We are only too aware how busy a Carer's life is, but because we want everyone using Crossroads' service to understand what we do and how we do it, we would really appreciate it if you could find a little time to read these notes:

The broad aim of every Crossroads Scheme is to give Carers breaks, supplementing and complementing existing services to your family, and working closely with all other organisations known to you. By this means we hope to help you to continue to care.

We realise that having people coming into your home can sometimes" feel intrusive, so we try to work in ways that will cause you as little disruption as possible. A Manager will visit your home to assess your needs. Care Support Workers will receive instructions on how best to perform the duties normally carried out by the Carer. This enables the Carer to have a break with peace of mind.

Therefore you can:

a) plan your Crossroads visits in advance to give yourself help and support at the times you most want.

b) be introduced to a Care Support Worker who is:

~ paid ~ trained ~ police checked and cleared ~ well supervised

c) be assured that when possible, the Care Support Worker initially introduced to you, will visit your home. If however you are sent a different member of staff at any time please be reassured that the quality of care will be the same.

d) instruct the Care Support Worker to do any personal tasks you would normally do. Our staff are required to be flexible in their work with you. (Unless of course, the activity contravenes any of Enfield Crossroads Care's Policies or Codes of Good Practice.)

e) Ask your Care Support Worker to administer certain medications to the person you care for, by arrangement with the Manager, who will note the details on your records.

f) ask for the person you look after to be taken out, (please note that expenses may be incurred)

g) expect the Care Support Worker to be punctual, pleasant and professional.

h) expect understanding and considerate treatment from the Crossroads' office staff.

Notes: On the rare occasion Care Support Workers may ask to use your phone- We will be pleased to reimburse you!
Please remember that the Care Support Worker may have another family to visit. We are sure that you will understand that good time-keeping is essential to for the smooth running of the scheme. We do not generally provide help on Bank Holidays but may be able to make special arrangements.

The Care Support Worker will not:

a) smoke or drink alcohol whilst on duty

b) break confidences, although Care Support Worker may need to discuss any serious matter with the Manager which comes under a Crossroads' policy, e.g. Equal Opportunities, Child Protection etc.

c) accept any personal gifts or money for service, but any donations to the scheme will be gratefully received at the office and will be acknowledged.

We need to let you know that to keep our records correctly, we note some client details on a database and are therefore registered under the Data Protection Act - which means that you may have access to your records should you so wish.

Should there be any questions that these notes have not answered, please phone to ask us what you want to know and we'll be very pleased to help you.

If any problem arises, please contact the office as quickly as possible. If necessary, leave a message on the answer- phone and we will then get back to you.