Independent living care: New provider for Leeds area offers high-quality support to live in your own home

Choice Independent Living originated in Manchester and is now expanding into Leeds and the surrounding areas. Choice has a proven and successful ethos of high-quality care, specially trained staff and developing a genuine connection with individuals and families.

“Choice is a company who clearly employs people with the right skills to look after us at the most challenging and emotional times of our life,” said one family who turned to Choice to find the right support for their relative.

Paul Musgrave, Joint Registered Manager, has been with the company from the start and is now heading up the expansion into Leeds and surrounding areas.

“We have staff members ready to start right away,” he said. “We are very much a company that feels like a family. We invest highly in our staff team which includes a Clinical Lead nurse and a senior Paramedic but we invest most of our time in getting to know those we are going to be caring for.”

Because everyone’s needs are different, and those needs may change over time, Choice offers a range of services and skilled staff so it can be adaptable to anyone’s circumstances.

“Each and every one of the team is fantastic, they have integrity and will respect and take time to learn about that person,” he said. “Whatever is needed, there is always that consistency of approach.”

It’s also about being friendly and approachable – not just providing the personal, clinical and practical care, but being a friend too.

“They cheer me up when visiting me and nothing is ever too much trouble,” said one person, who sought help to live independently with Choice.

What the families say

The service has been well-received, with families finding that Choice has given their relative – and them – exactly what was needed.

Here are some of their comments:

“The care is absolutely brilliant, my life with my husband is so much better now,” said one woman.

Other relatives have commented: “As a family, we feel nothing has been too much for the lovely staff. Without their help it would have been so much more difficult for us to manage.”

And another said: “The staff at Choice always showed empathy, patience, respect, compassion, friendliness and a great sense of humour.”

This was one woman’s experience. “On the first morning visit, I was at a loss as to what to do and what was expected. The carer said ‘this is time for you, if you want to do something, we are here for your husband’ and I realised I could take some time for myself.”

Paul says they know that finding care can be a daunting and emotional time for families and for those who need care – sometimes these are difficult conversations to have. But ensuring the independence, wishes and dignity of the person being cared for are all considered is paramount. They understand that having a stranger in your home is a huge change for someone, but at Choice Independent Living they have the skills to approach this with discretion, kindness and professionalism.

Friendly and thoughtful

“It’s not just about having the right equipment, but the right approach and being sensitive to someone’s needs and likes to ensure that the care plan is right for them, their lifestyle and their environment,” Paul said.

The daughter of one person Choice provides support to gave this feedback: “The professionalism of the staff was amazing. Mum was very at ease with the carers and, as her daughters, we were really pleased with the care.”

Make the Choice – pick up the phone

If you are thinking of support in the home for yourself, a partner or a relative, then just pick up the phone for an informal chat with Paul or one of the team. From there they can suggest the next step, which will include an assessment of the person, their circumstances and environment. Nothing will be rushed – and as soon as you are ready, the staff and the plan will be in place.

To read more take a look at the website and click here. Or phone 0113 868 9654 or email [email protected]