Wage increases, bonuses, and exceptional care; Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield wins Exemplary Employer and Community Hero awards

Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield has won 2 Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce awards: the Exemplary Employer award and the Community Hero award.

The high-quality home care provider beat tough competition to win the 2 prestigious awards at the 2022 Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce awards held at the Quarry Inn, Horbury on Wednesday 27th April.

Jackie Gillen, Director at Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield said:

“This is another fantastic achievement for the team, I am so chuffed that their hard work, commitment and dedication have been recognised again – I am so proud of them. They have worked so hard over the last year, regularly going above and beyond for our clients, whilst delivering fantastic care.  Our office team have also worked tirelessly to support the wider team of care professionals and it is wonderful their hard work has been recognised too. I really cannot commend them all enough, they have done an outstanding job and both of these awards recognise that.”

Supporting the care team and the local community

When covid-19 hit the UK, Radfield Home Care had to put measures in place to protect clients and staff while complying with Government guidance.  There was a rapid amount of changing information provided, which had to be responded to and put in place, alongside supporting staff teams and clients to remain safe and connected.  

Jackie and her team introduced a number of measures to ensure their dedicated care team were fully trained, supported and recognised for their hard work and dedication through regular team celebrations and online events.  

Care Professionals were paid annual bonuses, were sent regular thank you cards, and as a thank you, they were each provided with a  ‘carer survival kit’ during the second lockdown. Virtual bingo nights and virtual quizzes were organised regularly. The office also provided free healthcare and mental health support to their team to ensure they looked after their health and wellbeing.  We also increased pay rates and are now Real Living Wage accredited.

Along with supporting their care team, Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield undertook a number of measures to reduce loneliness and isolation for clients, helping them stay connected to the things that matter most to them. The office arranged surprises for their clients to brighten their day during the lockdown, such as pamper sessions, personalised photos edited to include late relatives, book and magazine swaps and support with contacting family and friends online. 

Jackie added:

“We also added in companionship visits or more visits if needed to provide clients with more company throughout the week. Every client was sent a personalised treat box including a plant pot with seeds, crosswords, quizzes, tea, coffee, biscuits, chocolate and fudge and a personalised card.”

Care Professional satisfaction

Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield also conducted a survey to gauge staff views on their response to the covid pandemic.  100% of responses said:

• Radfield had kept them fully up to date with all relevant guidance throughout the pandemic. 
• They were aware of the available mental health and wellbeing support.
• They felt fully supported by management. 

Commenting on the measures taken by Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield, a client said:

“Just wanted to thank Radfield Home Carers for the lovely gift box, left at Mum’s today. She will enjoy all the little treats and I completed the quiz with her and filled in the answers. She enjoys crosswords and simple quizzes, so they were all much appreciated. Thank you.”

Helping people age well in their own homes

Dr Hannah MacKechnie, director & co-founder of Radfield Home Care added:

“Congratulations to Jackie and her team for their commitment to providing exceptional care, they truly deserve the recognition these awards bring.

“We wouldn’t be here without the hundreds of phenomenal Care Professionals in our network who go out in their communities to actively help people lead fulfilling lives; so I would like to send our thanks to each and every one of them. Winning both Exemplary Employer and Community Hero awards is a testament to their fantastic work in the most challenging of circumstances.”

Radfield Home Care has a clear and simple mission: Help the nation age well by remaining connected to the things that matter the most to them, and be the employer of choice for Care Professionals.

For more information about the rewarding career opportunities at Radfield Home Care Wakefield & Huddersfield, visit: www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk