insulated to save on bills in the long run
Useful contacts
If you need extra support, please talk to your carer or our office team on 01423 871 003. Alternatively, you may wish to contact one of the following:
Age UK – 01423 502 253
Dementia Forward – 03300 578 592
Harrogate Mind (mental health support) – 01423 503 335
Hear to Help (emotional wellbeing support) – 01423 856 799
