Check back here regularly to find out what's going on at Custom Home Care Ltd.

27/09/2017 - All current Online Training Modules have now been updated with new style questions (Sessions 1 - 8). I still have Sessions 9 and 10 to design and develop, but these will be done in due course. - Kat.

14/09/2017 - Been a busy week for online work so far! New style test questions for Sessions 2,3, and 4 are now up and running via the Staff Portal. More to come.

- Kat.

08/09/2017 - The new style online training questions are now available for Session 1 - What is Domiciliary Care etc. on the Staff Portal.

07/09/2017 - Online Training Module Session 8 - First Aid Awareness is now up and running through the Staff Portal. We have developed a new style of test questions to trial with this module as staff let us know they would like to be able to save tests part way through and some were having issues with the captcha code or layout on smart phones. We listened! Hopefully the new style will be better and we'll roll out this style for the other modules in due course.

Kat

Admin.

16/08/17 - The Test Questions for Session 6 of the Induction Training Module are now up and running on the Staff Portal. I have also created added the Powerpoint presentation and Test Questions for Session 7 - Pressure Sores and Ulcer Awareness. Have Fun! - Kat

03/08/17 - We've added a section on Sickness Information to the Staff Portal. Staff can easily access the basic guidelines to make sure they are following sickess procedures, and can also download a self-cert form. Although the same information is available in the Staff Handbook (also online), we felt this was a quicker and simpler way of highlighting and accessing this important information.

I've also changed the title of the What's New section to Updates and Info, because this more accurately expresses what it is. - Kat

01/08/17 - We have added a HOLIDAY REQUEST submission form on the Staff Portal. We know it is difficult sometimes to get to the office to pick up paperwork, so staff can now request holiday dates whenever and wherever they are.

11/9/15 - this month's KPI's are up on the Staff Portal for those who would like to log in for a peek.

Kat

Site Admin.

25/8/15 - The July update for KPIs is now available by logging in to the Staff Portal.

Kat

Site Admin.

20/8/15 - The July issue of Custom-eyes is now available through the Newsletter tab in the main menu above or you can click here.

Kat

Site Admin.

17/7/15 - I've added a map to our Services page showing the Postcodes and areas of Sheffield Custom Home Care Ltd. currently covers in 2015. You can access it through the Services Page or directly by clicking here.

Kat

Site Admin.

13/7/15 - we are currently working on a voice over for our Introduction Video. This will be available on the website and also on the information we present to prospective clients during our face to face meetings.

Kat

Site Admin.

10/7/15 - June KPIs are now available for staff viewing through the Staff Portal or by clicking here.

Kat

Site Admin.

6/7/15

• Our Admin. Director, Kat, has completed a couple of ACAS online courses in Conflict Resolution and Performance Management. She has also signed up for a longer Diploma in Mental Health Studies. Whilst office and admin based, Kat feels it is important to be aware of some of the issues our carers may come into contact with in the field to better understand the needs and well-being of clients, their family members and our staff.

• The June issue of Custom-eyes is now up and ready for viewing. Back issues are available by using the navigation tabs on the right of the Newsletter page.

Kat

Site Admin.

3/7/15 - Over the last couple of weeks we have seen a marked increase in the number of people interested in receiving care from us. We are very excited about the growth of the business and look forward to delivering several new care packages in the upcoming months. If you are a carer and interested in being part of an innovative new company, please feel free to download an application pack from the Recruitment section of the web site.

Kat

Site Admin.

1/7/15 - We have employed a new Field and Quality Assurance Manager. Introductions shall be made shortly in the Our Team section of the website.

Kat

Site Admin.

30/6/15 - Our Registered Manager, Barbara Tomlinson, delivered a talk about our company to the Age Well Friendship Group at St Michael's Church at Low Edges today. The talk was well received, with several people taking our leaflets.

Kat

Site Admin.

20/6/15 - One of our staff, Ellen Hirst has decided to leave the company to pursue her care career elsewhere. We hope she achieves fulfilment in her new position.

Kat

Site Admin.

4/6/15 - The May issue of Custom-eyes is now up and ready for your viewing pleasure. Have a look and find out what's been going on in May.

Kat

Site Admin.

2/6/15 - We have joined Twitter!! Follow us #CustomHomeCare.

I have also completed the Useful Links page to include useful information for people in Sheffield and also general useful information for various helplines and groups.

Kat

Site Admin.

26/5/15 - A couple of housekeeping items today.

• We are now on the Good Care Guide! 

• Our Google+ business page has now been verified!

Kat

Site Admin.

21/5/15 - I am in the process of adding a Useful Links page to the website. It will contain contact details for businesses and groups that may be of interest or use to our clients and their families.

Kat

Site Admin.

15/5/15 - Our Information Video is now available for viewing. Please click on the video link on the right hand side of the screen, or you can click HERE to go to the video.

I've added a Client Endorsement section to the website now we have a few Quality Assurance questionnaires returned. Names have been withheld in order to comply with DPA protocols.

Kat

Site Admin.

14/5/15 - We are currently working on a 10 minute information video that explains how and why Custom Home Care Ltd. was developed. We also detail the things we do differently to other care companies that make us stand out as a domiciliary care company of excellence. This will be uploaded shortly for viewing.

Kat

Site Admin.

FAO: STAFF

There are new notifications on the Staff Portal for viewing. Please click HERE to log in.

Kat

Site Admin.

7/5/15 - We are now linked to the following web sites:

NHS Choices

Sheffield Forum Business Directory

All versions of the Client User Guide have been uploaded to the Client Portal. These comprise:

Standard version

Easy Read version

Large Print version

Kat

Site Admin.

1/5/15 - Welcome to May!! Today we have:

• Joined the Business Directory on the Sheffield Forum and our listing should be up and running by the middle of next week.
• Audited and updated all our policies, procedures, forms and guides with any additions and minor alterations that were identified as required during our first month of trading. Fiddly job now done!

Kat

Site Admin.

30/4/15 The following has been achieved over the last week:

• Key Performance Indicator data for April 2015 has been collated, analysed and the Staff Portal updated accordingly with the information.
• The End of Month Board Report has been completed and is ready for presentation at our next Board meeting. 
• The April Newsletter has been created and is ready for distribution to staff and for presentation on the web site.
• We have been out leaflet dropping again and our Operations Director has been liaising with various housing wardens giving them an introduction to our company.
• Two carers have been signed up for NVQ studies, one for Level 2 in Health and Social Care and one for Level 3.
• Our Registered Manager and Operations Director have been on a half day training course by the NHS relating to Vulnerable Adults. 
• I have added a step by step guide to the Services page relating to changing to Direct Payments.
• I have also made our Information Leaflet available for viewing online, printing or downloading through the Services page.
• I have also added Custom Home Care Ltd. to the Sheffield Business Directory on Sheffield Forum.

Kat

Site Admin.

24/4/15 - The phone has been ringing this week with people making enquiries over our care. The pace is picking up!

I've also added a few items to the KPI data we collect to reflect the interest we are achieving through the website. We'll be measuring:

• Website enquiries.
• Number of hits on a weekly basis.
• Number of hits on a monthly basis.

We'll also be measuring the number of general enquiries we receive. 

Kat

Site Admin.

17/4/15 - I have extended the KPI pages ready for reporting information relating to:

• Sickness and Holidays.
• Staff Recruitment and Retention.
• Quality Assurance, Complaints and Compliments.
• Client Levels.
• Training.

Information is gathered on a weekly basis and reported monthly on the Staff Portal.

Kat

Site Admin.

16/4/15 - Today is the ten day anniversary of us commencing care! After our initial checks with our first clients we are proud to report that everyone is very happy with our service so far, with people indicating that a lot of stress has been lifted knowing that they are receiving regular carers who are on time and go the extra mile. We have had no calls of complaint or clients chasing us to find out where we are. 

We would like to say a great big thank you to our core team of carers who have set the ball rolling for high standards of service delivery. We wouldn't be able to do it without you and appreciate the extra effort you are all putting in to make sure we start off on the right foot. You are, as our CEO says, the 'feet on the street' and you are making a difference to people's lives. In turn, we hope we are treating you as you deserve to be treated and not like a number or worse!

Our Admin. Director (that would be me), celebrated her 40th birthday on the 11th of April and had a memorable night out with family, friends and colleagues. Although the antics of the late evening should probably be kept to a once a decade occurrence! Thank you to all staff for my card and chocolates.

Whilst our carers have been doing a great job out and about, we've been busy in the office making sure we are compliant with the new changes the CQC have put in place from 1/4/15. Our Duty of Candour policy including the principle of Being Open is in place and is in for a final edit before being uploaded to the website. New modules have also been added to the Induction course.

Kat

Site Admin.

7/4/15 - lots has happened in the last couple of weeks.

• We have begun to provide care on 6/4/15 and have had an excellent couple of days.
• From starting out with only a few clients, our client base has increased in the last couple of days since starting trading.
• Our staff have been busy leaflet dropping around Southern Sheffield.

Kat

Site Admin.

18/3/15 - More leaflet dropping today to get our message out there.

• Ellen will be visiting the S7, S17 and S11 areas letter box dropping and leaving information on various public notice boards in shops and community facilities.
• I have added our Care Quality Commission widget to the right frame of the web site.

Kat

Site Admin.

10/3/15 - Once again a busy few days.

• I have added a Recruitment page to the web site where you will find details of our current job openings and the relevant job application form.
• We are also excited to announce we have had our first few job applications through from prospective Care Workers, so we will be building our little team up shortly.
• Ellen has been busy out and about promoting the business and leaflet dropping in the S2 area. So far we have had several people very interested in choosing us as their care provider.
• I have also added a Search function to the web site at the top of the right hand side navigation pane.

Kat

Site Admin.

5/3/15 - We have it!!! Our Care Quality Commission registration has been approved! We are now able to undertake the registered activity of Personal Care. We are very excited and eager to get out there and gather some clients so we can start delivering quality care.  Watch this space!!

Kat

Site Admin.

24/2/15 - Visit from the CQC appeared to go well, just a couple of minor changes to paperwork which we completed by the close of play yesterday.

Barbara Tomlinson, our prospective Registered Manager, is now signed up for her NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care. We wish her all the best with that, she doesn't need any luck as she is more than capable of blitzing it and we have every confidence in her ability!

In further Training news, Barbara and Ellen Hirst are also signed up for a Refresher Course in Protecting Vulnerable Adults towards the end of April.

We're waiting now on final confirmation of registration, hopefully next week, before we can get out there and start providing quality care to those who need it.

Our CEO, Steve Ellis, would like to thank everyone involved in getting us this far. You know who you are, so no need for names at this point.

We are looking forward  to adding to our little group of staff shortly and making a difference!

Kat

Site Admin.

23/2/15 - CQC in the house! We are being inspected today to ensure we have everything in place to start giving care.

• We worked over the weekend to make sure all our i's were dotted and t's crossed ready for the visit from the CQC.
• Our policies and procedures have all been collated and bound, check out the images below.
• The client database is up and running and waiting for clients to be added...when we are allowed to have them!
• I'm also working on developing a video for the web site that will detail who we are, what we do differently to other care companies and why Custom Home Care Ltd. should be the company of choice for care in South Sheffield!

Kat

Site Admin.

20/2/15 - We have been very busy over the last few days as the Care Quality Commission is visiting on 23/2/15 to inspect us and make sure we have everything in place for approval of our registration and beginning care. We've been doing a final check of everything and adding the finishing touches to the office and our supplies as well as ensuring we have all the paperwork the CQC will need to look at on hand and clearly labelled. Can't be seen to be wildly searching on the computer for things now, can we? We are confident that we have done the best job we can and are looking forward to our CQC visitor. 

Kat

Site Admin.

16/2/15 - A few things today:

• I've added a Carbon Monoxide Information sheet to our Client User Guide as part of our Safeguarding protocol.
• I've added a Communication Document to the Client User Guide as part of our Communication protocol. It essentially states in eleven languages that the client can request information in another language, Easy Read, audio or large print. A copy of the Communication Document is included with any important information we send out to clients.
• I have added a Core Policies section to the Services page and a link on the Home page. This is designed to give the general public and our clients an insight into the company and its values. I've also added the Communication Document to the Core Policies page.
• I have added a Home Safety Information page to the Client Portal. It contains links to safety information sites such as The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Gas Safe.

Kat

Site Admin.

15/2/15 - I've spent most of the weekend updating all of our policies with the new coding system and generating PDF files for upload to the website. I'm pleased to say that with the exception of the Communication Policy (which is awaiting final edit), all of our policies now appear on the Staff Portal.

The Custom Home Care Ltd. Style Guide and the Easy Read Guidance are also up and running on the Style Guidance page within the Staff Portal.

The document viewer is powered by Flash Player, so if you don't have it on your computer you won't be able to view the documents. You may see nothing or you may get a message stating 'plug-in needed'. Flash Player is available for free download from Adobe. I've included a link on the Policies and also the Style Guidance pages to make it easy.

Kat

Site Admin.

13/2/15 - We've been busy over the last few days.

• I've added a picture of the front of our office to the web site...yes, we do exist in reality, I was just waiting for the snow to melt and a break in the clouds before I could take a half decent photo!
• The Easy Read version of the Client User Guide has been written and is currently awaiting editing. It will be uploaded to the Client Portal along with the regular version once all editing is complete.
• I've also coded all our documentation and developed a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. We will eventually apply for ISO registration so we need to begin as we mean to go on, with everything in order.
• Ellen has finalised the Manual Handling PowerPoint presentation for the Induction Programme and moved on to Continence Care and Infection Control.

Kat

Site Admin.

9/2/15 - A lot has happened recently whilst we've been waiting for contact from the CQC after submission.

• Staff Handbook has been written and edited, ready for print and binding.
• Induction Programme is well on the way with most modules in for final edit.
• The PowerPoint presentations with video for the Induction Programme are currently being worked on by Ellen. We had a trial run of the Manual Handling Module a few days ago and Ellen is working on the final edit now.
• I've completed the Introduction PowerPoint presentation and it is now awaiting a final edit.
• The Client User Guide has been finalised and ready for binding.
• We've expanded our Communication Policy to include a translation service for the website.
• We've purchased 'Skinny Vinny', who is essentially a spine and a pelvis to assist with Moving and Handling training.
• We've added a Suggestions area to the Staff Portal so staff can make anonymous suggestions. We've also bought a suggestion box for the office.
• We've produced guidelines on how to write an Easy Read document which will be housed in the new Style Guidance section of the Staff Portal once it has been edited.
• We've gathered various other training materials including First Aid guidance, British Medical Association's guide to medications, a sling, a slide sheet, various continence aids and lots of sample boxes for medication awareness training. 
• We have plans for erecting a storage space in the office and purchased additional office funiture for the Registered Manager's office.

Basically things are moving along quite nicely and we want to get up and running as soon as the CQC give us the go ahead.

Kat

Site Admin.

December Newsletter Online

Our very first Newsletter is available online here for December 2014.

Kat

Site Admiin.

Application Submitted!

22/12/2014 - today we submitted our application to the Care Quality Commission. Fingers crossed all goes well and we shall soon be able to start caring for vulnerable adults, which is what we are all about.

Kat

Site Admin.