One choice
When Mavis’s health deteriorated to the point she needed the help of carers, her family were provided with a long list of companies to choose from.
Her daughter, Carol, said they decided on Caremark Kirklees after reading the real-life stories of other families and are so pleased with how things have worked out that they are now happy to share their story.
Mavis was married for many years to husband Len and they raised two daughters. Len died eight years ago and gradually, in her nineties, Mavis’s health deteriorated.
“We moved mum’s bedroom downstairs when mobility became a real issue and her GP said she needed the help of carers and in reality, we were looking at end of life care,” said Carol.
After reading the testimonies and contacting Caremark Kirklees, Carol had assumed it would be weeks before anything happened – in fact someone visited the same day to start drawing up a care plan. Now Caremark carers visit twice a day, five days a week preparing meals and providing general assistance to Mavis.
“At first mum didn’t want carers and it was hard work to get to the point where she agreed to give it a try, which I imagine is often the case,” said Carol. “It has worked out well though and just the other day she said to me she is glad they come in. It’s not just the care they provide but also that social interaction. It is also such a relief for me to know there is someone there caring for mum when I’m not there.”
Carol said she has been impressed by the client centred approach of Caremark Kirklees.
“I was amazed during the initial chat when they asked what time mum would like to have breakfast and tea – I’d thought it would be whenever they could make it,” said Carol.
“They are also very flexible. My sister visited for a week and so we didn’t need help then and Caremark Kirklees were happy with that and I’m going away for a week and they are fine about doing an extra couple of days.”
Mavis has shown improvement in recent weeks and having just celebrated her 99th birthday has the 100 landmark next year in her sights.
“We still have a trip out to the garden centre once a week and at home mum loves to have a chat and look at the old family photo albums,” said Carol.
“Caremark Kirklees have been excellent,” she said. “The way they carry out their work and the way they talk with mum, has been very good and that social side is very important.”