Frequently Asked Questions
What will the live-in carer or nurse actually do?
Our staff can provide different levels of care and support, according to your needs, priorities and preferences. It maybe that you simply want someone to keep you company, to take you on trips out or to see friends, or you might want a carer for company to make you feel less vulnerable and help you out on a day-to-day basis.
You may prefer some help with your ‘personal needs’, such as getting out of bed, dressing and washing. Our care workers can assist you with these tasks, and make sure you stay healthy and safe. They will also help you to maintain your privacy, dignity and as much independence as possible.
If you have more complex healthcare needs then our registered nurses can provide you with a wide range of general and specialist nursing care.
What happens if my needs change?
If your needs change then we will organise to undertake a review of your care plan with you and your family. It maybe that you have been discharged from hospital and need some extra help or some nursing care. Whatever the case you can be assured that we will continue to provide a service that suits your needs and desired outcomes.
How will you know what type of care I need?
Once you have decided that you wish to use our services we will organise a day and time that suits you when we can come and visit you to undertake our initial support planning and risk assessment of your needs. During this meeting we will discuss with you what your needs are and what outcomes you want to achieve. We can then assess your requirements and decide with you what type of care is appropriate to suit your needs, preferences and desired outcomes.
What happens if I'm not happy with the carer or nurse supplied?
Prestige Nursing offers clients a service guarantee. If you are not totally satisfied with the member of staff that is providing care or support to you, then we will either immediately replace them or refund the charge for the person in question, provided we are given up to 12 hours notice.
If you continue to be unhappy with your care worker or nurse you must contact the branch and state in writing the reasons why you are unhappy. The branch will then look at providing you with a replacement care worker or nurse. The contact details of your local branch and a copy of our complaints procedure are available in the service users guide.
What kind of things can I do with the nurse or carer?
Our care workers and nurses can act as companions, they can take you out on trips, or to family and friends, provide assistance with medication, help you with your paperwork and they can even accompany you on holiday. They can also undertake personal care and/or additional tasks such as light housework, shopping, driving and cooking.
Our nurses can provide you with a wide range of general and specialist care, which will be dependant on your needs and desired outcomes.
Can the Care Worker undertake domestic task?
Our staff can undertake some domestic tasks, but this will depend on the workload and must be discussed at the initial assessment or with the branch.
What happens if there is no spare bedroom in the client's home?
Our Nurses and care workers must have a suitable private bedroom and if two live-in staff are needed they should each have their own room. It would not be appropriate for staff to have a camp bed or sofa in the living room.
How many hours do the carers work?
A nurse/carer will work a 16 hour day with breaks not included, however when including breaks the care worker will work between 11-13 hours per day. The number of hours worked is determined by the service user. We have three levels of breaks 3,4 or 5 hours, these will form part of the 16-hour day. The service user will decide the length of break required during the initial assessment. When the nurse/care worker is not required to work, he/she is entitled to rest and sleep and engage in other normal activates of their own life.
How are breaks managed?
Generally the nurse/carer takes their breaks as arranged with the service user. If the service user is unable to remain on his or her own for short periods then there will a need for a replacement care worker to work for the duration of the break. This will be discussed with the service user at the initial assessment. The charge for this break will be at an hourly rate. The Live-in can be worked in pairs and they can work one to two weeks and then have a week off.
How are holidays managed?
Holidays should be arranged with the service user and the nurse/care worker in advance this would enable the office to organise a replacement nurse/care worker.
What happens if the nurse or carer goes sick or has to leave the client's home suddenly?
If one of our nurses/care workers is unable to continue work the branch will inform the service user immediately. Usually the branch will have had some warning and a replacement care worker has been found. If the nurse/care worker is going to be unable to work for a long period of time then a replacement live-in nurse/care worker will be introduced to the service user and undertake the live-in care.
Who pays for the nurse/care workers travel and food?
Travel: All travel expenses will be charged to the client at 25pence per mile.
Food: The client should provide 3 meals a day; this will generally be the same food that service users eats. If the nurse/care worker requires any special meals then they will have to buy this themselves.
Do I need a Carer or a Nurse?
You may not be medically qualified so it’s important you make the right decision when choosing private healthcare. You may need:
- Care workers with specific experience
- A qualified nurse
- One grade of staff when we commence your care and a different grade as your condition changes
- Two staff at any one time
- A care worker with the occasional nurse involvement
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