Home Care Preferred’s 2016 Round-Up

Having welcomed in 2017 we at Home Care Preferred are getting stuck into ensuring this year is our most successful and exciting yet. In the midst of our planning we thought this was a great time to reflect on the previous year and all we have achieved…

There is no doubt that 2016 will go down in history – for the right or wrong reasons is open for debate.

However, there is no question that 2016 has been a positive year at Home Care Preferred. We are providing person-centred support to more individuals than ever before, allowing them to stay safe in their own homes, maintaining independence and dignity, and with peace of mind for them and their loved-ones that there is 24 hour support on hand if needs be. This is all thanks to the hard work of our team, old and new, who work tirelessly and passionately throughout the year – including the festive period.

We pride ourselves on not just providing award-winning care and support for our clients, but also offering help and advice to the local community – and we are very proud of all we have achieved in that respect in 2016.

Winter Night Shelter 

In February we volunteered at one of Enfield’s Winter Night Shelters. This was a great experience and we feel privileged to have provided the attendees and volunteers with a warm meal, and to have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people. Thank you to the regular supporters and volunteers at our local Winter Night Shelters, the work you do really is incredible and makes a huge difference. Home Care Preferred have been so struck by the homeless issue in Enfield, London and across the country that we are in the process of launching a number of initiatives to aid and facilitate the recovery of those who no longer have a home – watch this space!

Dementia Awareness for Businesses 

With the backing of local MP David Burrowes, Home Care Preferred also launched a dementia awareness campaign that targets local businesses. After a successful launch during Dementia Awareness Week, we have gone on to provide the session to business networking groups, health care professionals, members of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Alliance and a range of businesses in the local community. We believe Enfield should be a dementia friendly society, and ensuring customer facing employees are able to reassure and communicate effectively with those individuals could have a hugely positive impact on their lives. Likewise, we aim to provide employers with the knowledge and ability to successfully support an employee who may have been diagnosed with dementia, or be caring for a loved one in their private life.

Care Information Seminar

We understand that choosing the appropriate care for a loved one, and all the financial and legal implications this can entail, is extremely daunting. Over the years Home Care Preferred has collaborated with solicitors and care fee planners to provide impartial advice on the care options available that best fit your individual circumstances, how you can fund support and the steps you can take to ensure you or a loved one are legally protected and safe-guard your loved ones when you’re no longer around. In October 2016 we had the privilege of delivering a Care Information Seminar  alongside George Ttouli ( Principle of Burlington Wealth Management). The seminar covered all the above topics and was a huge success. Hosted at Enfield Golf Club, the public and professionals in the care and health sectors were able to network before settling in for the 90 minute seminar. Following the talk, those in attendance were able to ask questions and seek advice in a relaxed environment over a complementary buffet lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for similar talks hosted by Home Care Preferred this year.

Charity Music Nights 

Following on from previous years, in 2016 we combined two of our favourite things – music and giving back to the local community – through our three charity music nights.

Blues Night in Aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice 

In April we hosted a wonderful Blues evening in aid of Noah’s Children’s Hospice – a long running charity recipient of Home Care Preferred’s. It was a brilliant concert with music from local band Riff Raff Blues, and the incredible London Bluesion with Mete Ege on guitars and vocals (George Michael, SKY TV, BBC etc.) Nick Marangoni on drums (2012 London Olympics Ceremony) and Costa Tancredi (Amy Winehouse, Eric Clapton etc.)

Wayne Hernandez in Aid of Chase Farm Charity’s Dementia and Stroke Gardens 

Back by popular dementia Home Care Preferred and Zumba with Sonia were delighted to welcome Wayne Hernandez and his band back to Waterhouse Hall for a night of fabulous music and dancing.

Wayne has worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Tina Turner, Madonna and Roberta Flack and we feel privileged that he takes the time out for us to help raise money and awareness for local causes.

The dementia and stroke gardens at Chase Farm is a cause close to our heart, having many clients who use the hospital we understand how revolutionary this facility will be in patients rehabilitation and well-being.

‘We’ll Meet Again’ WW2 Musical in Aid of Alzheimer’s Research 

May saw our most successful musical event to date, raising over £2000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK thanks to the Compton Players and their wonderful World War 2 musical spectacular ‘We’ll Meet Again’.

The evening was enjoyed by old and young alike – and everyone got into the spirit of the evening dressing up in 1940’s attire and waving their union jack flags along to the wartime tunes, all while enjoying a traditional fish and chip supper.

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in Aid of Macmillan Cancer Care 

Like thousands of others up and down the country, on Friday 30th of September 2016 Home Care Preferred hosted a coffee morning with all proceeds going to very worthy charity Macmillan Cancer Care. We were overwhelmed by the support we received from our team members, friends, local politicians, local businesses and members of the community. There was a fantastic atmosphere with all these different areas of our society coming together to share stories and chat over coffee and copious amounts of cake. It was a lovely day, enjoyed by all and something we hope to repeat in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care for many years to come.

Home Care Preferred Franchise Launched 

2016 saw some exciting developments within Home Care Preferred with our previous Head of Care Nav Dhar being appointed as our new Franchise Manager. Nav worked tirelessly throughout the year to get the wheels in motion at Home Care Preferred Franchise and we can’t wait to see what 2017 brings.

Brain Injury Service Launched 

With our current care and support offerings going from strength to strength Home Care Preferred wanted to branch into an area we are passionate about and find immensely rewarding – brain injury support and rehabilitation. We are very proud of the dedication and commitment our Brain Injury Manager Farah has shown this year, and she has made tremendous progress in ensuring we provide a bespoke top quality service for all our brain injury clients. You can expect to hear plenty more about this new offering in 2017.

Awards

2016 was a huge success for Home Care Preferred award-wise and we are truly ecstatic that we have been recognised for a number prestigious accolades alongside established, national competitors.

We are extremely proud to have been awarded Domicilary Care Agency of the Year 2016 at the Health Investor Awards.

What a year, we can’t wait to build on all of our success so far and make 2017 the best one yet – thank you to everyone who has helped us on the way so far. Happy new year everyone!