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Meet Christina, Astley View’s home manager.

We’re excited to introduce Lancashire-born Christina, our newest addition to the Evermore family, who has taken on the role of home manager at Astley View. Her person-centred approach and passion for providing the best possible care is inspiring and perfectly mirrors our values at Evermore. With 20 years of experience in elderly and dementia care under her belt, she will be spearheading the management of Astley View, our new Chorley care home. We sat down with Christina to find out more about her values and vision for Astley View. Let’s see what she had to say!

How do you think you can make an impact at Astley View?

I’m looking forward to bringing my decades of experience and my passion for offering the highest quality care for our residents to my new role at Astley View. My real passion is working in the dementia care sector and this is where I believe I can make a real impact. Having managed dementia care homes for the past 10 years I’m excited to bring my wealth of experience and knowledge to Astley View in order to make a real difference to the residents I care for, their loved ones, and my team. I’m keen to bring the community into the home and ensure that our residents continue to be a valuable part of it.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The best thing about my job is meeting the truly incredible and inspirational people that cross my path. It is an honour to play such a vital role in the lives of others and to learn about what makes them who they are. I love being part of a team who are on hand 24 hours a day to offer expert support for those in need. A lot of the people we care for have lived lives that some of us can only imagine, hearing their stories and memories is such a privilege and the reason that I do what I do.

What are you most looking forward to about the new home?

As a Chorley-born girl myself the introduction of a brand-new state-of-the-art care home in my hometown is even more special. I’m looking forward to watching the huge benefit Astley View will have on both residents and the wider community. The home brings a wealth of opportunity for both the people who are seeking outstanding care facilities in Lancashire and for those looking to work in a high-quality care home for an amazing company who value and support their team. We offer an excellent level of care, ensuring the residents have everything they need and more by working closely with their loved ones so they can rest easy knowing their family member is safe, comfortable and cared for. It’s exciting to see everything come together – our marketing suite is open now and we’re planning to start welcoming residents and families to the home early this Summer.

What’s your vision for Astley View?

My vision for Astley View is to create a home where each resident will receive individualised, bespoke care suited to their needs supported by compassionate staff who work autonomously and sensitively. I know that Astley View will be an outstanding place to work and live, where residents and staff will work together in partnership to create an atmosphere of warmth and respect. I am passionate about making every day a great day for both our residents and our team. I’m excited for the future of Astley View and know that as we move forward and grow, we will still offer the high-quality level of care that you can expect from Evermore.

What are the qualities you look for when recruiting for the Astley View team?

It’s important that new team members share Evermore’s values of well being, community and freedom and of course our passion for excellent person-centred care. I’m looking for people who understand their responsibilities in making residents feel safe, valued and part of a family. Education and qualifications are of course important but they’re not everything. We’re looking for warm, caring people who we can develop and nurture to be the best carers they can be. Our team provide comfort and dignity to people in their care so we’re looking for compassionate carers who want to make a difference. I’m passionate about supporting, developing, and championing my team, giving them every opportunity to learn and grow and encouraging them to be the best possible version of themselves. This allows us to work collaboratively to provide the very highest quality of care.

Why should others choose a career in care?

Working in care is an incredibly rewarding profession and is a vocation that will bring you a sense of pride, immense job satisfaction and the opportunity to make an impact on someone else’s life.  I’ve found that working with the elderly generation has opened my eyes to the lives and needs of others and has gone on to serve me well in both my working and personal life. I have learnt so much about work ethic and integrity and have also received a lot of comfort, care, and support from them. I believe it’s a true privilege to work in a role that supports people in maintaining their independence and improving their daily lifestyle and wellbeing.

Evermore make the care of their team a priority. I feel I am a valued member of the team and I know that they’re looking after me both professionally and personally. They nurture their team from within, ensuring everyone is offered opportunities to develop, specialised training possibilities, funding for care qualifications and they cover professional membership fees. There is a real family-feel to the culture where everyone’s voice is heard, respected and acted upon.

Head to our recruitment hub to find out more about joining the team

We couldn’t be prouder to announce that our Ashton Manor care home in Lancaster has been named one of the top-rated care homes in the Northwest, having been named in the Carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards for 2023. We’re beyond excited, after having won this award back in 2021.

If you’re not familiar with the award, the Top 20 Care Home awards are run annually run by the UK’s most popular and respected care home listings website. The prestigious award names the top 20 most recommended care homes in each region across the UK. The care homes in the running are reviewed on a range of criteria including care and support, facilities, cleanliness, activities, food and drink, safety and security and value for money.

Our fantastic Home Manager Joanne says “Ashton Manor’s unique atmosphere is a testament to the pride and dedication of the staff members, who are committed to providing the best possible care to each resident. A person-centred approach to care is the foundation of the home’s success. This approach starts from the initial engagement with potential residents and their families, ensuring they feel welcome and understood.”

Director Syd Coombes is thrilled by the news, “Firstly, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the people that make achievements like this possible, our wonderful team. Their passion and commitment to caring for our residents is unmatched. I feel extremely lucky to have a strong team at the heart of Evermore Care Homes, from our dedicated staff, to our brilliant leadership team.”

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our exciting journey. We’re still growing and thriving, with big plans on the horizon, especially with the opening of our new home in Chorley. We can’t wait to see what’s next for us!

The journey of living with dementia can be challenging, not just for the individuals affected but also for their loved ones. As we explore various ways to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia, one simple yet powerful activity has emerged as a beneficial pastime – cross-stitch. This traditional form of needlework has proven to be more than just a hobby; it offers numerous advantages for those battling dementia.

Cognitive Stimulation:
Cross-stitch requires concentration, attention to detail, and pattern recognition, making it an excellent activity for cognitive stimulation. By engaging the mind, cross-stitching can help to slow down cognitive decline and maintain mental sharpness.

Fine Motor Skills:
As dementia progresses, maintaining fine motor skills becomes increasingly important. Cross-stitching involves intricate hand movements and can help individuals preserve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Relaxation and Stress Relief:
Engaging in a repetitive, creative activity like cross-stitching can calm the mind. The rhythmic nature of the craft can provide a sense of relaxation and help to reduce anxiety, which is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia.

Social Engagement:
Cross-stitch can be a social activity, allowing individuals with dementia to connect with others who share their interests. Cross-stitch can foster conversation, bonding, and a sense of community, whether in a group setting or with caregivers and loved ones.

Sense of Accomplishment:
Completing a cross-stitch project provides a tangible result, allowing individuals with dementia to feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. This boost in self-esteem can be precious for those whose daily activities have become limited due to cognitive decline.

Creativity and Self-Expression:
Cross-stitch allows individuals to express themselves creatively, regardless of their cognitive abilities. Choosing patterns, colours, and designs can provide a unique outlet for self-expression and personal fulfilment.

To support our community of caregivers, loved ones, and individuals living with dementia, we have created a collection of cross-stitch patterns featuring the picturesque landscapes of Chorley. These delicate and quite complex designs will not only offer a challenging cross-stitch experience but also serve as a connection to the beauty of the outdoors.

To access these free Chorley-inspired cross-stitch patterns, please click here:

Evermore 4 free Cross Stitch Patterns

Incorporating cross-stitch into the daily routine of people living with dementia can profoundly impact their overall well-being. Individuals can experience cognitive stimulation, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment by engaging their minds and hands in a creative and meaningful activity. Moreover, cross-stitch offers opportunities for social engagement and self-expression, fostering a sense of connection and personal fulfilment. Let’s embrace this traditional craft as a valuable tool for enhancing the lives of those affected by dementia and rediscover the joy and therapeutic power of cross-stitch.

EVERMORE ART COMPETITION – TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Important terms and conditions about this competition

This bit may look a bit long and less interesting, but it’s really important to make sure you know all the rules, so you know what to expect. Ask an adult (your parent/guardian, teacher etc.) to explain anything you’re not sure about.

Make sure you tell your parents/guardians that you are joining in our art competition, show them this information and ask them to submit your entry on your behalf.

  1. Entry form must be submitted to cumming@active-pathways.com before 28/02/2023
  2. A photo of your completed artwork submitted by 03/03/2023
  3. Submitted artwork must be signed off by parent/guardian in order to ensure authenticity.
  4. No incomplete or late entries or those not in accordance with the entry instructions will be accepted. No responsibility can be taken for entries lost, damaged or delayed either by post or computer transmission error.
  5. Entrants must have the permission of their parent or guardian to enter. Evermore Care Homes requires the consent in writing of the parent or guardian of the author of a winning entry to publish that winning entry and the author’s name, age and town or city of residence. If Evermore does not receive written consent from the parent or guardian of the author of a winning entry Evermore reserves the right to select an alternative winner, as a result of reasonable efforts to contact the original winner being unsuccessful.
  6. The prize will include the winning artwork to be displayed in new luxury care home Astley View with first place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £100, second place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £50 and third place receiving an Amazon voucher with the value of £25.
  7. The winning entrant must be willing and able to assist with promotion of the care home including appearing on television and other media, social media and websites, including through video and image.
  8. The name, county and photograph of the winners may be used by Evermore its associated companies for publicity purposes. The winner agrees to comply with a reasonable request to provide a photo of themselves with their prize and to allow Evermore to use their name and likeness for advertising and publicity purposes without additional remuneration.
  9. Only one picture per entrant will be permitted. Designs will be considered by a judging panel. No entries submitted on behalf of a club can be accepted.
  10. Entries must be original and not a copied design.
  11. In consideration of our agreeing to allow you to enter the competition (the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by you) the piece of artwork remains the property of the care home, however the artwork can be requested back after a minimum period of 6 months and the author is responsible for collecting the piece in agreement with the care home manager.
  12. Shortlisted pieces of artwork will be displayed in the one of the new wings at Astley View for families and friends to view.
  13. Prize winners will be invited to a prize giving ceremony.
  14. The decision of Evermore in all matters shall be final and binding and no correspondence shall be entered into.
  15. Entry implies acceptance of every one of these terms and conditions.

EVERMORE ART COMPETITION

To celebrate the opening of our new, state-of-the-art care home, Astley View, in Chorley in spring 2023, we are on the hunt for the perfect pieces of art to take pride of place in the home. We know that Lancashire’s got talent and so we wanted to give budding artists a chance to create a piece of artwork that reflects our favourite county.

Are you up to the challenge? We’re tasking you with creating a piece that represents Chorley or Lancashire. You can use any medium you like from watercolours to charcoal; it just needs to be on a A3 landscape canvas. Let your inspiration run wild!

The winning pieces will be displayed at the new Astley View site in January where family and friends can view the shortlisted entries. A first, second and third place will be selected for both primary and secondary school entrants.

Notes for teachers:

This artwork can be completed in or outside of school. It could be a great focus for an art lesson or a creative project, but it can of course be completed by students independently at home. We’d love it if you could encourage as many of your students as possible to get involved in showcasing their talents and celebrating the county. If you have any questions at all, from yourself or on behalf of your students, please get in touch. We’re really looking forward to seeing what your students can do!

Prizes

1st place: £100 Amazon voucher

2nd place: £50 Amazon voucher

3rd place: £25 Amazon voucher

Entry requirements

  • You must be in primary school years 3-6, or secondary school years 7-11.
  • Your artwork should represent Chorley/Lancashire
  • A landscape canvas using tools of your choice

 

How to enter

Judging

  • The judging panel will review the photo’s of the pieces of art and shortlist entries after the closing date.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be sent an email inviting them to exhibit their artwork at Astley View, (date in March to be confirmed) and family and friends will be invited to view the artwork
  • Following the exhibition, the judging panel will select the winners

Notifying winners

  • Winners will be notified by email and will be invited to a prize giving event with their families
  • The winner and their family will be invited at a later date to a special event when their artwork will be mounted on the wall.

You can send your artwork and completed forms below to: Evermore Art Competition, Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Euxton Ln, Chorley PR7 1PS

Questions

If you have any questions about our art competition, please contact us at: stuart.cumming@active-pathways.com

 

 

 

In spring next year, we will be opening the doors of our brand new £15m state-of-the-art care home in Chorley, Lancashire. Astley View has been a real labour of love for everyone at Evermore and has been specifically designed with our residents, our team and our environment in mind. From our use of durable materials to encouraging biodiversity in our green spaces and recycling, we have worked hard to ensure our home is sustainable and designed to give our residents and team the best quality of life possible.

In the design and construction phases we worked closely to BREEAM (the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) specifications in order to build a home that was as sustainable and environmentally conscious as modern materials and construction economics would allow. We’re sure our future residents, team members and local community care about their impact on the planet as much as we do and hope that achieving a Very Good BREEAM accreditation will go some way to demonstrating that care and places us in the Top 25% of non-domestic building in the UK. Lastly and definitely not least, we wanted to create a comfortable and vibrant working and living environment for our residents and team – a place they are happy to call home!

What elements did we focus on?

Selecting the Right Materials

When building Astley View, we wanted to maximise material efficiency and minimise environmental impact where we could. We used resilient and durable materials to reduce the need for replacement and therefore limit waste. From the structure itself right down to the flooring and doors the entire site has been made to last. This durability makes life easier for everyone. Our team know they can put their all into providing our residents with the care and quality time they deserve, and our residents can sleep easy knowing the home is sturdy and will be for years to come.

It was important for us to take the carbon footprint of the entire site into consideration when building Astley View which means we had to consider where energy was consumed at every stage right down to production of the materials that we sourced and used. Every material has what is known in the trade as ‘embodied energy’ which in a nutshell is the amount of energy it takes to produce that material. So, for example concrete has high embodied energy so we wanted to reduce the use of it at the site which is why we opted for a steel structure which in itself is recyclable when the building is replaced in 50 years time. Selecting and sourcing materials considered by BREEAM to be environmentally conscious meant that we were able to create a home whose very foundation is considerate of not only our team and residents but of the planet as well.

Energy

Part of the accreditation involves assessing energy usage throughout the home from the use of energy saving lightbulbs to slightly more complex systems such as solar shading. This innovation allows us to absorb as much light and heat from the sun as possible during the dark and cold winter months and then come those rarer sunny days it provides the home with some much-needed shade. This makes for a cosy and comfortable home for our residents and a cool working environment for our team. It also means we can cut down on our energy consumption and costs so everyone’s a winner!

Waste

In order to give ourselves the best chance of acing the BREEAM accreditation we needed to make sure that we were considering waste at every stage of the home. Aside from limiting waste at the actual construction phase and during the maintenance of the home we also wanted to provide ways residents and the team could help us by doing their bit. We have therefore included full recycling stations in all dining and kitchen areas and there is an external refuse area to allow the separation of waste material.

Transport

It was important for us to choose a location for Astley View that had good connections to public transport and cycle routes so that it was easy and accessible for staff and visitors. You will find us a short walk from Chorley train station, there is a bus stop directly outside the home and there are traffic-free cycle lanes enroute. At the home itself we have built in storage areas for bikes, electric vehicle charging points and car sharing spaces. We hope that this encourages both our team and visitors to use more environmentally friendly transportation and reduces heavy congestion around the home which is more pleasant for our residents.

Land use and ecology

The outside space and gardens have been a real focus and giving our residents and team easy access to beautiful green spaces was a priority. We know the benefits to mental and physical wellbeing of spending time outdoors and so creating various spaces for staff and residents to enjoy was a must. Our galleried café opens up onto a magnificent corridor of trees and our landscaped gardens provide a serene oasis for a breath of fresh air. For our residents who are keen gardeners there is also the opportunity to get involved in the maintenance of the garden which can work wonders on the mind and body. The inclusion of these green spaces also encourages biodiversity in our local environment and of course helps to reduce CO2 levels.

Health & Wellbeing

Even during the design and construction processes we have been considering the health and wellbeing of our team and residents. For our team we wanted to ensure that we made their job as easy as possible by providing them with innovative solutions and by creating a comfortable environment for them to work in. The team have a dedicated team area that covers three levels and to make it easy for them to move around the home with bulky trolleys. ‘Views out’ assessments are also carried out in areas where team members may be working for longer than 30 minutes to ensure we are making bright rooms with views of the outdoors for them to work in. Glare control assessments have also been conducted to highlight any rooms where there is a potential for glare on computer screens or TVs. Blinds can then be fitted and allows our team to crack on with their desk duties and residents to enjoy an afternoon film!

Why is a good BREEAM rating important?

BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. The aim of the programme is to minimise the environmental impact of buildings by ensuring sustainability best practices are put in place. A good BREEAM rating was so important to us when building Astley View because we want to support our planet, our local community, our team and our residents in every way. Constructing a home in a more environmentally conscious way has also allowed us to create a space that is fit for purpose and comfortable for the team and residents. At Evermore we take our corporate social responsibility very seriously and achieving a good BREEAM rating is just the icing on the cake.

In the case of Astley View, Chorley council set us the challenge of achieving a ‘very good’ rating for the home and we feel we have gone above and beyond to do just that.

At Evermore we firmly believe that what’s good for the planet is good for our team and our residents which is why we were really keen to get Astley View BREEAM accredited. By working with a specialist team of designers and architects we have managed to create an environmentally conscious and green home that is also comfortable and welcoming for our residents. Somewhere that they can truly call home!

 

 

 

Development of our latest care home – Astley View in Chorley – took a significant step this week with the laying of the final slate celebrated in a ‘topping out’ ceremony – a major milestone which marks the completion of the structure. As the home enters its next phase of construction, we’re excited to begin planning our recruitment drive for a wide variety of roles throughout the home, specialising in Residential and Dementia care we are looking to recruit the care team, lifestyle coordinators, kitchen and housekeeping team.

As the first new care home to be built in Chorley for over 10 years, Astley View’s stylish interiors and state-of-the-art facilities will brush away the cobwebs and break the tired stereotypes around care homes, meaning team members can work and learn in a home containing the latest developments in care home design and technology.

Inside the home, the modern, stylish, and comfortable décor with a calming colour palette will create a relaxing feel. Evermore Care Homes have worked closely with leading health care designers to achieve an outstanding look with high quality fittings and furnishings – building upon the design behind our Lancaster care home Ashton Manor, which in its first year was named one of Carehome.co.uk’s Top 20 Care Home Awards 2021.

An innovative market street concept – complete with cinema, shops, and cafe – alongside dedicated green spaces and gardens help to bring the vibrancy of community into the home with the aim of improving physical and mental function.

Attention to detail and high specifications doesn’t stop with the interiors, Astley View’s technology will play a huge part in helping team members to provide the highest quality care to our residents. For example, acoustic monitoring systems remove the need for residents to be disturbed by nightly safety checks, leading to better quality of sleep which has been linked to improved health, mood, and participation for dementia residents.[1] On our dementia floor we’ve installed circadian lighting which mimics natural daylight and reduces distress during ‘sundowning’. It will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our residents and our team of carers.

Astley’s View’s considered design also gives greater peace of mind to both team and family members. To help prevent falls, carpets throughout the home are seamless and low-thread, and en suite wet rooms feature high-specification assisted-bathing facilities.

Infection control laundry, antimicrobial furniture, and easy-to-clean flooring aims to reduce the spread of germs, with the furniture retaining a tactile faux-suede feel which is beneficial to the sensory needs of dementia patients.

For residents with vision impairment, varied door handles differentiate rooms making it easier to identify where they want to go by the feel of the respective shapes.

These features are just a snapshot of what Astley View has to offer both its residents and employees with the latest in care quality and technology.

Why join Evermore?

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a brand-new state of the art home and enjoy delivering the highest quality of care to our residents. You can also be assured that Astley View’s level of care extends to the environment. The care home has been awarded a BREEAM rating of ‘good’ meaning it has been designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind.

You will also benefit from a wide range of perks including:

  • Access to the Blue Light Card, giving you exclusive discounts from a range of restaurants, retailers, travel agents, and more
  • Medicash health plan, which includes financial cover for health appointments, eye care, and dental care.
  • Career progression opportunities and skills development
  • A great workplace pension scheme.
  • Team facilities including showers, break and training rooms

Interested in taking your career in care to the next level? We’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch at enquiries.astley@evermorecare.com or call us at 01257 444 860

[1] How does dementia affect sleep? | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Spirits were high this weekend as the residents of Ashton Manor care home in Lancaster celebrated the Queen’s platinum jubilee with a vibrant street party style event. Due to the pandemic this was our first open-house event since we opened in late 2020.

Family members and visitors joined us to take part in the festivities on Sunday afternoon – which included some Great British games from London Bridge is Falling Down to Pin the Crown on the Queen.

For both the children and adults balloon modelling helped to inflate the mood even further, with visitors crafting monarchic masterpieces from crowns to corgis.

It wouldn’t be a jubilee party without some Great British food, so celebrants were treated to classic street party food prepared by our very own chef – with a selection of hot foods, cakes, scones and sandwiches throughout the day.

To mark the momentous occasion, party guests were invited to contribute to a platinum jubilee time capsule, set to be built into the walls of Evermore Care’s new home, Astley View being built in Chorley. Alongside polaroid photographs from the big day, party-goers contributed mementos ranging from royal merchandise to the Sunday paper. Ashton Manor’s residents hope that the time capsule will help to mark this special moment in time for future generations.

Wrapping up the day’s events, friends and family entered a Right Royal Quiz (We’ll announce the winner this week!)

One visitor said: “We’ve had a great day celebrating the Jubilee with my mother. It’s so nice to have events that the whole family can enjoy, and the kids really loved taking part in the games!”

Ashton Manors’ Home Manager Jacky Parkinson said: “It’s so exciting to invite people into Ashton Manor for the first time since we opened at the end of 2020. Most of our residents were alive when the Queen was coronated, so the jubilee event has been great to see them re-live happy moments and create new memories with their loved ones.”

Evermore’s second state-of-the-art care home, Astley View, is set to be completed in early

2023. A commemorative plaque will be placed to mark the location of the time capsule.

Respite care is the term for a short stay in a care home. There are many reasons why someone might become a temporary care home resident, including for recovery from a stay in hospital or times when a caregiver might be away.

Respite care can help to provide flexibility when it comes to looking after your loved ones, allowing carers the peace of mind to be able to take a much needed break. At Evermore, respite care doesn’t have to be a one-off stay. Your loved one will be able to return to a friendly home and familiar faces whenever the need arises.

 

Should I feel guilty for using respite care?

Absolutely not! As Carers UK points out, it’s incredibly important for those who care for their loved ones to take the time to rest. Taking a break can help to prevent carer burnout – mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to symptoms including anxiety, fatigue, and high blood pressure, to name a few.

You may be worried about your loved one’s reaction to the suggestion of respite care. At Evermore, we’d encourage involving your them from the start of the process to help ease both your worries. Why not visit the home together, explore the facilities, and make the stay something to look forward to? Gaye Clarke, our Commissioning Director, has found that respite care can be a great opportunity for residents – as well as carers – to have a valuable break: “it’s a chance to meet new people, enjoy a change of scenery and try out some new activities and experiences.”

Quite often, respite residents decide to progress to a long-term stay. Some have made the decision after a previous short-term booking, and some have decided to stay during their respite admission. We’ve found that it can feel less daunting for both the resident and their family to make this decision once a short stay at the home has settled any worries. As stated by the wife of one resident, “My husband began 4 weeks respite [earlier in the year]. He settled well, enjoying lots of different activities and the excellent food. As he was happy, we decided he should stay permanently in the best place for him. The staff are all lovely and caring, whilst keeping me informed.”

At Evermore, you can rest assured that your loved one’s needs will be taken care of fully. From medication to mealtimes – those staying for the short-term are given the same exceptional care as full-time residents. As Gaye says, “with our expert carer assessments in place, we can provide the highest quality respite care breaks.”

 

What will a short stay at an Evermore home look like?

Every short-term resident is assigned a named key worker and given their own private bedroom, which they’ll be able to decorate with photographs, mementos, or ornaments that will make the room feel more like home.

The admissions journey is the same for respite residents as it is for those staying long-term. From day one, your loved one will be welcomed into home life – encouraged to socialise with other residents and take part in activities such as quizzes, bingo, and even armchair exercise classes.

No facilities are off-limits to our respite residents, so your loved one can take full advantage – exploring the gardens, visiting the salon, or relaxing in the cinema room. Between all this, they’ll be treated to fantastic food, prepared by our in-house chef.

 

How do I pay for respite care?

Respite care can be paid for directly to the care home. However, there are funding options available for those who qualify for some extra support.

Following a couple of assessments which consider yourself and your loved one’s circumstances, your local council may help to pay for respite care if you are found financially eligible for funding.

Charities including the Carers Trust and Turn2us may also be able to help.

The NHS website has some great resources on respite care payment options, as well as links to the assessments you’ll need to undertake if you choose to pursue council funding.

 

Interested in respite care?

If you’re considering a short-term stay for your loved one, why not book a visit to one of our homes? You can also take a look at what our residents are getting up to over on our Facebook page.

If you’d like to understand more about respite care, read our full Q & A with Evermore’s Commissioning Director Gaye Clark.

Why Choose a Career in Care?

Working in care is a fulfilling role which can come with many benefits – both in the short and long-term. If you’re considering a career in care, read on to find out more about the types of roles available, and how working at an Evermore Care Home can help you reach your potential.

Looking for a role that providers job satisfies?

It’s no secret that working in care can be incredibly rewarding. The role comes with high job satisfaction as you’ll make a real difference to the lives of people who need care every day. As well as this, care is a social role where you can build relationships with a diverse group of people and get to know care home residents and colleagues more and more each day.

Working in care is great for those who appreciate a lot of variety, as there’s never a dull moment – whether it’s laughing with the residents or joining in with activities! Every day is different at an Evermore care home and you’ll be involved with a huge range of tasks from medication to mealtimes, and lots in-between.

Don’t just take our word for, here’s what one of our senior carers had to say:

“There’s no such thing as a typical day at Ashton Manor, every day is different, which is part of the reason why I love working here.”

Our flexible working opportunities also provide an alternative to the normal 9-5, meaning you’ll be able to fit your career around your home-life and other commitments.

Does care work offer career development?

The care sector is a great choice for those who want the opportunity for career progression and with Evermore, we really want you to develop your skillset, for example, by training in particular areas (such as dementia care).  Working together, we will help you focus your career progression with us to align with your interests and skills.

At Evermore, we believe in investing in our team’s development and offer consistent mentoring and support on the job. Not only will we help you to develop your skills and access opportunities across our services, we’ll also help you to achieve relevant qualifications (including the Care Certificate and the NVQ) and pay for professional membership fees if it’s applicable for your role. Head here to read about our Workforce Development Strategy.

What types of roles are there in the care sector?

Evermore Care Homes recruit a variety of care positions, from care assistants to lifestyle coordinators who organise the curriculum of activities and events for residents, to senior carers, managers, and deputy managers. Care roles are available for both days and nights – perfect for both early birds and night owls.

And it’s not just care related opportunities at our homes, we also have a wide range of roles that suit lots of different skills and backgrounds. For example, positions like head chef, cook, and kitchen assistant are available for those with a background in food preparation.

With other roles including housekeeping, maintenance, laundry assistants, and reception, so there’s something for everyone.

What are the financial benefits of working in care with Evermore?

Amongst the most notable benefits of working in care is access to the Blue Light Card, which allows you to obtain exclusive discounts from a mass of popular retailers, including shops, restaurants, travel agents, and more.

At Evermore, we’re proud to offer Medicash health plans to team members, which include a range of benefits including financial cover for health appointments, eye care, dental care and more.

Team members at Evermore also have access to a great workplace pension scheme, which can help provide peace of mind for the future.

Head here to view the full range of benefits available to our team.

How do I find out more?

Interested in working in care with Evermore? We’d love to hear from you, even if it’s just to have a chat about how a role at one of our homes could be a great place for you to work!

Evermore Care currently has vacancies at Ashton Manor – our care home in Lancaster. Head here to view available roles and submit your application.