How long have you worked in care for?
Catherine: I have worked in care for 22 years across the whole of the care sector with people of all ages. My first experience of care delivery was at the age of just 15 when I did a work experience placement at a local residential home for the elderly. I was then employed at the same care home on a part time basis from the age of 16. My journey so far has been very rewarding and I feel privileged to have been part of so many people’s lives.
What made you want to work in care?
Catherine: I wanted to make a positive difference. I have a strong moral compass and felt, even at a very young age, that the industry needed improving. I saw lots of poor practice and lack of knowledge and training, with many care companies being run with inadequate leadership by people with no care experience. I felt sad that people were being let down and was compelled to help. I wanted to stand up for people and advocate on their behalf and create a better environment for those who were reliant on others through no fault of their own.
What has been your most rewarding moment so far?
Catherine: Founding The Care Collection. Having the opportunity to develop and implement a model of home care delivery which is entirely Client-focussed, inclusive, adaptable and responsive, enabling individuals to lead meaningful, active lives is something I’m incredibly proud of. The Care Collection is on a mission to revolutionise the industry and I am very proud to provide care to Kirklees and Calderdale.
What made you set up The Care Collection?
Catherine: I’ve always wanted to run my own company. I felt I’d reached a point in life where I had the skills, experience and knowledge to make a break from being a cog in the wheel to becoming the driving force and that excited me. I’m passionate about people and love to be actively involved in the community and saw this as an opportunity to really make a tangible difference. By setting up The Care Collection I have made the primary focus the quality of care, which I feel is missing from the industry generally due to societal pressures.
How is The Care Collection different?
Catherine: We are a Huddersfield based company dedicated to high quality home care, not a franchise or agency owned by someone with no care experience. I founded The Care Collection following many years of personal and professional experience caring for others. As a result, I understand the pitfalls of the system and how difficult it can be to accept that help is needed and to allow carers into your family unit.
The Care Collection offers individuals of all ages a bespoke, personal service where we get to know our Clients and their families. Continuity is key to the service we offer and we recruit the best people and put a lot of time and resource into training and professional development as we believe to have happy Clients we need happy staff. We are very proud of our reviews on independent review website, homecare.co.uk, which is testament to our amazing team.
What advice would you give to someone who needed a care service for themselves or a loved one?
Catherine: Gather information and research the company you are thinking of using. Consider the culture and ethos of the organisation and its management, as well as the cost. Look at independent review platforms such as Homecare.co.uk and The Care Quality Commission to get better insight before you make a decision and try to speak current service users if you can.
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