This is the message from Duncan Berry who is urging the social care industry to act quickly and capitalise on a sudden surge of interest from those wanting to work and run businesses in this growing sector.
It’s often at times of greatest uncertainty, that the true value of any profession is fully recognised and appreciated. In many ways, the health and care sectors have taken on an even greater importance and significance in recent months, and all because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The social care sector in particular has experienced huge amounts of positive exposure and coverage, since the emergence of the deadly disease Covid-19.
It seems strange, and maybe ironic too, that it’s taken a national and international pandemic to highlight the amazing work that carers undertake on a daily basis.
Since Covid-19 became a terrible reality of everyday life, the industry has enjoyed a groundswell of interest from people wanting to play their part. The amount of inquiries from people keen to join the profession has increased dramatically in recent months. And the industry must take advantage of this unexpected but welcome trend.
But working in the care industry is unique, and all those interested in joining the profession must be aware of what it entails. It is vastly different to most other employment positions, even for those whose duties are based in administration. It is never simply a case of closing the door behind you at the end of each day, and then returning to work 12 to 16 hours later, or on a Monday morning after enjoying a weekend off. Invariably, there is plenty to do in the evening, and maybe overnight. Carers need to be available to provide support, perhaps in an emergency, by being rostered onto ‘an on-call rota.’
It’s vital too that those who want to become business leaders in social care possess drive and determination. They must demonstrate these qualities to their teams every single day. Setting the correct tone for the business is hugely important. Because of the positive recognition that those working on the frontline in health and social care are now receiving – and not before time – providers of care are suddenly reaping the benefits of this much-improved image.
And with the virus still virulent, it is becoming clearer by the day that people are much safer living in their own houses than being a resident of a busy care home. It is also safer for carers to carry out their duties in this environment. And the hugely valuable role which carers play, in helping their elderly clients achieve this dream, has become more important than ever.
These past few months have especially highlighted the need to provide quality care that satisfies the high demand from people who want to spend their later years in their own homes.
It’s therefore imperative that we in this business community continue to harness this rise in interest, while working hard to recruit and retain as many of these new applicants as possible. This surge may not last forever and it probably won’t. But it’s a sector that is growing rapidly, with the percentage of UK residents aged over 60 or 70 continuing to expand, year-on-year. And it’s not a trend that is likely to change anytime soon.
Franchising guru Duncan Berry is currently working with Nottinghamshire-based Clarity Homecare which has franchise offices all over the UK. Anyone wishing to know more about the company, and its successful network, please contact Duncan on 01623 322006 or via [email protected].
Industry Data: According to Age UK, since 2010 there has been an increase of over 380,000 people – aged 65 and over – who are now living with some level of unmet need. Age UK also reports that by 2040, one in every four people will be aged 65 or over. They believe the number of elderly people living in the UK will rise by 40% over the next 20 years.
