One Plug One Socket

Keeping our clients safe and well: the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service visit Right at Home Bournemouth and Poole

At Right at Home Bournemouth and Poole, we are pleased that our dedicated team of home care assistants were today visited by Gaynor Mant, the Safe and Well Team Leader for Dorset to receive an in-depth briefing on the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service's vital "Safe and Well" scheme. This proactive initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to providing a comprehensive, safe and outstanding service, contributing to the well-being and security of every individual in our care.

Right at Home believes that exceptional home care extends beyond daily assistance; it encompasses a holistic approach to safety and quality of life. The "Safe and Well" scheme, a cornerstone of the community safety remit of the fire service, empowers us to further enhance what we can do for our clients, offering families unparalleled peace of mind.

During the comprehensive briefing, our fantastic care assistants gained invaluable insights into identifying potential fire hazards and understanding the crucial preventative measures that can be taken in the home. A key takeaway from the session highlighted the importance of electrical safety. While we understand that extension leads can be a necessity in some homes, the briefing stressed that the risk of electrical fires can be significantly reduced by adhering to a "one plug for one socket" rule when it comes to heat-generating appliances such as kettles, hair dryers, or hair straighteners. This simple yet effective practice helps prevent circuit overload and potential hazards.

"The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service's 'Safe and Well' scheme is an incredibly valuable resource for our community, and we are thrilled to further integrate it into our care provision," says Andrew Davis, owner of the Bournemouth and Poole office of Right at Home. "Our care assistants are now even better equipped to offer practical advice and identify areas where a professional fire safety assessment could make a real difference."

As part of our initial comprehensive assessment with all new clients, we have always proactively suggested a "Safe and Well" visit from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service. If agreed by a client, this free service involves a direct inspection of the client's home by fire safety experts who can identify risks and where needed install crucial safety equipment such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This collaborative approach ensures that our clients benefit from the highest standards of care, both from our compassionate team and from the emergency services.

This initiative is also an excellent example of collaborative working, demonstrating how otherwise competing care providers can work together for the greater good. We were particularly pleased that Sadie from Good Oaks Home Care was also present at the briefing, showcasing a true spirit of co-production and shared commitment to community safety.

At Right at Home Bournemouth and Poole, we are dedicated to going above and beyond to safeguard the comfort and security of those we serve. Our collaboration with the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service's "Safe and Well" scheme is just one more way we demonstrate our commitment to providing an exceptional and truly outstanding home care service.

For more information on the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service Safe and Well scheme, please visit https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/.