If asked to describe the role of a care company like Independent Living, most people will think of tasks such as:
- Helping someone wash or shower
- Assisting with household tasks such as the washing up
- Making meals in and around local communities like Chorley, Leyland and Standish.
Whilst this is still the case, we are seeing a rising demand for more “social” and “companionship” services.
Our society is changing, we are an aging population, more of us live alone, older people may have a large disposable income, and our families are often dispersed around the country. In addition, when someone reaches their 70’s, they often give up driving. All this can lead to spending more time at home, social isolation, difficulty getting to appointments and this in turn can affect a person’ health and wellbeing.
This is leading to a demand for a new range of services from home care companies – companionship, transport and travel. We are taking more people out and about in the Chorley or Leyland area – it may be a visit to Heskin Hall or, if in Standish, to Golden Days Garden Centre. Many people in rural areas cannot rely on a bus service, people feel uncomfortable using taxis and family members or friends may not be available in the daytime when these services are most needed.
Independent Living owner, Mark Booker, states, “The role of a care company is changing, many of our customers have retired from busy jobs but they still have general good health, the desire and financial means to get out and about. We have had to adjust our offer and all our care staff have fully insured vehicles so we can take people out and about. I believe the next change could be to take people further afield, certainly throughout the UK but I think increasingly abroad. We will have to ensure our carers have passports!”
