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December 2020

Festive Family Fun For The 2020 Season

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Christmas 2020 is going to be different for all of us, but those with loved ones in full-time supported living care, or elsewhere geographically, need not be separated from all of the fun. There are loads you can do with virtual chats and videoconferencing software, so why not try out some of these great games for family festivities? Grab your Santa hat and your favourite festive beverage, and make sure the timer’s on for your turkey… it’s time to play! Below are some that the Abacus team and those we support have picked to play over the holidays: 2020 Celebrity-style Interviews ‘Tis the season for long sofas packed with celebrity guests sharing their life stories whilst dressed in sparkly ensembles; and you’ll be in your finest Christmas outfits, so why not join in the fun? Grab some classic celeb-style interview questions from newspapers and magazines and pull them out of a hat. Each family member and friend must answer 5… and who knows what stories you may uncover?! Everyone can get to know each other’s lockdown lives a little better. Legs 11! It doesn’t get much easier than Bingo, and you can either print off bingo cards and send them in advance of the big day or generate some online. Nominate your caller, pick a prize, and get calling numbers! Most Likely To… A great way to get everyone laughing is to nominate ‘Most Likely To…’ for a range of categories – it can be anything from Most Likely To Get A Secret Tattoo to Most Likely To Sleep Through New Years Ever. Everyone names their person and that person has to take a cheeky gulp of mulled juice or a bite of mince pie! Four Syllables, and… There’s a whole host of online charades games online, but you can do it over video calls in just the same way you would face-to-face. Work out syllables, words, and phrases, and get ready to witness – and probably take part in – some terrible, terrible acting. Ho Ho Ho, Merry Quizmas Many a stocking contains a boxed set of quiz questions, but if you didn’t find one in yours this year, don’t sweat: there’s plenty of free quiz question generators online. Select your quizmaster and get everyone to ‘buzz’ or shout out their answer – first to get it right wins! The prize for family quiz champion can be a paper crown from a cracker… although it may not quite last the year out to pass on the 2021 winner! Whatever you do this Christmas, don’t forget to stay connected. Loved ones in any type of care setting need to feel part of the festivities this year more than ever, and their carers will do everything they can to help make that happen, so don’t be afraid to ask them for support in setting up video calls or finding a quiet corner to chat. 2020 has been different from other years in just about every way imaginable, but one thing stays strong, and that’s the love and care we have for one another. Wishing you and your Loved Ones a Merry Christmas, The Abacus Team x  

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What Covid Has Taught Us About Care

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The Care sector has long been underappreciated and misunderstood, and in 2020 has faced more challenges than ever before. With the recognition of the importance of keyworkers and the well-known and much-discussed isolated working conditions, Carers have operated within, it seems as though the general public is beginning to understand better the essential and critical services the care industry offers and maintains. We’ve all learned a lot this year, but what are the main lessons Abacus Care & Support have taken away from the coronavirus pandemic? Allow us to share… Care workers are KEY workers. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, recognition, and support quite rightly poured in for NHS hospital staff; but initially, other key workers, such as care workers in Supported Living settings, were largely overlooked. Thankfully, public perception shifted, and Carers were given the acknowledgment and respect they so deserve; along with a number of other professions. Carers continue to work under extremely isolated conditions even months after the first lockdown easing, with their support and care have given continuing to be a true lifeline to many. Without Carers and Supported Living settings in place, 2020 would have seen considerably more people lose their homes, jobs, and lifestyles as they struggled to look after their vulnerable loved ones. In dark times, candles shine brighter. Care workers have never had an easy role but have had to adapt and innovate their working practices in order to sustain excellent levels of care. Abacus has always been extremely proud of the brilliant people that make up our carer workforce, but through 2020 we’ve seen them truly shine. Carers have made additional PPE in their spare time, worked long hours to take up additional duties, facilitated families visiting through windows and clear barriers, and organised events to take place in car parks, gardens, and shared spaces – all ensuring that those being cared for can enjoy the quality of life they deserve, even in the midst of rules, regulations and vast societal change. The human touch cannot be replaced. Whilst everyone wants nothing more than to hug and touch their loved ones, this just hasn’t been possible this year. Carers have worked hard to set up video calls and socially distanced visits, but in the absence of families and friends being able to be physically present, they’ve really stepped up in an unprecedented way. The carer/cared-for relationship has moved on and really transformed into trusted friendships that have helped all navigate the tumultuous times we’re living through with mutual support and the promotion of positive mental health. True connections have been made and relationships forged in ways we could perhaps never have predicted before now. Never has the role of carer been broader, more important, or more of a lifeline than it has through the coronavirus pandemic. Spanning lockdowns, rule changes, and vaccination rollouts, conditions have been stormy and Carers continue to steer a steady ship. Now more than ever their services are needed, and their skills nurtured. To care is truly human, and if people have needed anything this year, it’s other people. Thank you to all our Carers, and the wider team, that play a valuable role in making our work at Abacus possible. Even despite the challenging times, we are really happy to get continued positive feedback from those we support.

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The Ins And Outs Of Domiciliary Care (Homecare)

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Having to consider and arrange care for a loved one can be difficult, and there are numerous options, companies, and packages to compare and inspect before you’re able to make a decision. Many people requiring a level of care are hesitant to leave their most comfortable, trusted place – their home. This is where Domiciliary Care (Homecare) comes in. What is Domiciliary Care (Homecare)? Domiciliary Care is also known as ‘Home Care” or “In-Home Care,” and that’s exactly what it is. Rather than an individual having to move into a full-time care facility, they are attended to in their own home by fully qualified carers. The level of care given depends on the amount required – some people may just require an hour or so a day, some more than once a day, and some a live-in carer who resides in their property and is able to be on-hand 24/7 for help as required. Care may include (but is by no means limited to) personal care, household tasks, medical management and clinical care, mobilisation help, meal preparation, and continence care. Domiciliary Care (Homecare) balances the skilled and compassionate care that specialist care staff are able to administer alongside the comfort of the individual’s own home. How Domiciliary Care (Homecare) works The amount of care administered depends on the needs of the individual; at Abacus Care & Support we appreciate that everyone is unique, and so packages are entirely bespoke. What’s more, we understand that care needs can vary and develop over time. Full requirements are discussed with the individual and their family ahead of the first carer visit and can be refined as arrangements continue. Are Domiciliary Care (Homecare) Staff as qualified as those working in Care Homes and Specialist Facilities? Yes! Abacus Care & Support only works with the most recommended, highly qualified, and specifically skilled staff. We treat everyone with the love and attention we would our own family, and this compassion is often commented on by the families and loved ones of our existing service users. All of our working practices adhere to the CQC (Care Quality Commission) regulations; and whilst our care staff has always worn PPE, all are following best practice guidelines for infection control to ensure the utmost safety standards. What are the Benefits of Domiciliary Care (Homecare)? We’re all most comfortable at home and receiving care in a familiar space is preferable for many. It does not involve the upheaval, cost, or stress that moving into a care facility can do, and allows Service Users to maintain their existing schedules without too much interruption. A substantial amount of care can be received without impacting the individual’s quality of life or independence. There are no visiting hours to adhere to, no meal plans to follow and no new routines to adopt. Abacus Care & Support takes an entirely tailored approach to Domiciliary Care so that we’re not just working for your family, but with your family too. Every care plan is unique to the individual service user and their circumstances to best fit their needs, wants, and existing home life. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ domiciliary care (Home Care) services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk. 

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Understanding Home Care Costs

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Homecare Cost Whilst no one wants their loved one’s care levels to be decided on cost and financial factors, in reality, most people need to at least consider them. Care home costs and home care costs aren’t always the easiest figures to work out, and they are determined by, and include, a lot of different elements. At Abacus Care & Support (Abacus), we’re committed to keeping our pricing packages as clear and transparent as possible. Here we explain the basics of how care fees work. Funded Care If you or your loved one needs care services, you can apply to your local council for a Care Needs Assessment. This process will assess the need for support and how best to maintain a decent level of independence and quality of life. For some people, this will mean accessing 24/7 care in a care home facility, but for others, home care is more appropriate. Alongside the support assessment, a means test will be carried out. This takes into account the income and savings accessible by the person in question, but not the value of their home (unless they’re being accommodated in a care home). The means test calculates the payable amount for care and support in the home dependent on affordability for the individual. Excluding certain disability benefits and allowances, and the value of their home, the banding for homecare costs is set as follows: Total capital over £23,250 – the person must pay full homecare cost fees (known as ‘self-funding’) Between £14,250 – £23,250 – the person must part-fund their homecare costs and the local council will fund the rest Less than £14,250 – the local council will fund all homecare costs. Exactly what is included in the eligible income and capital for funded care calculations can be clarified by your local council upon application. For many local authorities, homecare costs are preferable to care home fees – as they’re considerably cheaper, ‘on-demand’ costs only, and allow for more of their residents to live independent lives. Those who choose to stay at home and receive home care rather than entering a care home may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a benefit to help those with illness or disability maintain independence. Attendance Allowance does not means-tested, so income and savings won’t affect eligibility. Self-funding Homecare Costs The exact cost of home care varies between providers and is often dependent on the level of homecare provided. Abacus looks after our Care staff in many different ways, one of which is by paying our staff the National, and London, Living Wage, respectively,  based on the location of the care being provided.  The UK Homecare Association in 2020 calculated that the National Minimum Price for Homecare should start from £20.69 per hour. However, this can be more dependent on location, and should specialist medical or personal care be required, or if more than one carer is required to attend. At Abacus Care & Support, we tailor our payment packages to individuals to best suit their needs; because we know that everyone is different. We remain transparent on our costs, so you’ll never be charged a fee or admin cost without knowing about it upfront. Our homecare costs reflect the exemplary quality of care you can expect to receive but are fair and competitive. We accept both direct payments from self-funding service users and funded places from councils and relevant support bodies. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ domiciliary care (Home Care) services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk. 

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What to Look for in an Assisted Living Care Home

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At Abacus Care & Support*, we are passionate about providing quality care in the home. But if you feel it is the right move for you, you may want to search for an assisted living care home. Here, we outline the key things you need to know in order to make a decision that will best serve your needs and wishes. What is assisted living? Assisted living is an option whereby the individual lives in a self-contained flat within a larger complex. Typically, personal care and support is available up to 24 hours per day, and staff can help with a number needs. These will be tailored to your unique needs, but can include help with washing, dressing and medical and hygiene support. In many circumstances, help with domestic concerns such as shopping, laundry and cooking are also provided. There are certainly benefits to this type of care. Assisted living arrangements enable social cohesion through opt-in activities and events. They are also always regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Could assisted living be for me? Each assisted living arrangement is different, so it is important to understand the ins and outs before making a decision. Often it can be helpful to enlist the support of a friend or family member, so you and those who love you can be confident that your needs will be fully met. Some key things to consider are: What are your personal needs? Do you need constant access to support, or would care in your current home suit you better? Is the location ideal? It’s a good idea to base yourself near family and friends if you have them. Your local council can tell you if there is an assisted living site in your area. You can also search residencies in the Elderly Accommodation Counsel Directory. Can you manage the cost? In addition to the rental or buying costs, you will need to factor in council tax, water and energy bills as well as regular maintenance and service charges associated with assisted living Contact your local council if finding an assisted living care home is something you want to pursue. We believe we offer a range of fantastic alternatives – take a look around the site so we can help you discover the right step for you. * Abacus Care & Support (“Abacus”) is proud to be a family-run specialist provider of Home Care and Supported Living services in London and Hertfordshire. Our team of experienced professionals help you to retain your independence, build confidence, and learn new skills. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ Care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk.  https://abacuscaresupport.co.uk/our-care-services/

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International Day of People with Disabilities

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On this, the 29th annual International Day of People with Disabilities, Abacus Care & Support is delighted to mark the occasion by showing our support and raising awareness for the advocacy of people with disabilities. In 1992 the UN announced that every 3rd December would mark the International Day of People with Disabilities. We want to use this one day to fuel and inspire us to champion the lives of those living with disabilities every day. Will you support the values of IDPWD? and join us in our commitment to: CELEBRATE the diversity of the community we live in, acknowledging and appreciating our differences and readily contributing to that community*, whatever our ability LEARN from those living with disability and striving to deepen our understanding as a result be OPTIMISTIC about where we’re heading, helping to create a world where people are characterised by their ability and not their disability take ACTION, showing our support for the needs and value of people with disabilities in our area**, today and everyday What is our part to play? At Abacus Care & Support, we want to continue to ensure that our staff are well equipped and trained to be the best domiciliary care providers they can be for the sake of our clients living with disability. We know that providers of at home/ domiciliary care need to be skilled and sensitive to provide excellent care. That’s why we want to commit to enabling a strong and healthy dialogue between our clients living with disabilities, their families and our care providers so that we empower the voices that need to be heard in order to improve our services. You can find out more about the International Day of People with Disabilities by exploring the organisation’s website which has been the inspiration and source for this blog. *Abacus Care & Support has operations in London and Hertfordshire, having grown from a local family business that started in Letchworth ** We are particularly keen to continue to grow our presence and impact in North Hertfordshire, including via our Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth care services For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ Care services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk.  https://abacuscaresupport.co.uk/our-care-services/

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Could Supported Living be the Right Move for You or Your Loved One? We Help You Decide

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Who is Supported Living for? Supported Living is a fantastic option for adults with learning disabilities, mental ill-health, complex needs, and challenging behaviour. This type of support is designed to empower individuals to live independently. The level of assistance required will differ from person to person, which is why we assess each case uniquely. People with mild learning disabilities may need assistance with filling out forms or accessing education, whereas somebody with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities may require support with mobility, personal care, or communication. Whatever the need, we want to help address and cater for it in discussion with the individual and their support network. What can Supported Living offer? If you’re considering Supported Living, we know that you or a loved one is preparing for a significant transition away from residential care or the family home. We can help choose the best option for you and can offer self-contained and studio flats as well as shared accommodation. Although the facilities may vary, all our properties are designed to enable you to live the life you want to lead. Supported Living champions your independence, putting you in the driving seat when it comes to selecting the care you want. This could be regular daily care (such as personal care or assistance with eating/drinking), or a few hours of support per week (for things like appointment assistance or social activities). Being a tenant in Supported Living accommodation gives you control over how your home is run and input on decisions which affect your property. Are you ready to be empowered by a move into Supported Living? Get in touch to find out about the services available to you in the Letchworth, Hitchin, and Stevenage areas.* * Abacus Care & Support (“Abacus”) is proud to be a family-run specialist provider of Home Care and Supported Living services in London and Hertfordshire. Our team of experienced professionals help you to retain your independence, build confidence, and learn new skills. For information about Abacus Care & Supports’ Supported Living services please call us on 07934498020/ 02071001680, or email us at enquiries@abacuscaresupport.co.uk. 

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