Extra Hands carers are a 'life saver'

Friendly carers from a Norfolk company are a ‘life saver’ for clients and their families who have peace of mind thanks to the staff at award-winning Extra Hands.

The burden of caring for a friend or relative can cause immense strain, but Extra Hands is relieving the stress and removing some of the worry that families have about their older relatives or those in need of care.

The company, with offices in Heacham and Norwich, recently organised a user-forum and the feedback from across the county has shown how much the teams of carers matter to the clients and, just as importantly, to friends and family who may not be able to have daily contact.

“Knowing Dad is OK and not fallen, having someone calling on him and letting us know of any problems. Company for him and nice to have conversations and getting to know carers,” said a family which has a service-user in the Heacham area.

“It takes the burden off me, makes mum feel nice she has made friends and now looks forward to them coming,” said the daughter of another.

“They have been a life saver for her partner. He has got multiple sclerosis and went downhill all of a sudden, which was hard to deal with. Extra Hands scooped him up; get him up in the morning and ready for bed. He is down in the morning and the carer comes and they laugh and is cheery. Perfect,” said the partner of a service user.

“They mean everything and it takes all the worry off me. She would be in a residential home; if it wasn’t for Extra Hands carers, she wouldn’t be able to stay at home,” said the niece of a service user in the Norwich area.

“I used to lay in bed until 11. They get me motivated and up earlier,” said a service user in the same area.

The forums were arranged so people had the chance to meet the office staff as well as the people providing the in-home care. They also offer the opportunity for carers and relatives to meet other people in similar situations.

One responder said it was a relief to know ‘Dad was having breakfast as he used to say he had, but he hadn’t” and the carer’s entries into each support plan are a vital link in the communication chain.

Extra Hands, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year, offers a range of services across Norfolk and is a family-run business offering personally-matched, trained and checked carers who are respectful of family values and build strong relationships with the client and their wider family.

“We take great pride in our services and are delighted that the forum reflected how much care and respect goes into each individual client. There was some positive feedback which showed that we are getting things right in a sector which is sadly too often in the news for the wrong reasons,” said director Hazel Evans.

Offering services from a wellbeing check service to dementia care and companionship care, Extra Hands provides a flexible service seven days a week.

“Whatever your situation, we will work to assess the client’s needs and create a home care plan that works. We can be flexible and work around varying needs, staying longer if required, and shorter if we’re not,” added Mrs Evans.

For further details call 01485 570611 or 01603 898623.