New care service company to create 40 jobs over next 12 months
New care service company to create 40 jobs over next 12 months
FORTY jobs are being created by a home care company.
Carol Lovatt has opened a new Homes Instead Senior Care office in Leek and is looking to recruit up to 40 part-time carers over the next 12 months.
The franchise, which started trading yesterday, will provide a range of services to older people in their homes including companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, shopping and errands.
It is in the process of applying for Care Quality Commission registration, which means it will also be able to provide personal care.
The office, based at Newspaper House in Brook Street, will cover Biddulph, Leek and Cheadle and stretch as far as Ashbourne, Matlock and Bakewell.
Carol, pictured, who started her career as a cadet nurse, used to manage the residential care provision for Staffordshire County Council before being made redundant three years ago.
She said: “I’ve been managing my own personal coaching business for the past three years but I wanted to get back into the care industry.
“I investigated lots of opportunities but once I found Home Instead I immediately knew it felt right. It really fits with my values.
“The ethos of providing caregivers with sufficient time to do the job property is totally in line with my beliefs.”
Carol said Home Instead’s services were tailored to the needs of individual clients and care visits last a minimum of an hour.
She said: “It gives staff the chance to build up a relationship with the clients.”
Carol, from Madeley Heath, said prospective caregivers did not need any previous experience in the sector, although the roles would suit people who have looked after a friend or relative.
She said: “No experience is necessary because we give full training and support people all the way through.
“It’s the attitude that’s important – we’re looking for people who want to care for older people and provide a quality service. It’s like becoming a friend to the older person really.”
Carol said effective care could help older people stay in their homes for longer. Her own grandad lived at home into his 90s with family help.
They helped with chores such as shopping and preparing meals which allowed him to stay at home even with failing eyesight.
It is a situation that increasing numbers of families are having to consider as cash-strapped councils cut down on their residential care provision.
Carol said: “It’s important that older people have a choice about their care and hopefully we’re helping to provide that.”
Home Instead originated in the U.S. and came to the UK in 2005. There are now more than 70 UK franchises including Newcastle, Stone and Crewe.
The Sentinel reported the opening of the Newcastle office in 2009. Care manager Anne Johnstone said the business had grown steadily since its opening, and it moves into new premises in Wolstanton today.
She said: “We’ve outgrown our old office so we’re moving to bigger premises on the High Street.”
