Care capacity challenge in Exeter and East Devon

Local outstanding home care provider, Home Instead, is gearing up for a sharp rise in demand for its services, which in turn has led to new employment opportunities for people in the local area who want to start, or further a career in care.

Each year, Home Instead Exeter and East Devon sees a 25% seasonal uplift in client enquiries over the winter period. In the last four months alone, the company has seen a 50% increase in care enquiries: a trend which they anticipate will continue. When families and friends get together for festive gatherings, they often notice changes in their loved one’s health and wellbeing, particularly if they haven’t seen them for a long time. That leads to families having to begin considering the care options available, ahead of making enquiries in the new year.

Mark McGlade, co-owner at Home Instead Exeter and East Devon, says: “This festive season, some of us will sadly spot changes in our older loved ones. Perhaps Mum doesn’t seem as mobile as she used to be, or maybe Dad’s forgetfulness has become a cause for concern? Putting just a little support in place, whilst the need is small, is a really sensible approach. It allows peace of mind for the family, and if it’s the right kind of care, it can really enable the individual concerned and hopefully, lead to a positive and improved outcome. Professional care is very often what families consider as a form of help.”

Home Instead has in excess of 30 caregiver vacancies to meet this anticipated rise in demand, and to also fit in with their exciting plans for growth.

Commenting on the role of a caregiver, Mark says: “We recruit people from a whole range of backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is their kindness and a genuine desire to make a difference. Age is no barrier either, as we have team members from age 18 to 78 years young! We provide our caregivers with full training, which stands them in great stead to help an older adult live well at home. Plus, there are a range of career options with regard to community care or indeed management roles. Our new Personalised Career Pathways scheme has opened up the possibilities for our team members, through fully funded training and qualifications, in a variety of areas. It’s a really exciting prospect.”

Home Instead Exeter and East Devon was founded by Mark and Vanessa McGlade, after they struggled to find what they felt was appropriate and kind care for their own loved one. The company recently celebrated their 10th anniversary and employs over 120 local caregivers, who help older adults in the community to live well at home.

The company provides tailor-made support, typically comprising of companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, personal care, medication reminders, shopping and errands for older people, and is rated as Outstanding in all five areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They offer a different approach to care, through visits of no less than an hour, allowing caregivers the time to do tasks with a client rather than for them, and pride themselves on being a very different kind of employer, having recently been awarded a 5 Star Employer in Care award by WorkBuzz for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information on the services provided or to find out about joining their team, please call 01395 200600, follow the team on Facebook viahttps://www.facebook.com/hiexetereastdevon or visithttps://www.homeinstead.co.uk/exeter-east-devon/.