Chrissie Oaten had a problem. “I’d been caring for my husband Max, who’s got peripheral neuropathy, for five years. I’m happy to do it, but it means staying at home most of the time.
“When my doctor said I needed a break, I didn’t know what to do. Our granddaughter Alice is getting married, and I wanted to go shopping for a wedding outfit with my daughter Alison, but that would mean a few nights away. I worried that Max’s condition, which affects his balance, would mean he could fall and be unable to get up.”
Then a family member suggested getting respite care from her local Walfinch service in Kingston & Weybridge, owned by Kathleen Plough and Tracy Lezar.
“I called Kathleen and Tracy and we ‘gelled’ immediately,” says Chrissie.
Kathleen visited her and Max. “Chrissie mainly wanted to ensure that Max got up and down to bed safely – and wanted us to message her to confirm it,” says Kathleen.
Christies arranged carers to visit Max twice daily and message Chrissie to say he was safe. Christies selected carers were up-to-date with sports news, because Max is a sports fan. “They had lots to talk about and Max enjoyed their visits,” says Chrissie.
Once Chrissie came back, Kathleen visited again and got a mini-fashion show as Chrissie modelled her wedding outfits.
Chrissie laughs: “I got a glamorous hat – royal blue with a big brim, lace, netting and feathers!
“The arrangements worked so well that I’m planning some more breaks, with Walfinch’s help,” she says.
Kathleen’s delighted too – and not just with the fashion show. She says: “This is the kind of reward that excites me about being a care sector franchisee. It shows how a little compassion, kindness and time taken to form a relationship goes a long way.
“I left Chrissie and Max’s home feeling really proud of our team and their complete commitment.”
Kathleen adds: “My former career in banking taught me the value of relationships and the rewards of empathy and not rushing clients through. Here I take a holistic approach, where the care we provide adds value to the lives of clients, their spouses and extended families.
“As a Walfinch franchisee, getting to know your clients and matching them with the right carers make this a successful and rewarding business.”
Walfinch is looking for new franchisees who prioritise care quality while wanting to build a successful business.
