Harborough care boss urges former retail employees to switch sectors
Home Instead Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland have said that the skills required for roles in hospitality and retail are ideal for the care sector.
Pictured above: Rob with his therapy dog, Rosie
Submitted by Katya Joyce
A Leicestershire care boss has urged former retail and hospitality workers to consider careers in the care sector.
As the pandemic brings unemployment and an uncertain future for the job market, Home Instead Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland now needs to fill 30 care roles within the company.
The pandemic has caused a surge in demand for home care as people look to protect their loved ones.
Of the 30 caregiver jobs on offer, 10 of them are for live-in caregivers who move into a client's home to provide care.
Gail Devereux-Batchelor, Managing Director of Home Instead Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland, said: "The care service that we provide is all about companionship.
"Matching a client and a caregiver based on interests and personality is what sets us apart. These are tough times for us all, but we want to reassure people that there are still local employers recruiting for rewarding and fulfilling roles."
Rob joined the company in October 2017, wanting to switch to a more people-focused role.
Rob said: "Before I joined Home Instead, I was a HGV driver doing 15 hour days, which was very lonely work.
"Home Instead allows me to have flexible working hours to spend more time with my family. I can utilise skills from my past career, including time management, admin skills, having initiative, and thinking on my feet to provide solutions to any problems a client may have."
Home Instead said it takes a unique, person-centred approach to home care, which benefits their clients and the team.
Rob said: "I love being a caregiver. I feel I make a difference to someone's day in ways I didn't when I was doing other jobs.
"Our clients are so interesting to talk to, and I am grateful to be given enough time with them to get to know them well. We provide the quality of care I would want for my own family, and I'm proud to be part of it."
Clients are supported to live as independently as possible by caregivers that they come to know well and who visit for a minimum of an hour at a time.
Caregivers' duties are tailored to the needs of individual clients and range from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, personal care, shopping, and errands.
To find out more about Home Instead Market Harborough, Corby and Rutland, please visit their website here.
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