A HARLOW home care company boss declares that caring is a ‘job of the future’, urging people to come onboard as she pledges to build an army of caregivers to provide support in the local community.

Neena Patel of Home Instead currently has 20 vacancies at her care company which has clients across Cuffley, Cheshunt & Harlow.

Neena says that jobs in her sector are future-proof, referring to the resilience of care work against a backdrop of sectors such as hospitality and travel that have been so badly impacted by the pandemic. And now that the government’s furlough scheme has ended, people have sadly lost their jobs.

With an ageing population, home care, on the other hand, has seen a huge increase in demand, so much so that there is a national shortage of caregivers.

The UK has an ageing population with over 14.28 million baby boomers who are coming into older age over the next few years. The millennial generation follows a close second at 14.22 million people. At the same time, we are living longer.

Commenting, Neena said: “Not only is being a caregiver now being recognised as an essential job, but it is a highly rewarding one as you get to see first-hand the positive impact you can have on a person’s life. Most of our elderly clients live on their own with their families some distance away. For them, their caregiver is their lifeline into the outside world.

“Our caregivers and clients get to see each other regularly and build an amazing bond. This means it often feels like you’re going to visit a friend or family member, rather than going to work. There aren’t many people who could say that about their jobs. Even as we continue to age, living happily and safely at home for as long as possible is something we should all be able to take for granted.”

Neena continued: “We have been lucky enough to recruit some amazing and passionate caregivers. Lauren joined us and enjoyed the job so much, she recommended her mum, Jo, to become a caregiver.”

Caregiver Jo said: “After looking after my mum who had suffered with dementia, I was looking for a job that would allow me to help other families who are looking after a loved one with dementia. I wanted a job that would make me feel like I am making a difference to someone’s life and be rewarding. My daughter, Lauren, was the person who recommended Home Instead as she has been working with them for a few years now and has had a really enjoyable experience.”

It is estimated that the adults social care sector in England has approximately 112,000 unfilled vacancies at any one time.