Bahareh Naghash, Owner and Dirctor at Home Instead, central Leeds

We speak to Bahareh, about what inspired her to join Home Instead, and what she loves about her new role.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current role at Home Instead?

My name is Bahareh Naghash, and I’m the owner and director of Home Instead Central Leeds. My job is to manage and motivate a high performing team of key players focused on the needs of clients and Care Givers. And also develop strategies for the growth of the business.

Tell us more about your company and how you came to the role

I opened the Home Instead Central Leeds, branch in January. Home Instead is the world’s largest provider of home care services for the elderly with more than 1,100 branches all around the world. My background was in IT. I studied computing in university and later I got my masters in Information systems and worked as an IT consultant for many years.

About 5 years ago, I started volunteering for a charity law firm as a Farsi interpreter. I found working with Asylum seekers and refugees so rewarding that I decided to get immigration law qualifications. It was then, when I found out about my passion to make positive changes in the lives of those who are in need.

When COVID happened like everyone else I stayed home and my workload decreased dramatically. I always wanted to start my own business so I started to use that opportunity to research businesses in different sectors. During the pandemic, I realised how loneliness and social isolation creates serious health risks affecting especially older adults. Putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.

So, when I read about senior domiciliary Care companies I loved the idea and decided to gather more information. I talked to many domiciliary care companies and reviewed their services, cultures and models. And eventually got to find out about Home Instead limited company. Their culture and values motivated me to the point that I decided to establish this service here in my local community. At Home Instead, everyone is passionate about giving the best services to the clients and as we always say everywhere “it’s personal to us.”

How do you think your industry has coped in the last year?

The in-home care market actually grew during the pandemic as seniors needed more help at home and could not be in contact with their families, as before. Also, residential homes were not doing very well in the pandemic and many people would rather stay in the comfort of their homes and get the help they need.

Digital healthcare technology 

We work with a few IT and software provider companies. Using the most advanced technologies available that are beneficial for our staff and clients. We offer monitored personal alarm services to our clients. With 24/7 support available at the touch of a button if they request it. Also, all our staff work with specific software and record everything from the care plan to every small detail of their visits with the client.  That digital environment is secure and only accessible for certain staff members and nominated family members of the client

What do you have planned for the future of Home Instead?

My goal is to be the leading in-home care service provider in Leeds. And to raise awareness and take steps to prevent loneliness for the elderly. As loneliness is one of the most common non-medical issues for the elderly.

What advice would you have to others who are just beginning their careers in adult social care?

I think working in this sector is so challenging and it needs lots of passion and patience. Authenticity and transparency are very important as we are working with vulnerable people. So, my advice for a person who starts her or his career in care, is to be themselves.  And be prepared for lots of challenge.

 

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Do you work in Adult Social Care and would like to feature in our series of interviews? We would love to share your story and you experience of working within Adult Social Care. If you are interested and want to hear more, contact Harriet at [email protected]