Chrissie Oaten had a problem. “I’d been caring for my husband Max, who’s got peripheral neuropathy, for five years. I’m happy to do it, but it means staying at home most of the time,” says Chrissie, from Thames Ditton.
“When my doctor said I needed a break, I didn’t know what to do. Our granddaughter Alice is getting married, and I wanted to go shopping for a wedding outfit with my daughter Alison, but that would mean a few nights away. I worried that Max’s condition, which affects his balance, would mean he could fall and be unable to get up.”
Chrissie thought she might have to abandon her break, until a family member suggested getting respite care from her local Walfinch service in Kingston & Weybridge, owned by Kathleen Plough and her niece Tracy Lezar.
“I called Kathleen and Tracy and we ‘gelled’ immediately,” says Chrissie.
Kathleen visited her and Max. “Chrissie mainly wanted to ensure that Max got up and down to bed safely – and wanted us to message her to confirm it,” says Kathleen.
Christies arranged carers to visit Max twice daily and message Chrissie to say he was safe. Christies selected carers were up-to-date with sports news, because Max is a sports fan. “They had lots to talk about and Max enjoyed their visits,” says Chrissie.
Once Chrissie came back, Kathleen visited again and got a mini-fashion show as Chrissie modelled her wedding outfits.
Chrissie laughs: “I got a glamorous hat – royal blue with a big brim, lace, netting and feathers!
“The arrangements worked so well that I’m planning some more breaks, with Walfinch’s help,” she says.
Kathleen’s delighted too – and not just with the fashion show. She says: “This is the kind of reward that excites me about being in a care sector business. It shows how a little compassion, kindness and time taken to form a relationship goes a long way.
“I left Chrissie and Max’s home feeling really proud of our team and their complete commitment.”
Kathleen adds: “Kathleen, Tracy and our care team offer visiting home care by the hour for people seeking companionship, social care or specialist care for dementia, MS, Parkinson’s, after strokes, physical injuries and rehabilitation. Temporary respite care, flexible care trials while you decide on care needs, and live-in care are also available. They are also recruiting carers, offering flexible working, good pay rates and award-winning training, support and career development.
- To discuss care needs call Walfinch on 0203 963 9306
