CARE company, Home Instead UK, based in Lower Stretton, recently celebrated a key milestone in its history – the opening of its 250th franchise office.
The team applauds its dedicated care professionals who over the past 18 years have made it possible for older people to stay living at home and receive the care crucial to their health and wellbeing.
The national office team and various Home Instead franchise owners from around the country gathered at the beautiful Delamere Manor in Cuddington. Everyone raised a glass to the business’ successful growth and toasted to a future of strengthening the care sector.
Owners of the 250th franchise office, Suzie and Rob Stanton from Home Instead Mansfield attended along with one of their care professionals, Alessia Hunt. They were surrounded by successful franchise owners who introduced Home Instead’s care to communities across the UK, giving families the reassurance that their loved ones are safe, well and comfortable at home.
The owners of the very first franchise, Rob and Bryn Evans from Home Instead Sheffield and Barnsley were amongst the attendees. Still employing their very first care professional that they recruited when they launched the business in 2006, they are a true success story.
Speaking at the event, CEO UK & International, Martin Jones MBE recalled celebrating the brand’s 200th office opening which took place at Chester Cathedral in 2019 and the 100th office celebration in 2012 at the world famous Jodrell Bank Centre in Cheshire.
Reflecting on how far the business has come, he said, “We have grown significantly as a business but our reason for being hasn’t changed.
“Our mission to increase the world’s capacity to care is what unites us and what drives us to deliver quality care which keeps people in their own homes and supports their families.
“As society grapples with our ageing population, home care becomes even more relevant.
“We will continue to work to better understand the needs of our clients and their families, to adapt our model and grow our service offering to ensure that we continue to lead from the front.”
Home Instead was launched in the UK in 2005 with its first office in Chester. The company’s first franchised office opened a year later. They relocated to the Walnut Tree Business Centre in Lower Stretton in 2009.
Spike in demand for services
The company has seen a sharp rise in demand for its services as families look to address health and wellbeing issues they may have seen in loved ones over the festive period. This has led to new employment opportunities on offer for people keen to begin or further a career in care.
Home Instead Warrington and Lymm has seen a 25% seasonal uplift in client enquiries. When families get together for festive gatherings, they often see a change in a loved one’s health, cognitive ability or general disposition, particularly if they haven’t seen each other for a long time. That leads to families having to consider care options.
Melissa Critchley, owner at Home Instead Warrington and Lymm, says: “For many of us, Christmas is when we spend more time with family members than usual. We might notice Mum is more forgetful than last time she visited and is repeating stories. Or perhaps Dad has lost weight and is off his food? It might be that an older loved one is talking about how little they see friends these days and is struggling with loneliness.
“For many families, job number one for the new year is to get professional care.”
Home Instead is looking for 4 care professionals to meet this rise in demand.
Melissa Critchley says: “Those coming onboard and joining as care professionals aren’t just starting a new job, they’re acting as a lifeline for families. There are few roles more rewarding than a job in care and it won’t be long before you realise how much of a difference you’re making. We match care professionals to clients based on similar interests and personality traits; it’s no surprise that so many of them become genuine companions.
“Our new recruits needn’t worry if they don’t have previous experience in care. We provide full training and ongoing support that will stand you in excellent stead to make it possible for an older adult in the local area to live well at home.”
Home Instead Warrington and Lymm has been open for 17 years and employs 45 Care Professionals who help older adults in the community live well at home. The company provides tailored support, typically comprising of help with daily living tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, medication support, companionship and shopping for older people.
For more information on the services provided or to find out about joining their team, please call Helen Wilcock or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/warrington