It's been 5 years since we opened the doors. We reflect on what those years have been like
This month marks five years since we first opened our doors. There’s been a lot of change in five years and we have a lot to celebrate. When owners Jon and Helen first started out, we had no clients and our registered manager, Liz, was the only employee. Five years on, we’re a thriving business and to mark our anniversary we thought we’d interview Jon and Liz.
Jon
What was your vision when you started the business?
I wanted to provide a better home care service to the residents of Salisbury and Romsey, one I would be proud of and one which I’d be glad for my own family to receive.
We’ve stuck to our vision over the past five years and although we’ve had a few moments where we could have taken the easier path we’ve chosen to take the longer, harder path because it was the right thing to do.
Looking back over the past five years, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the people we have helped—not just clients but members of staff, people in the wider community, local charities and so forth. The business has allowed me to improve people’s lives, remove their worries and make it possible for them to do more than they imagined they could do.
What are you most excited about as you look forward to the next five years?
I’m excited to see where the business will be in five years, both in scale (how many more people will we be helping/have helped) and in reputation (we want to be known as the highest-quality home care provider in our area).
Liz
What made you want to join the Home Instead team?
I joined Home Instead as I was unhappy doing social care, which I had done for over thirty years. I never had time to really get to know my clients as it is all task-based. I saw the job advertised and my friend was with Home Instead in Northern Ireland and told me to apply.
What are some things that you’re particularly proud of from the past five years?
There are too many things, but I am proud to be the manager of such a caring company and have the most amazing team of Care Professionals working for us making a difference to people’s lives every day.
Do you have a favourite memory or funny story from the last five years that you’d like to share?
I have a special memory of having a tea party at the local community farm, our clients enjoyed this so much and really enjoyed the afternoon. There was so much happiness and laughter that day.
What are some of your hopes for the next five years?
I hope we continue to support our community and set up a support group that will help people living with dementia. I hope to be the best provider and the one that everyone chooses to support their loved ones.