A Dunfermline woman has taken advantage of lockdown to start an exciting new companionship and care at home company to support the growing elderly population in West Fife and Kinross.
Rachel Doyle had long been keen to provide additional options for older people and their families since encountering difficulties finding support for her own parents. Lockdown gave her the opportunity to consider how to go about that and launch her new enterprise.
Rachel’s most recent role was as the Head of Safety, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Strathclyde. There she conducted wide-ranging health awareness campaigns and created a strategy to improve mental health. This, along with her experience as a community counsellor, informed her decision to develop a care-at-home service that tailors support to meet the needs and desires of the individual.
Rachel is now the proud owner of Home Instead West Fife and Kinross. From her office in Dalgety Bay, her Care Manager, Deborah Finlayson, will lead a team of dedicated caregivers selected for their character and values to provide quality care to clients.
Rachel says, “Growing old can bring challenges, both for the person who is ageing and for their family. We aim to provide relationship-led support to help people live life on their own terms in the familiar surroundings of their own home with all their treasured possessions and memories. We believe in personalised care delivered by caregivers who are matched with clients according to their interests, hobbies and personality. Our care visits are a minimum of an hour to help clients and caregivers build meaningful relationships.”
The company will offer a range of non-medical services, from companionship care and home help to personal care.
Rachel adds that they are always keen to hear from people who feel they have the qualities and values to support an older person. She says: “We offer a wide range of caregiver roles to meet a vast set care needs, but previous experience is not essential. A warm heart and a genuine caring nature are the most sought-after character traits. Home Instead will provide full training. Retired people who feel they still have a lot to give can be wonderful caregivers.”
