I am not sure who the villains  in the exploitation of care workers.  It is possble that it isn’t the Agencies fault.  Recent media focus has been on a caring sector being squeezed to death by Local Authorities, who are themselves under pressure from austerity measures.  However, this ‘pass the parcel blame game’ doesn’t quite add up, when I look back at the behaviour of Charlotte, and her Agency.

On several occasions plans for a weekend break have been frustrated by our current Care Agency not having staff available.  Generally, they need a couple of weeks notice, and even then I have been let down on several occasions.  I will never know if their tales about late notice, from the social worker, have been significant.  Yet Charlotte’s Agency  offered to provide support  for the whole weekend at  short notice.  Unfortunately, my sinus infection meant that I couldn’t take advantage of their offer, and I didn’t get to see my mum yet again!

I think it is important to mention once again Charlotte in action: a master class in caring.  Her performance replicates the approach of her Agency to customer service: they have been a revalation to deal with.  In my limited contact with the company they have convinced me they are set up to respond to their client base: they exude empathy, compassion and professionalism.

It is possible I have received special  treatment as they try to gain a foothold what appears to be a lucrative market.  If that is their game; good luck to them as they are starting off on sound footing.  Any company that treats their customers with dignity, and respect, deserve to thrive.  How refreshing to receive prompt responses to E mails and enquiries.

The experience my brief contact with Charlottes Agency raises two important questions.  What detremines how Local Authority contracts are awarded?  If small Agencies can respond to communication promptly – why can’t staff who work in the Public Sector do the same?