Compassionate home care in Stoke Poges: Supporting you and your loved ones

Introduction to Stoke Poges and its suitability for home care

Nestled in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside, Stoke Poges offers a tranquil setting, making it an ideal location for receiving care services at home. With its peaceful village atmosphere, beautiful green spaces, and strong community spirit, this charming locale provides the perfect backdrop for those needing support while remaining in familiar surroundings.

Stoke Poges is more than just the setting of Thomas Gray’s famous Elegy; it’s a community where neighbours still look out for one another. The village’s gentle pace of life and good connections to nearby towns and Amersham Hospital create an environment conducive to receiving quality care at home.

At Oxford House Community Care, we understand that Stoke Poges residents value their independence and the deep connections they’ve formed with this special place. Our care philosophy centres around enabling people to continue enjoying the comfort of their homes and the community they love, while receiving the support they need.

What is home care?

Home care is a profoundly personal service that brings quality care directly to you or your loved one in the familiar comfort of your home. It’s about maintaining independence and dignity while receiving professional support tailored to individual needs. Our care services range from occasional visits to provide companionship or help with everyday tasks to comprehensive round-the-clock care for those with more complex needs.

Unlike residential facilities, home care allows people with care requirements to stay in their cherished space, surrounded by memories and comforting possessions. This flexible approach adapts as needs change, providing precisely the right level of support at the right time.

For many families in Stoke Poges, home care represents a middle path—providing professional support without the upheaval of moving to a care facility. Our dedicated team works closely with each client and their family to create a supportive environment that feels safe and familiar.

Types of home care available in Stoke Poges

Our care services in Stoke Poges encompass a comprehensive range of support options, each tailored to meet individual needs and preferences:

Personal care

Personal care forms the foundation of our services, covering assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility support. Our care team delivers these intimate services with the utmost respect for dignity and privacy.

Live-in care

Our live-in care services provide reassurance and security for those requiring continuous support. A dedicated carer lives in your home. This type of care offers families peace of mind, knowing their loved one receives consistent, personalised attention from experienced carers who become trusted companions.

Respite care

We understand that sometimes families need a break, so our respite care services are designed to provide temporary relief while maintaining standards of care. Whether it’s planned or emergency cover, our respite carer steps in seamlessly to ensure continuity of support.

Convalescent care

For those recovering after hospital stays, our convalescent care offers the support needed to regain strength and independence. Working alongside healthcare professionals, we facilitate a smooth recovery in the comfort of home.

Specialist care

Our specialist care services address specific conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, or stroke recovery, delivered by experienced nurses and carers with specialised training. Similarly, our palliative care approach focuses on comfort and dignity for those with life-limiting conditions, taking a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

We also offer short-term care packages for temporary support needs, such as after an operation or during a family holiday. These packages ensure continuity of care during transitional periods.

Benefits of choosing home care over an alternate service

Choosing home care in Stoke Poges offers significant advantages beyond mere practical support. Perhaps most importantly, it allows your loved one to maintain their sense of independence and control over daily life, which is fundamental to quality of life and emotional wellbeing.

The comfort of remaining in familiar surroundings cannot be overstated. Home holds memories, personal items, and established routines that provide security and emotional grounding, which is particularly important for those with cognitive impairments. Our care team understands how to preserve these crucial elements while providing support.

High-quality home care offers truly personalised attention that’s difficult to achieve in residential settings. Our care plans are meticulously tailored to individual preferences, habits, and needs—from preferred mealtimes to favourite activities. This personalisation extends to matching carers, ensuring compatibility in personality and approach.

For many families, home care proves more cost-effective than residential options, mainly when needs are moderate or when live-in carers can replace multiple daily visits. We provide transparent advice on funding for care options to help you make informed decisions.

Another significant advantage of home care is its flexibility. As needs evolve, we can seamlessly adjust the level of support without the trauma of relocating. This adaptability ensures appropriate care at every stage of the journey.

Perhaps most valuable is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one receives one-to-one attention from dedicated care staff who know them well and can spot subtle changes in their condition or mood. This personalised vigilance often leads to earlier intervention when health issues arise.

How home care works in Stoke Poges

Our approach to providing high-quality home care in Stoke Poges begins with our understanding that each person’s journey is unique. The process starts with a comprehensive assessment conducted by our care assessor in the comfort of your home. This initial meeting allows us to understand care needs, preferences, routines, and the little details that make a house a home.

Following this assessment, our care coordinators work closely with you and your family to develop bespoke care plans that address every aspect of care delivery. These plans are living documents, regularly reviewed and adjusted as needs change or as we discover better ways to support you.

The heart of our service is our carefully selected team of experienced carers, each chosen not just for their qualifications but for their compassionate nature and ability to connect with people with care requirements. We take great care in matching suitable carers with clients, considering personalities, interests, and specific care skills to ensure a comfortable relationship.

For those receiving live-in care services, the carer becomes part of daily life, sensitively providing support while respecting the home as the patient’s space. For those with visiting care, we strive for consistent scheduling so the patient sees familiar faces at predictable times.

Our care professional team is supported by robust systems and supervision from management to carers, ensuring high standards are maintained. Regular check-ins and reviews with clients and families ensure appropriate and effective care.

Our integration with local resources and healthcare services sets our service apart in Stoke Poges. We collaborate with community nurses, GPs, and therapists, creating a coordinated approach that enhances well-being and ensures no aspect of care is overlooked.

Choosing your home care provider in Stoke Poges

Key factors to consider when choosing a provider in Stoke Poges

Selecting the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions for yourself or a loved one. Stoke Poges has several providers, but certain factors are particularly worth considering.

First, look for a provider whose care philosophy aligns with your values and expectations. At Oxford House Community Care, we believe in preserving independence and dignity while providing necessary support—an approach that resonates with many families in our community.

Consider the provider’s experience with your specific needs. Whether you require specialist dementia care, palliative care, or mobility support, carers must have relevant training and expertise. Our dedicated care team includes specialists in various aspects of care, ensuring appropriate support regardless of circumstances.

Another crucial factor is the consistency and reliability of care. Ask potential providers about their staff turnover rates and how they ensure continuity of care. We pride ourselves on retaining our lovely staff through fair employment practices and a supportive work environment, which translates to more consistent care for our clients.

Local knowledge can significantly improve care quality. Our team’s familiarity with Stoke Poges means we can help clients stay connected to community resources and navigate local services effectively.

Accreditations and awards

Reputable care providers maintain appropriate registrations and accreditations, verifying their commitment to care excellence. Oxford House Community Care is fully registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and adheres to rigorous, regularly assessed standards of care.

Beyond regulatory compliance, we’ve been recognised for our exceptional standard of care through various industry awards that reflect our commitment to excellence. These external validations provide reassurance about the quality of our services but are secondary to the satisfaction of our clients and their families.

Reviews and feedback

Authentic feedback from current and past clients offers valuable insights when researching care providers. We encourage you to read reviews and testimonials from families in Stoke Poges who have experienced our services firsthand. These stories often highlight the compassionate relationships formed between our experienced carers and the people with care requirements they support.

We’re proud of the positive feedback we receive, but we also view any concerns as opportunities to improve. Our transparent approach to client satisfaction reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing our care services.

Carer vetting and matching process

The quality of care ultimately depends on the individuals who deliver it. Our rigorous recruitment process includes enhanced DBS checks, thorough reference verification, and comprehensive interviews that assess technical capabilities and essential qualities like empathy and reliability.

What truly sets our approach apart is our careful matching process. Rather than assigning carers based solely on availability, we consider personality compatibility, shared interests, and specific expertise to create meaningful connections. This thoughtful matching is particularly important for live-in carers who become integral to daily life.

Local healthcare integration

Our care in Stoke Poges doesn’t exist in isolation but forms part of a wider support network. We’ve established strong working relationships with local GP practices, community nurses, therapists, and Amersham Hospital, ensuring coordinated care that addresses all aspects of wellbeing.

This integration means we can facilitate smooth transitions between services, advocate for our clients, and appropriately communicate important health information. When hospital discharge planning is needed, our established connections with Amersham Hospital enable us to create seamless transitions back to home care.

Overview of our home care and approach

At Oxford House Community Care, our approach in Stoke Poges is built on the foundation of treating each person as an individual with unique needs, preferences, and life experiences. We reject one-size-fits-all solutions in favour of truly personalised care that respects autonomy while providing necessary support.

Our care philosophy centres around enabling people to live happily at home, maintain connections to their community and the things that bring meaning to their lives. We see ourselves as enablers rather than service providers—helping people do as much for themselves as possible while stepping in when support is needed.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, recognising that wellbeing encompasses physical health, emotional support, social well-being, and practical assistance. This holistic perspective informs everything from initial assessments to ongoing care delivery.

Range of services offered

Our comprehensive service range covers everything from companionship and light housekeeping to complex nursing support and 24-hour dementia care. This spectrum allows us to provide precisely what is needed: a few hours of weekly assistance or round-the-clock care.

Our core services include:

Personal care

Personal care is delivered with dignity and respect, and help with bathing, dressing, continence management, and grooming is done in a way that preserves self-esteem and comfort.

Live-in care

Live-in care services provide continuous support from a compatible carer who becomes a trusted presence in the home, offering practical help and companionship.
Medication management ensures that prescribed treatments are taken correctly and any side effects are monitored appropriately.

Mobility support

Mobility support that helps maintain independence while minimising fall risks through appropriate assistance and encouragement.

Household management

Household management includes meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry, shopping, and maintaining a comfortable, safe home environment.

Specialist care

Specialist care for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, and diabetes, delivered by carers with additional training and expertise.

Palliative care

Palliative care focused on comfort and dignity, working alongside healthcare professionals to manage symptoms and provide emotional support.

Respite care

Respite care offering family carers a well-deserved break with the confidence that their loved one remains well-supported.

Nutritional support and dietary considerations

Good nutrition is fundamental to health and wellbeing, so our care services include thoughtful attention to dietary needs. Our team can prepare nourishing meals that accommodate medical requirements, cultural preferences, and personal tastes.

For clients with specific conditions like diabetes or dysphagia, our experienced carers work with dietitians to implement appropriate meal plans. We understand that eating is not just about nutrition but also enjoyment, so we strive to make mealtimes pleasant social occasions whenever possible.

Social activities and mental stimulation

Maintaining cognitive function and emotional wellbeing requires regular mental stimulation and meaningful social interaction. Our care plans incorporate activities tailored to individual interests and abilities—reading together, reminiscing through photo albums, playing games, or facilitating outings to Stoke Poges community events.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, our carers can accompany clients on walks around Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens or other local beauty spots, providing physical exercise and connection with nature.

Embracing diversity and inclusion in our care

Understanding the diverse community in Stoke Poges

Stoke Poges has evolved into a diverse community with residents from various cultural backgrounds. Our care team reflects this diversity and understands the importance of culturally sensitive care that respects different traditions, beliefs, and practices.

Tailoring care to different cultural and religious needs

From dietary requirements to religious observances, our bespoke care plans accommodate cultural and spiritual needs. Whether preparing traditional foods, respecting prayer times, or supporting participation in cultural celebrations, we ensure care is delivered honouring each person’s identity and traditions.

Language support and cultural competence of our care team

Communication is fundamental to good care, so we offer language support where possible, matching clients with carers who speak their preferred language when available. Our care staff receive cultural competence training to ensure respectful, appropriate care for everyone we serve.

Inclusive practices in our home care approach

Our commitment to inclusion extends to supporting LGBTQ+ clients with dignity and respect, accommodating diverse family structures, and ensuring our services are accessible to people of all backgrounds. Everyone deserves care that affirms their identity and meets their unique needs.

Our care team’s qualifications and local expertise

The exceptional quality of our care services in Stoke Poges stems directly from our dedicated care team—compassionate professionals whose expertise combines formal qualifications with practical experience and genuine empathy.

Each member of our team undergoes comprehensive initial training that exceeds industry standards. This training covers everything from moving and handling techniques to medication management and dementia care. Beyond these foundations, many experienced carers hold specialised qualifications in palliative care, diabetes management, or stroke rehabilitation.

However, our team’s deep understanding of the Stoke Poges community sets it apart. Many of our carers live locally and bring invaluable knowledge of area resources, from the best accessible walking routes in Stoke Park to which local shops deliver groceries. This local insight helps our clients maintain their connection to the community they cherish.

Experience with emergency procedures and crisis management

While we focus on preventative care and maintaining wellbeing, our team is fully prepared for emergencies. All carers receive regular training in first aid and emergency response protocols, with clear procedures for contacting emergency services and managing acute situations until help arrives.

Our 24-hour support system ensures that guidance is always available. On-call supervisors are ready to provide advice or dispatch additional help when needed. This robust safety net offers peace of mind for clients and their families.

Integration with local healthcare and community resources

Our care team collaborates with local healthcare providers, maintaining open communication with GPs, district nurses, pharmacists, and therapists. This integrated approach ensures coordinated care and prevents fragmentation when isolating support aspects.

Beyond healthcare, we connect clients with community resources that enhance quality of life—from local befriending schemes to accessible transport services. Our carers often facilitate participation in community activities, helping clients maintain social connections and engage with Stoke Poges village life.

Language support and cultural sensitivity

Reflecting the diversity of the Stoke Poges community, our team includes carers from various cultural backgrounds, some of whom speak multiple languages. This diversity allows us to match clients with carers who understand their cultural context and can communicate in their preferred language when possible.

All team members receive training in cultural sensitivity, ensuring respectful care that honours different traditions, religious practices, and personal preferences. This cultural competence is crucial in intimate care situations, where understanding cultural norms around modesty and personal space is essential.

Our quality assurance and accreditations

Delivering consistently high-quality home care requires robust quality assurance systems and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our approach to maintaining exceptional standards of care in Stoke Poges combines rigorous internal monitoring with external validation.

Our quality assurance framework includes regular supervision and support for all staff, from care coordinators to live-in carers. These sessions provide opportunities to review practice, address challenges, and share successes, ensuring our dedicated care team feels supported and valued.

Client feedback is an essential part of our quality monitoring. Regular reviews and satisfaction surveys help us understand what we’re doing well and where to improve. We view complaints not as failures but as valuable opportunities to enhance our service.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates our care. Its independent assessments provide external validation of our standard of care. We’re proud of our positive CQC ratings, which reflect our commitment to safe, effective, compassionate, and well-led care.

Beyond regulatory compliance, we hold industry accreditations demonstrating our commitment to excellence. These external validations provide additional reassurance about the quality of our care services but are secondary to the satisfaction of our clients and their families.

Our use of care technology and its benefits

While human connection remains at the heart of our care services, we thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance safety, independence, and communication. Our approach balances innovation with simplicity, ensuring technology supports rather than complicates care.

For clients with specific needs, we can incorporate various assistive devices into their care plans—from medication dispensers with automated reminders to motion sensors that detect falls or unusual movement patterns. These technologies provide an additional layer of security without being intrusive.

Our bespoke systems for care planning and record-keeping ensure essential information is accurately recorded and easily accessible to authorised team members. This digital approach improves communication between carers, reduces the risk of errors, and creates a comprehensive record of care delivery.

For families who wish to stay connected with their loved one’s care, we offer secure online portals where they can view care notes, upcoming appointments, and messages from the care team. This transparency helps involve families in care decisions even when they can’t be physically present.

Accessibility features and accommodations

We understand that technology should be accessible to everyone, regardless of technical ability or physical limitations. Our digital tools are designed with simplicity in mind, with clear interfaces and alternative access options for those with visual impairments or limited dexterity.

We always provide non-digital alternatives for clients who prefer traditional communication methods, ensuring technology enhances rather than restricts access to our services.

Funding and managing home care costs

Understanding the costs of home care in Stoke Poges

We believe in complete transparency regarding the costs of our care services in Stoke Poges. Home care costs vary depending on several factors, including the level of support needed, frequency of visits, and whether you require specialist care or live-in care services.

Rather than publishing a standard rate card, we provide personalised quotes based on individual needs, ensuring you only pay for your required support. This assessment considers care needs and how we can structure services efficiently to provide value without compromising quality.

While home care represents a significant investment, many families find it comparable to or more cost-effective than residential options, particularly when considering long-term care costs and the added value of remaining in a familiar environment.

Exploring funding options and local authority support

Navigating the complex landscape of care funding can be challenging, which is why our care advisers provide guidance on available options. These may include:

Local authority funding is available for those who meet eligibility criteria after a needs assessment and financial assessment by Buckinghamshire Council.

NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is available for individuals with significant health-related needs. It can cover the full cost of care regardless of financial circumstances.

Attendance Allowance and other disability benefits that can help offset care costs for those who qualify.

We offer advice on care funding without pressure, helping families understand their options and make informed decisions. We aim to ensure that financial concerns don’t prevent access to necessary support.

Eligibility for financial aid

Determining eligibility for financial support involves assessments by local authorities or the NHS. Our team can help you prepare for these assessments, ensuring that all relevant needs are appropriately documented and considered.

We provide guidance on managing private payments effectively for those not qualifying for public funding. This includes information about possible benefits and suggestions for structuring care efficiently.

We understand that financial circumstances can change, and our care coordinators are available to discuss adjustments to care packages if needed, always aiming to find solutions that maintain quality while respecting budget constraints.

Getting started with our services

Initial assessment and consultation

Your journey with Oxford House Community Care starts with a comprehensive, no-obligation assessment conducted by our experienced care assessor in the comfort of your home in Stoke Poges. This initial meeting lets us understand your care needs, preferences, routines, and the little details that make a house a home.

During this visit, we listen to the person needing care and their family members, recognising that each perspective offers valuable insights. We’ll discuss daily routines, medical requirements, mobility needs, dietary preferences, and the activities that bring joy and meaning.

This assessment is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, express concerns, and begin building a relationship with our team. We believe in honest, clear communication from the very beginning of our care arrangement.

Creating personalised care plans

Following the assessment, our care coordinators develop bespoke care plans that address every aspect of care delivery. These detailed documents serve as a roadmap for our carers, ensuring consistency while allowing flexibility to respond to changing needs or preferences.

Each plan includes specific information about how care should be delivered, from preferred shower temperature to how a sandwich should be prepared. These seemingly small details make a significant difference to comfort and dignity.

Care plans are living documents, regularly reviewed and updated as needs evolve or as we discover better ways to support you. This responsive approach ensures care remains appropriate and effective over time.

Matching carers

The relationship between carer and client is fundamental to successful home care, so we choose suitable carers with each individual. This process considers not just care skills but also personalities, interests, and communication styles.

This matching process is significant for live-in carers, who become integral to daily life. We often arrange introductory meetings before care begins, allowing both parties to ensure they feel comfortable with the arrangement.

Our goal is to create consistent, trusting relationships between carers and clients. While we can’t guarantee the same carer for every visit in domiciliary care, we strive to maintain a small, regular team for each client.

Ongoing support, future planning and care plan adaptation

Our commitment doesn’t end once care begins—it evolves as circumstances change. Regular reviews with clients and families ensure care remains appropriate, with adjustments made promptly when needed.

Supervisors and managers support our care team by providing guidance, monitoring quality, and quickly addressing concerns. This robust support structure ensures that high standards are consistently maintained.

We also help clients plan for future needs, having honest conversations about how care might need to evolve and ensuring smooth transitions when additional support becomes necessary.

Transition support for new clients

Beginning home care represents a significant change, even when it’s positive. Our transition support helps clients and families adjust to this new chapter, with additional check-ins during the early weeks and a responsive approach to refining care arrangements.

For those transitioning from hospital or another care setting, we work closely with discharge teams and other professionals to ensure continuity of care and a smooth handover of important information.

Client rights and advocacy

We empower our clients to maintain control over their care wherever possible. Our service is built on respect for individual rights, including the right to privacy, dignity, and self-determination.

For clients who need additional support in making their voices heard, we can connect them with advocacy services or assist them in communicating their preferences to healthcare professionals and other service providers.

Why choose our home care services in Stoke Poges

Recruitment and training of carers

The exceptional quality of our care services in Stoke Poges begins with our meticulous recruitment process. We select individuals for their qualifications, experience, natural compassion, patience, and genuine interest in improving others’ lives.

All potential team members undergo rigorous screening, including enhanced DBS checks, thorough reference verification, and comprehensive interviews that assess technical capabilities and essential qualities like empathy and reliability.

Once selected, our care staff complete an intensive induction programme that exceeds industry requirements. This programme covers everything from practical skills to understanding the emotional aspects of care. This training continues throughout their careers with us, with regular updates and opportunities to gain additional qualifications.

Continuous professional development

We believe that exceptional care requires continuous learning, which is why we invest significantly in ongoing professional development for our team of care staff. Regular supervision, specialist training, and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications ensure our team stays at the forefront of best practice.

We provide additional specialist training for those working with clients who have specific conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate support. This commitment to learning directly translates to better outcomes for our clients.

The difference our home care makes

The accurate measure of our success lies in the difference we make to people’s lives in Stoke Poges. For some clients, our support means they can continue living independently despite increasing frailty. For others, it provides reassurance that a loved one is safe and well-cared for when family can’t be present.

Our attentive care often results in improved physical health through better medication management, nutrition, and mobility support. Equally important are the emotional benefits—reduced anxiety, increased social interaction, and the comfort of building a trusting relationship with carers who become familiar faces.

Family members frequently tell us that our support has transformed their relationship with their loved one, allowing them to enjoy quality time together rather than focusing solely on care tasks.

Enhancing quality of life

Our approach goes beyond meeting basic care needs to actively enhancing our clients’ quality of life. We believe meaningful activities, social connections, and moments of joy are essential to well-being at any age.

Whether helping a client continue a beloved hobby, facilitating visits to favourite places in Stoke Poges, or simply taking time for conversation over a cup of tea, our dedicated care team focuses on the details that make life worth living.

For those with limited mobility, we bring the community to them—arranging visits from friends, helping with video calls to family, or finding ways to participate in local events from home.

Embracing diversity and inclusion

Our services are designed to support people from all backgrounds and circumstances, with a commitment to culturally sensitive care that respects different traditions, beliefs, and practices. Our diverse team brings understanding of various cultural contexts, and we strive to match clients with carers who can relate to their background when possible.

From accommodating religious observances to preparing traditional foods from different cultures, our holistic approach ensures care is delivered honouring each person’s identity and preferences.

Ongoing support for families and carers

We recognise that when someone needs care, the whole family is affected. Our family support team provides guidance, information, and emotional support to help relatives navigate the challenges of changing relationships and responsibilities.

Our services offer peace of mind and practical relief to those who balance caring responsibilities with work or other commitments. We collaborate with family carers, complementing rather than replacing their involvement and keeping them informed about their loved one’s well-being.

Environmental commitment in Stoke Poges

As members of the Stoke Poges community, we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact. Our local focus means shorter travel distances for our care team, reducing carbon emissions. We also implement environmentally friendly practices in our care delivery, from reducing single-use products where safe to do so, to advising on energy efficiency measures that can benefit both the planet and our clients’ utility bills.

Community engagement and local partnerships

We believe in being active participants in the Stoke Poges community. We collaborate with local organisations to enhance support networks for elderly and vulnerable residents. Our partnerships with community groups, charities, and healthcare providers create a more coordinated approach to wellbeing in the area.

These connections provide our clients with additional opportunities for social engagement and access to specialist services that complement our care. Whether we arrange attendance at community events or bring local activities into the home, we help maintain those vital community bonds.

Next steps

If you or a loved one in Stoke Poges is considering home care, we’re here to guide you through the process with sensitivity and clarity. First, contact us for an informal conversation about your situation and how we can help.

Our care advisers can answer your questions, provide information about our services, and arrange a home visit if you wish to proceed with an assessment. There is no obligation at this stage—it’s just an opportunity to explore your options with expert guidance.

If you decide our services are right for you, we’ll arrange a comprehensive assessment at home. This will be followed by developing personalised care plans and carefully matching them with suitable carers.

We understand that deciding on care arrangements can feel overwhelming, so we aim to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible. Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing clear information and responding promptly to any concerns.

Remember that good care planning takes time. If you’re considering arranging support, it’s worth starting conversations early, even if you don’t need immediate assistance. This allows for thoughtful decision-making without the pressure of urgent need.