Home Instead (Worcester)

I have had a career in Senior Management in the Retail sector, where understanding what people really need and delivering on your promises with a focus on quality service and building strong, lasting relationships have been central to success.

Watching a very close loved one go into care made me ask lots of questions about how care services are traditionally provided, and why so many people end up in residential care when, with help and support they can continue to enjoy life where they really want to be - in their own home.

When I found out about Home Instead I knew I had discovered an organisation that would help me operate a care service which would focus on quality delivery for the individual, not just see care as a task.

I know Worcestershire well, having lived in the County for several years as well as operating businesses in the area, and I look forward to telling you more about what Home Instead Worcester can do for you.

Since owning Home Instead Worcester, I have achieved a Degree in Dementia Studies, through Worcester University.

I started on my journey with Home Instead back in 2014, driven by a commitment to increase high quality care in our local area. Over the years, I've had the privilege to witness the organisation's growth firsthand, culminating in my appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2023.

My professional path is guided by a passion for leadership, an unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality care, and creating meaningful connections within our community. Every decision I make is rooted in these principles, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of those we serve.

When my Nan was diagnosed with vascular dementia, it motivated me to delve deeper into understanding her condition, as I initially had limited knowledge about it. This personal experience ignited my passion for community care, which I found both enjoyable and immensely rewarding. I firmly believe that small gestures can make a significant difference in someone's life.

I completed my NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care in 2015 and have since progressed within Home Instead, culminating in my appointment as Joint Registered Manager in 2022 and General Manager in 2023. Additionally, I completed a postgraduate qualification in Person-Centered Dementia Studies with Worcester University.

I am deeply committed to ensuring the highest quality of care for our clients and continuously strive for improvement in our services.

After graduating with a degree in Biology, my passion for working with people took over and at first led me into the Hospitality sector. I was the manager of many high-turnover, multi-faceted businesses. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment, but in later years always felt like something was missing and wished to put my passion for people into something more rewarding, which led towards a career change into Care work, and a consequent move to Worcestershire.

I thoroughly researched all the care agencies out there (and there are a lot!) and found Home Instead to have by far the best reputation and attitude towards care in the community. I first joined Home Instead in 2017 as a Care Professional in my local area, and was promoted from within. My job is very rewarding, and I am thankful every day for the amazing clients and colleagues that I work with.

I am dedicated to my job and enthusiastic about what we do here at Home Instead. I now love my vocation with a passion, and every day I look forward to inspiring people that I will meet out in the community. My daughter and I live in Pershore just around the corner from my mum and dad, and a stone's throw from where my grandparents were brought up.

Care has been a huge part of my life for more than 30 years, and I still feel incredibly lucky to be doing something I genuinely love.

I first started working in care when my eldest daughter was just six months old. At the time, it was a job that fitted around bringing up my family, but I soon realised that care was much more than just a way to earn a living – I really loved making a difference to people’s lives. I eventually became a Deputy Care Manager, before taking some time away from care to bring up my three children and work as a lecturer and trainer.

As much as I enjoyed teaching, I missed the people and the hands-on side of care. When my children were older, I returned to frontline care and discovered domiciliary care. I loved being able to support people to stay independent and continue living in their own homes, surrounded by the things and people that mattered to them.

It was through this work that I discovered Home Instead. I’d become frustrated by rushed visits and the fact that care could sometimes feel more like a task than a relationship. Home Instead felt different. Having the time to really get to know clients, build trust and provide care around the individual made such a difference – and I knew I’d found somewhere I truly believed in.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in a number of roles within Home Instead, from Care Professional and Area Team Leader to Trainer and Head of Learning & Development for the Hamer Group. I’m now Head of People, which gives me the opportunity to work closely with our wonderful Care Professionals and help create an environment where they can do what they do best.

For me, it all comes back to people. I care deeply about our clients, our families and our Care Professionals, and I’m passionate about making sure everyone feels valued, supported and listened to. Most of all, I want our clients to receive the kind of care I would want for my own family – compassionate, personal and with the time to do things properly.

I’m very proud to be part of Home Instead and to play my small part in helping us provide the outstanding care that our clients deserve.