Safety is paramount, our clients have to be completely confident our service is as safe as it can be. Safety to us is both physical health and mental health. It is of the utmost importance anyone who employs Just Company are assured they or theirs are in safe hands. Of course, all of our companions have current DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks, and insurance. Their cars are insured and have current MOTs.
Whilst we are not official Carers but we really do care. Our standards are the highest, not just from a legal standpoint but for respect for our clientele. If I was to engage a companion for my aunt I would want to be assured she is in safe hands -very safe hands.
Our Companions get their DBS and insurance as mentioned. Then it's onto Safe Guarding, appropriate contracts designed with client protection in mind (I like the waiver Just Company has; stating the company or any one working on behalf of the company can NOT accept any form of inheritance from a client). Companions are people who have had training and experience working with and understanding people of older age.
BUT thats not all.
All of the above is compliance, of course, but what does safe actually look like? Our clients are also in the knowledge they will be being treated with respect, acceptance, compassion and understanding. Their opinions are heard and respected. Their confidentiality too (excepting safeguarding issues).
We understand all the physical aspects of safety, but depression, loneliness and isolation are so, so painful, these can hurt in an almost indescribable way. Being treated like a kid, being patronised, being controlled must really hurt. Just because you can not walk without an aide, or have the confidence to explore the local area, or just go to the shops does not mean that you are not able to think, believe, or have opinions that are just as valued as anyone else. Sometimes it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, you are treated like a child so you behave like a child. How many of us say to each other – when I get like this please just let me leave this planet peacefully, don’t put me in a home, don’t feed me like a baby or talk to me like an infant.
Just Company is acutely aware of the physical safety of our clientele, but here at Just Company, we place as much importance on maintaining mental health as on maintaining physical health. Maintaining intellectual stimulation, creativity and sociability is paramount, regardless of mental capacity. All our companions are companions who show total respect, and value and treat others as if they were their relatives. Of course, if anything was disclosed that was harmful or abusive we would act appropriately, adhering to safeguarding protocol. We aim to safeguard our clientele, and treat them as if they were our mum or dad, aunt or someone we really care for. How do we do this, by having everything in place to physically protect, and keeping up to date with relevant legislation and research?
But most of all its maintaining respect, ensuring we understand the needs of our clientele and showing the utmost care and attention to their needs.
