IT IS a major recruitment drive that will not only bring 100 new jobs to Hampshire but also ensure the county’s most frail and vulnerable are not forced from their homes.
Healthcare business Carewatch is launching a major recruitment drive in the county for in-home carers who can help the over-65s remain at home for as long as possible.
Carewatch wants 100 new carers for Chandler’s Ford and say the expansion is in response to a rise in life expectancy thanks to modern medicines and people adopting more healthy lifestyles.
It is a move that has been welcomed across the area as a boost to existing services.
Paul Stafford, operational manager at Carewatch for the Southern region, said: “Quality care and support workers are key to our organisation’s services, but we need to recruit more if we are to meet the challenges of the UK’s ageing population.
“We’re looking for compassionate people to join our team of professionals, enabling our customers to retain their independence, dignity and security, in their own home. This is a demanding but fulfilling career. If you believe you have the right qualities, we’d love to hear from you.”
The company is also offering a golden hello of £150 to all new carers working 25 hours per week of more, payable after 12 consecutive weeks of service.
The news has been welcomed by civic leaders in the area, including Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine. He said: “There’s not only a great need for this kind of care provision among an ageing population, the NHS is desperate for it because we have to keep people out of acute hospitals.
“Even though we have historically high numbers of people in work, I hope this recruitment drive proved fruitful for them.”
Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine
Eastleigh Borough Council health boss Tonia Craig also welcomed the news and said the area “could not have enough” carers.
Cllr Craig added: “Anything that provides more jobs and security for elderly people has to be welcomed. My daughter is a home carer in the area. She loves the job, caring for clients and helping them stay independent in their homes for longer and anything that can help with that is great for the area.”
Cllr Tonia Craig
Stewart Dunn, chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “We obviously welcome any new jobs. They will support existing services which are under strain. It is a welcome addition in supporting their work, which with an ageing population is absolutely essential.”
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Dunn
It comes as care jobs are under threat across the county, including in Southampton where the city council wants to shut dementia care home Woodside Lodge.
The closure of the Maybush home would mean a loss of around 30 jobs as part of a council plan to save £30m by the end of 2015/16.
And, as reported by the Daily Echo, frontline services at Hampshire County Council, including adult and children’s services, could be affected as the authority considers cutting 1,000 jobs.
How to apply Carewatch is looking for people who can provide personal and practical support to customers such as helping people to bathe and dress or take them shopping or on social trips.
Anyone with experience caring for someone, even a family member, is invited to apply even if they do not have care qualifications. Full training and support will be provided to all new carers. For more details call Carewatch on 023 8064 9200.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel