On frequent occasions throughout each year we invite experts from the health and care sectors to give talks and workshops to our office and care staff. The following topics give a flavour of the talks arranged:
'Supporting Clients and Carers through Bereavement' - Jean Fisher, Head of Education, discusses various issues surrounding end of life care and supporting the bereaved - combined over the two sessions being held at St Michael’s Hospice.
'Supporting Stroke-affected Clients' - Ellen Green, Neuro -Physiotherapist, Kyrle House Practice, Hereford. Practical advice and demonstrations of techniques in managing physical and mobility problems.
'Supporting Clients with Respiratory Problems' - Kerry Mills, Respiratory Nurse at Hereford County Hospital. Advice on ways to support people with respiratory problems such as asthma and COPD and people on long term oxygen therapy, practical demonstration of various equipment.
'Supporting Head Injury Clients' - Rachel Hall, Operations Director, Herefordshire Headway. Discussion on types of head injuries and management strategies relevant to encouraging independence within a home setting and while attending Herefordshire Headway.
'Supporting Multiple Sclerosis Clients' - Del Thomas, Specialist Nurse from the Hereford Primary Care Trust includes a discussion on the various stages of the condition and how it can affect different parts of the body, the challenges it presents, and how care staff can provide support (this talk will not be a repeat of any ones give previously on this subject).
NVQ2 Program
Our internal assessors, Pam Wilson, Sam Butler and Claire Knight give individual and regular assistance to care staff during their studies for this award and undertake the required care practice observations while they are working with clients. The photograph, taken at Kemble Care's office, shows several recent candidates who have achieved their awards.
We have always sought to engage with organisations that provide unpaid services to the wider community and give them support where possible. Over Christmas and New Year 2008/09 we organised a light hearted puzzle for clients and carers and pledged to give some funds to locally active charities depending upon the level of response received.
Our total donation amounted to £1500 and has been shared between the following four charities: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), Concern Universal (based in Hereford but supporting poverty alleviation projects world wide), Breast Cancer Haven and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
We also asked if Clients and Carers would like to submit a drawing or painting on the theme: ‘What Christmas means to me’ and the following are some of the pictures we received:
100th Birthday Celebration
Miss Mona Harries recently had a wonderful 100th birthday party at her home, organised by her carers and her niece, Anne. The day was celebrated with visits from her relatives and friends, carers and other staff from Kemble Care, and The Mayor and Deputy Mayor who presented her special card from the Queen together with a bouquet of flowers from Herefordshire Council.
Mona Harries is a fearless lady who still keeps most of her independence in spite of living in a third floor flat with no lift. She has support normally just twice a day for an hour at a time from Kemble Care staff whose help includes shopping, laundry and cooking on days when the 'meals on wheels' service doesn't operate. Mona was for many years a ward sister at Hereford's County Hospital and still loves to share her stories and good humour with all who help or visit her.
The picture at the top of the page shows Mona Harries with carer Joyce Barlow who has worked with Kemble Care since 2003, and Carol Condie, a Care Manager.
St Michael's Hospice
St Michael's Hospice provides tremendous commitment to our local community, but relies for most of its income on the support of individuals, organisations and fund raising events. The Sue Parry Appeal is now in its 8th year and takes the form of six-a-side football tournament each summer at which up to 100 teams, from under 9s to adults, take part. The tournament is organised by Sue's Mum, volunteers, and her close relations, one of whom, Pam Dukes, has worked at Kemble Care since 2000. Sue Parry lost her battle with cancer at the age of 24 and was cared for by the Hospice. We funded the substantial part of the costs of trophies and out of pocket expenses incurred by the tournament for 2007/08. The Hospice is always grateful for donations and their address is St Michael's Hospice, Bartestree, Hereford HR1 4HA.
Our internal assessors, Pam Wilson, Sam Butler and Claire Knight give individual and regular assistance to care staff during their studies for this award and undertake the required care practice observations while they are working with clients. The photograph, taken at Kemble Care's office, shows several recent candidates who have achieved their awards.
