Frequently Asked Questions

It is only natural to have questions about what a career in care would mean.

We welcome enquiries to find out more about Bridges Home Care, what we achieve and how we work as a team. We have been supporting individuals and their families for over twenty years and value new input.

Background to organisation

Bridges Home Care was established in 2013. Bonny Harrison the Registered Manager/Director and Wendy James, Finance Manager, have over 35 years’ experience running and delivering domiciliary care within the voluntary, private and social care sector. Working with Children, Young Disabled and Older People.

The areas we are currently providing care in South Oxfordshire and Berkshire with our main Office located along Highlands Lane, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

what services do we provide?

We provide personal and practical support, this includes:

  • Personal Care
  • Pressure area care
  • Washing and bathing – hair washing
  • Oral hygiene and foot care
  • Assistance getting up and going to bed
  • Help with dressing/undressing
  • Toileting / continence management
  • Nutrition – eating and drinking – re-generating ready meals or cooking fresh produce
  • Medication supervision / assistance
  • Respite care
  • Home from hospital care

Practical

  • Light domestic help
  • Laundry / ironing
  • Shopping
  • Escort Services to Day Centres, libraries - including appointments with GP’s, hospitals etc.
  • Providing information - liaise with other professionals / family and friends on behalf of the Service User

Who do we provide Services to?

  • Vulnerable Adults over 18 years of age
  • People with physical or sensory disabilities
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People with a dementia
  • Support to private or family Carers

What training can I expect to have?

All newly recruited staff are knowledge tested and according to experience provided with the appropriate Induction Training to a maximum of 5 days classroom training, followed by a period of shadowing with an experienced and qualified Support Worker.

All staff are expected to enrol on a Diploma in Social Care level 2 within 6 months of employment, and in addition receive on-going personal development and mandatory training throughout their employment.

Do staff wear uniforms and carry identification?

All staff are expected to wear Bridges Home Care uniforms consisting of navy tunics and navy trousers. The tunics are provided by Bridges and staff can choose their own trousers and a £10 subsidy is given by Bridges per pair. Fleeces are available at the request of the Support Worker and are subsidised by Bridges.

There are exceptional circumstances when uniforms may not be worn. When a Service User has specifically asked that staff do not wear a uniform – i.e. when accompanying on social outings, and those Service Users diagnosed with a form of dementia, who may find the uniform threatening.

It is compulsory for all staff to wear their identification badge at all times whilst carrying out their Support Worker Activities.

Does it matter if I have no experience in Support Work?

Not at all! As long as you are caring, trustworthy, reliable and committed and have a strong desire to be a good Support Worker, we will train you to do the work.

Will I be expected to work evenings and weekends?

Regardless of whether staff are employed on a part-time or full-time basis, there will be a requirement to be available every other weekend and one to two evenings during the week. It is appreciate that there are those whose circumstances dictate their availability and are only available to work evenings and weekends and this will be indicated in their employment details. Bridges will require sufficient notice of any change in availability, as this may well impact upon the working hours we then are able to offer.

Pay and Benefits

You will be paid £9.25 per hour weekdays (social hours) between 07.00 and 22.00 and £11 weekends (unsocial hours) before 07.00 and after 22.00 weekdays and weekends. (£8.25 and £10 for inexperienced recruits) which will rise to higher rate after completion of their Probationary Period of 3 months.

Payroll is run every 4 weeks and paid by BACS directly into your personal account.

Mileage is paid at 32 pence per mile excluding to and from home.