The Good Care campaign runs throughout July and celebrates the work that care providers and their staff deliver each day. In-home care franchise, Visiting Angels are getting involved this year, with their UK network of franchisees getting behind the campaign. Dan Archer, UK Managing Director, is proud to see his team backing the initiative.
“It’s imperative that we all get behind the campaign and celebrate the hard work that our whole team put in every single day. We’re all in care because it’s our passion and it’s our way of delivering good into the world – I’m extremely proud to see our franchisees and their caregivers going the extra mile for their clients.”
One franchisee, Gareth Redmayne, and his caregivers at Visiting Angels South Hertfordshire are proud to be championing the campaign for their first year. Throughout the pandemic, services have been more in demand than ever before and Gareth recognises the importance of ensuring the care they deliver is of the highest quality, even in the most pressured of times.
“Being part of the campaign for the first time since we launched last August is very exciting,” said Gareth. “I’m extremely proud of the work that we’ve done over the past year, especially during the last few months as things got a little more challenging. My caregivers really are at the heart of the business and they make our service so special – it’s our chance to recognise them.
“Visiting Angels is about excellent care and we know what it takes to achieve that. We really get to know the client and their needs, ensuring we provide them with the highest standard of service possible. Whether this is making a light meal, getting them dressed in the morning, engaging in a conversation or delivering personal care, quality is at the core of everything we do.”
Gareth has a team of 9 caregivers who provide almost 100 hours of care to clients within the area of South Hertfordshire. One caregiver, Terry McCarthy, joined Visiting Angels when they launched last year and, at the age of 71, he recalls why he came out of retirement to join the team.
“Since my early 20s, I’ve been in the police force. I particularly enjoyed being a policeman as I was able to help people in the community and make a positive impact – Visiting Angels allows me to do exactly the same. I liked the ethos of the company as they really value their carers, and it’s something I continue to cherish today – I’ve felt valued, appreciated and respected right from the very first time I met Gareth.
“I find caregiving very enjoyable as each day is different. I have my regular clients who enjoy seeing me and being able to get to know them a little more every day is extremely rewarding – clients feel relaxed and comfortable with the service I provide. I would say the main thing I love about being a caregiver is offering support, guidance and, in most cases, essential companionship to my clients. Seeing a smile on their face makes it all worth it.”
As for the one thing that Terry says all caregivers should have: “A sense of humour. You also need to have patience and understanding, but laughter is often the best medicine.”
As Gareth and his team prepare to celebrate their one-year anniversary in August, he is proud of how far the business has come and the potential it holds for the future.
“I’m hoping this year’s Good Care Month is the first of many for us to get behind. We’re constantly striving to create a better industry and this initiative is a perfect way of sharing the inspirational stories and benefits of working within the care sector. Everyone, at some point in their life, will encounter the need for care, it’s our chance to make it the best it can be.”
For more information, visit www.visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk
