Agincare Newsletter Winter 2022

Agincare Heroes returns for 2023!

Agincare Heroes honours the incredible teams and colleagues that have demonstrated outstanding excellence in their work or made an extraordinary difference to those who draw on our services.

We want to hear from you if our team members have gone above and beyond their care duties in a special way for you or a loved one. Inside:

Nominations will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges led by Agincare’s Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst and Chief Executive Raina Summerson (pictured with 2022 winner Deji Sule). Winners will be invited to an exclusive awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of all Agincare Heroes 2023!

Hello and welcome to the Winter edition of the Agincare quarterly newsletter. Inside you can read about the exciting updates from our services.

2023 promises to be an exciting year for Agincare – one which will see us continue to grow sustainably whilst still staying true to our core beliefs and values of delivering high-quality, personalised care.

Our Agincare Heroes Awards in 2023 are a perfect way to recognise team members that have made an exceptional difference to people’s lives. Anyone can be nominated, from team members in care homes to home care, live-in or supported living care workers, and even those in our training and support roles. Thank you.

Raina Summerson, Agincare Chief Executive

Scan to watch the Agincare Heroes 2022 video

Yvette is a true Agincare Hero!

Live-in care worker Yvette Stubbs from Portsmouth received an Agincare Hero Award 2022 for the incredible dedication she made in the final year of her client Hazel’s life.

Hazel passed away in 2022, but Yvette’s efforts gave her family precious time and memories to cherish. Hazel’s niece Anne-Louise nominated Yvette for an Agincare Hero Award. She wrote:

When Hazel was discharged from hospital, healthcare professionals predicted that she may only live a further six weeks. Hazel then began end-oflife care from Yvette.

Five months later, Hazel was able to move independently and celebrated her 100th birthday with a letter from the Queen surrounded by three generations of family.

“It made my heart melt when I saw the pictures of not only Hazel, but her granddaughter, grandson, plus her two great grandchildren and other family members celebrating her 100th birthday. It is down to the care, love and attention that Yvette has given Hazel.”

Turn to page 1 to find out about Agincare Heroes 2023.

AGINCARE LIVE-IN CARE SERVICES ARE NATIONWIDE

Agincare’s new office in Harrogate provides high-quality, personcentred home care and live-in care services for the north of England.

Our professional teams across the country support people to live independently in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Find out more at agincare.com/live-incare

Agincare wins big at Great British Care Awards!

Congratulations to Agincare live-in care worker Oly Costea who picked up two trophies at the prestigious Great British Care Awards (South East). Oly took home both the Dignity in Care award and the Home Care award.

At the South West ceremony, John Kelham and Andrea Hill took home the Care Assessor and Care Coordinator Awards (respectively).

103 year-old Ruby paints the town red!

103 year-old Ruby Morris, resident of Agincare’s Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester had one simple wish, to relive the simple pleasures that were so important throughout her life: sitting on the beach with an ice cream, smelling the sea air, and reminiscing of times gone by. Fortunately, in a great example of personcentred care, Cheriton’s Activities Coordinator Jo Casemore and Care Assistant Sharon Best were keen to make Ruby’s wish come true.

The day began with a train journey, which was of particular resonance to Ruby as for many years she worked for Great Western Railways – a job that she still holds great fondness for.

Once the trio had arrived at Weymouth the first stop was to Rossi’s Ices on the Esplanade. There Ruby enjoyed an ice cream

on the house, having regaled the owner that she remembered when the business first came to Weymouth in 1937 and even knew his grandfather.

Ruby was joined by her family for a stroll along the promenade, where she took a particular interest in the donkeys on the beach. Amongst other locations, she visited The Old Boot pub, reputedly the oldest pub in Weymouth and the very place where Ruby was born.

After such an exhilarating day, Ruby said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, it was a lovely break away. Weymouth is my home, I grew up there, the trip took to me back to my younger years.” agincare.com/news

WELCOME BEAUFORT PARK!

Residents, tenants, their friends, relatives and guests all welcomed Beaufort Park Care Home and Retirement Village in Burnhamon-Sea into the Agincare family of care and nursing homes at a special open day.

Agincare Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst cut the ribbon with long-standing residents Margaret Walker and Anne Diffey to officially open Beaufort Park. Set in two acres of stunning grounds, the Park includes a care home and self-contained apartments to meet a wide range of care needs. agincare.com/beaufort

Scan to watch the Beaufort Park opening

Family values are at the heart of Agincare

2023 marks another year of Agincare delivering high-quality, personalised care in your community.

Agincare has come a long way since our Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst started his first care home in Weymouth back in 1986. Since then we continue to grow and develop, employing 4,000 people in over 70 locations across the country.

As an independent family-owned organisation, we are always focused on a sustainable future that provides reassurance and stability for our clients, their loved ones and our team members.

How are we doing? Review us on:

Few of our contemporaries can truly claim to be family-run and independent, especially one that is not driven nor shaped by private equity investors.

We have in place a long-term leadership team with Derek’s sons Simon, Adam and Piers (pictured) already taking a key role. All share the same vision of a long-lasting organisation, with no exit strategy planned.

We are one of the few companies nationwide that offer a comprehensive range of services, with the ability to tailor care to people as their needs change in a way that few other care providers can. Find out more at agincare.com

Standing up for social care

Agincare teams across the country regularly support the Care Workers’ Charity, raising thousands of pounds.

Agincare’s Portland-based teams raised over £1,200 for the charity thanks to a sponsored seaside stroll, bake sale and raffle. The charity’s support has never been more needed

during the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Meanwhile Agincare continues to lobby at all levels for much needed social care reform, longterm funding and a workforce strategy. All are absolutely crucial for the care sector and ultimately the people it is dedicated to caring for.

LIFE Sessions at Furlong Close

New LIFE (Living Independently for Everyone) sessions are already making a big impact at Furlong Close - Agincare Enable’s supported living service in Wiltshire.

The LIFE sessions invite supported living tenants to suggest activities based on things they would like to learn, places they would like to go, and challenges they wish to overcome.

So far, the sessions have included trips to Lacock Abbey and Bath Christmas Market, but have also included afternoons in the kitchen learning how to cook favourite meals from scratch. LIFE sessions are also a useful, fun and engaging way for tenants to learn important life skills from day-to-day domestic chores to basic first aid – giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to live as independently as possible.

The LIFE team, which consists of five support workers, has had great success in delivering these sessions.

Peter Bates, Area Manager for Agincare Enable, said: “The results that are being achieved in the few short months that this service has been in operation have been incredible. I am so proud of the team, and most importantly, the people who are achieving these fantastic outcomes.” Agincare Enable focuses on getting individuals out into the community to do the things they love. Elaine, who attends our respite hub in Rochester, helped to make some decorative poppies on a wall display for Remembrance Sunday. agincare.com/enable

WHAT IS AGINCARE ENABLE?

Agincare Enable supports younger adults with a learning disability, autistic spectrum condition or physical disability, particularly where this presents in a complex way.

The service has extensive experience and includes day support, community outreach, respite and supported living. As part of Agincare, Enable draws on valuable experience built up across a range of care services over more than 35 years.

Clare is a true Agincare Hero!

Agincare’s Registered Manager Clare Dixon has been honoured with a prestigious Agincare Hero Award (pictured above centre with Agincare Managing Director Luke Holmes and Chief Executive Raina Summerson).

Clare led Agincare’s Leominster Home Care Branch and Rose Garden Extra Care service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, providing sterling support for her team and everyone that relied on their vital services.

Clare also ran two community support projects to protect the most vulnerable people in Leominster from the effects of the pandemic.

She arranged support for the local hospital, and for volunteers to deliver essential medication and supplies to those who were not safe to leave their homes. Clare did all of this whilst caring for her own family, bringing true meaning to Agincare’s ‘caring in your community’ values.

Turn to page 1 to nominate your Agincare Hero 2023.

Extra Care

Extra care is designed for those who want to live on their own terms with just that little bit of added care and support to retain their independence.

Extra care is provided by Agincare at sheltered housing or assisted living purpose-built complexes. Residents can

DISCOVER QUALITY HOME CARE

Agincare has been providing high-quality home care (also known as domiciliary care) for over 35 years. It supports people to live independently at home, with regular visits from a care worker to help with everyday tasks, social activities and personal care.

Agincare’s growing network of home care branches nationwide includes a new regional head office in Harrogate, bringing high-quality, care services to the north of England.

Find out more at agincare.com/homecare

draw on as much or as little care and support as they need from Agincare’s experienced and professional support workers.

Agincare works in partnership with the NHS, local authorities and independent housing organisations to successfully develop a truly joint approach to providing care services. Agincare possesses a strong record of delivering extra care services, including new schemes at Dunboyne Court and Whitley Court (pictured) in south Devon.

Find out more at agincare.com/homecare-extra-care

We’re Hiring! Agincare’s growing network of care services is creating new jobs –turn to page 8 to find out about great rewards and fantastic career opportunities.

could be right for you!

Meet Rhianne Training Now rated ‘GOOD’ say Ofsted

The team at Agincare’s skills and learning partner, Training Now, are celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in all categories following an Ofsted inspection.

Training Now specialises in practical social care, education and business apprenticeships nationwide. It also delivers bespoke short courses and professional qualifications. Ofsted’s inspection report recognises that not only do apprentices successfully apply the skills and behaviours required to carry out their role effectively, but they also demonstrate a very good understanding of the attributes of care.

Managing Director Tara Roudiani said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved a ‘Good’ rating in all categories. The fact that inspectors told us that our apprentices display compassion and the practical skills needed for a successful career in care is very rewarding to the team.”

As part of the wider Agincare group and now a Skills for Care endorsed provider, Training Now has a unique understanding of the social care sector. Training Now knows what is required to ensure apprentices at Agincare and other providers it works with are well-skilled, confident and compassionate care workers. Agincare Group Chief Executive Officer Raina Summerson said: “We are proud to have hundreds of apprentices building a rewarding career with great progression opportunities at Agincare, and Training Now is absolutely central to that success.”

Find out more at agincare.com/news

Rhianne is Training Now’s very own apprentice working towards a  Business Administration Level 3 qualification. She says:

“I really wanted to gain a qualification in an environment where I can work my way up, so it was perfect.”

To anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship, she says: “I have become more confident since starting my apprenticeship. Just go for it. It gives you a good starting point to pursue what you want to do. It opens up so many opportunities, giving you a qualification while you continue to work. It’s worth it.”

Whether you are a learner or employer, get in touch with Training Now to talk about working together to achieve your goals.

Call 01305 897655

Training-now.co.uk

Excellent benefits - You can look forward to a wealth of excellent benefits by working for Agincare including competitive pay, paid induction and training, access to High Street and online discounts, plus a generous welcome bonus for care roles.

Work with heart - Whether as a care worker or in a support role, you are giving back to the community and supporting those who need it most.

Room for growth - Agincare is committed to your continuous professional development (CPD) and will support you in gaining new qualifications and growing your career.

Build your career in care! Find our employee reviews on uk.indeed.com/cmp/The-Agincare-Group Top-rated workplace 4 stars out of 5 based on 542 reviews AGINCARE.COM WINTER NEWSLETTER 2023

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