A Suffolk-based homecare company is expanding its hourly care service to Lowestoft and Beccles after enjoying success in other parts of the county.
Christies Care was founded in 1987 by Hugh Gathorne-Hardy, who was born and bred in Suffolk. The company is now run by his son Freddy and Charlotte Driver-Young, with Hugh continuing to serve as chairman.
For the best part of 40 years, Christies Care has provided live-in care services to people in East Anglia and across the UK. It assists those living with various conditions, from dementia and Parkinson’s to learning disability and physical injury.
“Live-in care enables you to remain in your home and be provided with the support you need,” explains Matt Gunns, community engagement officer.
“A care home is right for some people who can no longer live in their home, but for those who do not want to move into a care home and want to live in their own home independently, we can provide the care to enable that to happen.”
The company has a team of carers who will live with clients for an agreed period of time – helping them with everyday tasks, as well as companionship.
In July 2022, Christies Care started offering hourly care in Saxmundham, whereby carers pay regular visits to clients – but do not live with them permanently.
“If you have an hourly carer visiting you, you may just need someone to pop in for an hour or two a day,” Matt explains. “It might be that you need help getting dressed in the morning and undressed at night – and a live-in carer would be too much for you.”
Christies Care has gradually expanded its hourly care service to other towns, including Halesworth, Aldeburgh and Southwold – ensuring every client receives the highest standard of care.
“We are rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, and that’s something that only 5pc of live-in care providers currently achieve,” says Matt. “When we launched hourly care, we needed to make sure we retained that quality.”
The company puts all of its carers through an award-winning induction training course upon joining the company.
“It allows them to be as good as they can be, so when they go out, they’ve got the confidence and ability to deliver that high-quality care we pride ourselves on,” says Matt, adding that the company won a Princess Royal Training Award last year, in recognition of its commitment to training.
“We have a dedicated training team, they support the carers throughout their placements, and they come back every year for refresher training as well.”
Christies Care is now looking to recruit carers in Lowestoft and Beccles – with people from all backgrounds welcomed.
“Our carers do not need to have any experience – that’s what our induction training is there for,” says Matt.
“We look for open-minded individuals that are willing to learn.”
If you or a loved one require care, please contact care@christiescare.com or 01728 605107. To enquire about care jobs with Christies Care, please call 01728 605 060 or email recruit@christiescare.com.
For more information, visit christiescare.com
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