Care agency manager hopes to provide greater support for people with dementia in Cornwall

Monday 10th October, 2022

The manager of a care agency is hoping to provide greater understanding and support for people with dementia in Cornwall.

John Fawole of Senior Health Care recently relocated his business from London to Riverside House in Newham, Truro.

He and his team of 15 carers provide one-to-one support for elderly and vulnerable people with a range of needs across Cornwall. They provide live-in care and help people with learning disabilities.

Many of Senior Health Care’s clients suffer with dementia – a subject John is passionate about.

He has been working in the care industry for nearly 15 years and has specialist qualifications in caring for people with dementia, a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life.

John says there’s not enough understanding and support for people with the ‘terrible’ disease, which gets worse over time.

People with later-stage dementia need full-time care and support with daily living and personal care, such as eating, washing and dressing.

“My job is to look after people to make sure they as comfortable as possible,” said John. “Dementia is a terrible disease and there needs to be more understanding of it in general and how we can best look after people with it.

“It’s a rapidly changing disease and what you are dealing with one minute can change in the next three minutes. You need patience and special training but it’s so rewarding when you feel you’re helping someone.”

Senior Health Care Agency moved to Riverside House in Newham just over three months ago and John says he’s thrilled he made the decision to relocate.

“I absolutely love it in Cornwall,” he said. “I just keep saying to myself – why didn’t I do this sooner?

“The people are great and the environment where our office is based is very nice.”

The agency provides support for people living in their own homes, as well as for care home residents across the region.

Senior Health Care is the latest arrival to join a group of care agencies already established in Newham, including Alexandra’s Community Care, also in Riverside House, Bluebird Care in Morlaix House, Newham Road and Millbrook Healthcare in Heron Way.

Like many agencies, John is on the lookout for new staff and says he would love to add to his team.

“We need more carers to come and work for us, as well as an office assistant to help out with paperwork and other jobs,” said John. “It’s such a good job and very rewarding,” he added. “You’re looking after people who don’t have the ability to do that anymore. We all want to know that there will be someone out there who can help us when we reach old age.”

To find out more, email admin@seniorhealthcare.org.uk or call 01872 487356 or 07931267855.