A HOME care company is looking for extra staff after Covid caused demand to ‘sky rocket.’

Home Instead Senior Care say the pandemic has meant more elderly people and their families looking for care services which allow them to stay in their own homes.

Peter Bath, co-owner of the business, which covers Stourbridge, Hagley and Halesowen, says there has been an increased demand for their home care services and now they need 20 carers to join their team.

“We have seen enquiries sky-rocket over the past couple of months. Lockdown has demonstrated the benefits of elderly people continuing to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

“We are urging people who may have been made redundant to consider a career-change to caring. Our caregivers have come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common - their love of caring and their desire to provide the best possible service to our clients.”

He said the company is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQCand has consistently received glowing feedback from their annual employee satisfaction surveys.

Caregiver Karen has been working for Home Instead for five years. She said: “I was made redundant from the local Tesco store, and I had always wanted to work with older people as I get along with them really well. I rang the office and I have never looked back!

“At the moment, caregivers are getting the recognition we deserve as key workers, so our work has become even more meaningful and respected. I was even gifted with flowers and a bonus last month for all my hard work, which made me feel valued and appreciated for my work.”

Another caregiver, Susan Binks, has also worked at Home Instead for five years, having switched career from a role in catering. She said: “My career change from catering to caring was the best decision I’ve ever made. The work is so rewarding and much less stressful, and you get to form relationships with older people who have had so many amazing life experiences.”

For more information ring 01562 548835 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/stourbridge-hagley-halesowen/ .