There is good news for people that are looking for care in their homes as an alternative to care home provision.

National care provider Good Companions has opened a branch in Penrith.

Area manager Sharon Stubbs said that all their agency fees will be free until June 2021. The only fees payable will be for the carer.

She added: “We are asking our clients to make a donation of the agency admin fees to the key workers and the NHS during the pandemic situation.”

The company offers 24 hour live-in care services to allow people to remain in their own homes.

They say their service is a real alternative to care homes and they aim to provide a flexible, personal and individual service to their clients.

Sharon said their philosophy is “to care for people as they would want their own parents to be cared for. “

Many careful checks are carried out on each carer to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Sharon said her job is very rewarding because it changes people’s lives. She said: “It can change people’s lives and families can be reassured that their parents are being well looked after.

“I am so passionate about letting people remain in their own homes - nothing is a barrier.”

She added that they are constantly thanked by families that are grateful that their families are able to remain in their homes and be well looked after.

New for 2021 is a chauffeur service, where professional drivers will tailor journeys to individual requirements, which includes shopping calls, domestic calls, hospital visits and social activities. The first transportation will be free.

The chauffeur services can supply additional care staff for journeys. Requests can be made on demand or booked in advance.

Good Companions moved into the Penrith offices in mid December after a few delays due to the pandemic.

They wanted to move to Penrith to expand and to be in a more noticeable location.

They offer their services nationally and throughout Cumbria and South West Scotland.

Subject to Covid protocols clients and carers can discuss their care requirements at the offices and discover all the services that are available.

Sharon added: “We have had the 24 hour live-in service for more than 25 years and are proud to say we provided care to all our clients on the 24 hour live-in care as well as the domiciliary care in Carlisle and our residential home in Silloth all throughout the pandemic with no cases during the Covid waves.

She said the company believes in enabling people to live where they are happiest and for many they are happiest staying at home, living comfortably.

Sharon said her job changes elderly peoples lives.

Founded on personal experience, these family values remain the core of everything they do 25 years on.

Services are varied and can cater for people’s needs, whether this is for help getting dressed and showered, help around the house, medical needs or companionship.

The company say their Good Companions staff are well-trained and perfectly matched to each individual.

Staff are trained in many different areas including: basic emergency first aid, care and administration of medicine, communication, COSHH, dementia, diabetes, diet and nutrition, equality, diversity and inclusion, fire safety, food hygiene, health and safety, infection control, mental capacity act (DoLS), mental health matters, pressure care, record keeping, safeguarding adults.

The company aims to achieve ‘outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission regulator and all of their current care services are rated ‘good’.

To request more information on services contact the Penrith office on: 01768 216003; Carlisle - 01768216003/01228 594153; Scotland/Edinburgh - 01312854700.