It is now two months since we lost Mum and I realise that I have not written properly to you to thank you for your very kind words of condolence and for all the help ATC has given us over the years.  
 
You first came to our notice about 10 years ago when my cousin found you for her mother, Diana and from ‘the off’ we realised that what you were providing was exceptional.  My mother picked up how excellent the carers were and then encouraged other members of the family, when needing support to use you too.  We had used other agencies in the past when my parents were recuperating from surgery but there were always issues and the quality of care incredibly variable.  (I remember one carer from a well-regarded and expensive agency to support Dad whilst Mum was in hospital, whose one specific task was to ensure he got his epilepsy medication on time, forgot to give it to him – so you can imagine how wary we were!)    So, when it came to us deciding that it was time for my parents to start having more consistent live-in support, you were our preferred first choice and you didn’t disappoint.
 
Initially, the carer was mainly for my dear father who had challenging health issues and over time we stepped up the care, so for the last six months of his life we had two ATC Carers living in.  Whilst this needed considerable logistical planning, with your help and guidance this enabled him to remain at home to the end, which we knew he wanted and gave us all tremendous comfort that his wishes had been respected.  
 
Thereafter, we continued with you to help Mum until her passing, knowing she had a real companion, who she could easily relate to,  who could also provide personal care when required, which again was very reassuring to the family.  My mother initially wanted certain formality in the relationship with the carers however I noticed as time went by, both my parents would sometimes address them as ‘Darling’ – demonstrable affection indeed and after the initial wobbles having someone new living with them, we noticed how comfortable my parents felt.  I also felt I could trust the carers to manage the household in my absence and in the main, they were pro-active and at times even  pre-empting me!  It was also a pleasure to have carers travel with my parents abroad, enabling them into their 90s to still live their lives as fully as possible.
 
As you well know, our family suffered tragedy during the time you supported us, with the loss of my beloved younger sister, whilst I was still working and travelling and my other sister, living abroad.  Quite how we would have managed without your support at this devastating time I cannot imagine.  The dedication, professionalism,  genuine affection and care that the carers demonstrated to both my parents and to us was exemplary.   Inevitably over five years of using ATC, there was the occasional issue, but always dealt with empathetically and efficiently. Having worked in the field of social care for many years, I was impressed with the level of ongoing of training provided and it was telling how motivated many of the carers were in their self-development, when I would come into the house in their time off, they were studying.
 
Friends and family would often comment to me on how lovely the carers were and I know that further introductions and referrals have and will continue to be made to you as a consequence, which Is much deserved.    There are a few ‘stand-out’ individuals, who I won’t name here but I continue to remain in contact with and have become dear friends to our family having shared a journey with us, at times quite difficult, but in the main a happy one.   For Jackie and myself, it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience knowing that our wonderful parents, who were always caring for everyone else, themselves got the very best support through to the end of their lives thanks in part to ATC.
 
Fondest wishes to you and your dear Mum and all at ATC and thank you again