THOUSANDS of people across Derbyshire require care in the home but what they may not realise is they have a choice about who looks after their needs.
In the often stressful circumstances of organising care for yourself or a much-loved family member, people gladly accept the advice and support given, perhaps assuming it is the only option. It is not.
Prestige Nursing + Care, a family business with more than 40 branches nationwide, including one in Derby, is an approved supplier of care services and is ready and willing to help.
Whether general care in the home is needed, palliative care or support for people with dementia or learning disabilities, its expertly trained care staff can offer precious support.
Caroline Willmott, manager of Prestige Nursing + Care in Derby, said: "People have a choice about care options but don't always realise that. If care is arranged through council social services they will have a preferred supplier. However, if you would like to change care supplier you can do so.
"Across Derbyshire, 110,000 people are struggling to care for loved ones with physical or mental difficulties – and that's the tip of the iceberg of the care support needed.
"Many people will be happy with the support they receive, but some may feel that they would like to try another provider. When planning care at home for yourself or a loved one, you need to ensure that all your needs and wishes are met. This allows an individual's dignity, privacy and independence to be retained, improving their wellbeing.
"Whether you need a one-hour visit or round-the-clock nursing care, when it comes to your loved ones, only the best will do.
"Whatever a person's needs, our home care can remove the responsibility of having to care for yourself in isolation. It leaves people free to enjoy life, safe in the knowledge that everything is taken care of. We have wonderful testimonials from people who have used our service. It's fantastic to know we are offering such a good service.
Run by the same family for more than 60 years, Prestige Nursing + Care prides itself on exceptional quality and its highly trained staff.
However, the specialist care it offers can be much more affordable than you think.
Caroline said: "Our home care is a unique service, delivering nursing and care for individuals, including children and adults with an acquired brain or spinal injury, complex care, physical and learning disability or challenging behavioural needs. We also specialise in dementia and palliative care.
"We offer the staff, expertise and human compassion that each situation demands. For example, we had one gentleman whose wife was suffering with dementia. He desperately didn't want her to go into a home but was struggling to cope with the demands of looking after her.
"It is not just about looking after the person with the illness or disability, it is about supporting the carers. Our staff came in, devised a care plan, brought in an occupational therapist and started giving them both the help they needed. For example, we could arrange night cover to help him get a few hours' sleep. It is this type of practical support that people desperately need."
Last year, Prestige Nursing + Care won a tender with the council to provide dementia respite care in people's homes and has invested in delivering high-quality training in dementia. "There are so many people in Derbyshire suffering with dementia – and so many carers in need of support," said Caroline. "We are here to help them."
As far as Caroline is concerned, no problem is too large for her experienced team, which offers care for people of all ages and with all disabilities.
To find out more, visit www.prestigenursing.co.uk or call 01332 206062.