A new local business, which specialises in providing care for older people in their own homes, has opened in Chesterfield at the Sheepbridge Business Centre and aims to create 30 jobs in the coming year.
The company, Home Instead Senior Care, is part of a national network and has been set up locally by couple Stephanie and Nigel Metham.
Stephanie and Nigel say that the philosophy behind the care is simple, "To provide a service which will enable older people to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible while improving their quality of life."
They have both given up secure jobs to get the business off the ground. Stephanie, who is Care Manager, has enjoyed a long career in the nursing profession, says it was always her ambition to run her own business and was keen to put her skills and talents honed from many years in nursing to good use.
Nigel's background is in the pharmaceutical sector but was alarmed to find that, when his own mother became ill and needed help around the home, the family struggled to find a caring service that would provide companionship and more than task-based care. He says it simply wasn't available.
Stephanie said, "We knew about Home Instead through friends and, having experienced the 'not so good' side of care, decided to bring a service which looks after the individual's physical as well as emotional needs to the Chesterfield area.
"Our care provides companionship, interaction and stimulation in the client's own home, enabling the elderly to live independently for longer."
Home Instead services include personal care such as assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and medication and also home help covering all aspects of day-to-day housework, shopping, meal preparation and household duties.
They also offer companionship services that can involve everything from escorting clients to appointments through to simple conversation and good company.
Stephanie and Nigel are now keen to talk to local people with compassionate and caring natures who may be interested in working with older people. Nigel said: "The way in which we operate is unique and this allows us to offer a different working environment for our caregivers. For example, we carefully match clients and caregivers by looking for common areas of interest or life experience so that there is an immediate connection.
"We need local people to come forward and be part of our team. We will only employ people who are absolutely committed to making a difference, treating our clients with dignity and respect and working to the highest professional standards."
The new Home Instead Senior Care office will provide care for people living in and around the Chesterfield area.
For more information please visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/chesterfield
or call 01246 580187
Article appeared in the Chesterfield Post Tuesday 18th October 2011
