Mark established Independent Living in 2011 and spends much of his time in the office running the care business.  However, Mark carries out several hours of home care each week.  Mark explains “by doing care myself I get to know many of our customers, their families, their home and the daily challenges faced in the care sector.  It also proves to my carers that I am prepared to get out there myself! When my carers come into the office to discuss a customer I am able to join in the conversation because I’ve been to that customer’s homes to deliver care!”.  

Types of Care Provided

Mark mainly carries out three types of care. The first is respite care, spending time with customers who have dementia whilst their next of kin takes a break is a major part of Mark’s care work. Mark can either sit and chat to the person or should they so wish take them out in the car to places like the garden centre or supermarket for a change of scene. Mark supports a customer in Leyland and by sitting and talking for 2-3 hours with the gentleman about National Service or football it allows his wife to have a well-earned break, shopping in Preston, going to Boundary Mill or a pub meal with friends.

A significant amount of Mark’s care work involves taking people to medical appointments.  Mark explains “it is not uncommon for people to be called to a medical appointment at 24 hours’ notice and by taking a customer myself it means my carers can stick to their existing rota, and if the appointment overruns they are not under pressure to get back for another care call”. Over the years Mark has taken people to almost every Doctors’ Surgery in Chorley and Leyland and collected prescriptions!   Mark regularly takes people to outpatients’ appointments at Chorley Hospital, Royal Preston, Blackpool Victoria, Salford Hope, Christies and visit local care homes.

Like all care companies Independent Living can be short-staffed if a carer is taken ill at short notice.  Mark explains “we can have a short-term problem covering care due to illness and in these cases I am happy to step in and help even though it can be daunting if you have never met a customer or been to their house!”  In some cases a male customer will prefer a male carer to help him shower and in these cases I am able to help.”