King's Lynn care company Home Instead looks to recruit scores of live-in care givers in Norfolk over next year

A care company with offices in Lynn has seen demand for live-in care rocket since the outbreak of Covid-19 as people seek alternative accommodation to care homes.

As a result, a major recruitment drive is under way at Home Instead to take on a further100 to 200 live-in care givers during the next 12 months in Norfolk.

The business only started offering live-in care as an option six months ago and that has already led to the creation of 80 new positions.

Tom McEwan, director of Home Instead, which has bases in Lynn, Dersingham, Holt, Dereham and Hingham, said there had been a 50 per cent increase in demand for the service since the pandemic.

"We are recruiting people who may have worked in different sectors previously, such as retail, which is having a difficult time at the moment, but who have skills which are relevant, such as good customer care.

"There has been a big demand for live-in care as the pandemic took hold with people seeking alternatives to care homes, a lot of which were taking all the precautions at the height of the pandemic.

"The cost of a big package of hourly support has also seen people forced into care homes. Live-in care is much more aligned to the recipients' needs and gives people one-on-one care, which is financially viable. That's particularly true if there is a couple living together who need support."

Having the same person giving support throughout the day helps to establish a good bond between the care-giver and the recipient. Most care-givers work a one week on, one week off pattern.

At Home Instead, which has an "outstanding" rating by the Care Quality Commission, care-givers are employed and are entitled to holiday pay, sick pay and a pension. The pay is £840 per week.

Said Tom: "They have dedicated time off so this can often help with family commitments they may have. We have found the average age of people doing this job is around 55, as it seems to fit into their lives well."

Anyone who is interested in applying for a position with Home Instead, should send an email to tom.mcewan@homeinstead.co.uk or call 01553 387967.