Mark Darnell is pictured with Veronica Waters
Caring is a ‘job of the future’, says the boss of an East Northants home care company. And he is urging people to come on board as he pledges to build an army of caregivers to provide support in the local community.
Mark Darnell, of Home Instead East Northants, currently has 65 vacancies at his care company which has clients across Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden and surrounding villages.
Mark says that jobs in his 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. Now that the government’s furlough scheme has ended, people have sadly lost their jobs. However, with an aging population, home care has seen a huge increase in demand, so much so that there is a national shortage of caregivers.
The UK population includes more than 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.
“The need for outstanding home care support has never been greater and we really need more people with the desire to help others,” says Mark. “Because we offer award-winning training, anyone with the right personality can become a caregiver. We have had many people join our team during the pandemic who have reassessed their lives and wanted to change career paths.”
Home Instead CAREgiver Veronica Waters adds: “Every day is different and, because you are helping people remain as independent as possible, it is very rewarding. At times the work can be challenging but you receive first-class training and the team are always on hand for support and advice. There is nothing better than leaving a client happy and content – you really do make a difference to their lives.”
n For more information on the 65 vacancies in East Northants call 01933 678775 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/east-northants