Meet the local mum dedicated to changing the face of care in East Suffolk
In the heart of Ipswich, a new chapter in community-based care is unfolding. Driven by community purpose, newly launched in-home care provider Visiting Angels focuses on creating quality careers for its carers, placing emphasis on comfort and familiarity for carers and those being cared for. Led by Managing Director and mum-of-three Lydia Atutornu, Visiting Angels promises to redefine the standards of local care provision for those in need.
The entrepreneur has worked in care in the local community for many years, becoming a registered nurse in care homes and hospitals across East Suffolk and even launching her own care recruitment company. Lydia has been driven to do things differently, where carers are put first as the beating heart of her operation. With important values and culture a driving force for Lydia, she hopes carers recognise the importance of work-life balance – something that was missing completely when she herself worked as a carer. Lydia realises how vital family values are in today’s modern care industry.
“Before I came to England, we cared for my dad at our home,” said Lydia. “We did the same for my grandma who suffered from dementia, but our care system and our knowledge of care was so limited that we didn’t really know what to do for either of them. With all I’ve learned from my experiences in care here, I wish I could go back and do so much more to help my family back then. That’s why I wanted to launch Visiting Angels; to pour that love, expertise and family care into my community and provide exceptional care for those who need it, and their carers too.”
“It’s too easily forgotten that, as well as carers supporting the lives of others, they need to have a life. I’ve realised how important it is to distinguish work and life for those working in care. At Visiting Angels, we champion family and progress.”
The UK’s care system is struggling, and too often failing, to meet the needs of the growing elderly population. With society's needs becoming increasingly complex, care providers are now faced with the challenging task of ensuring carers are continually upskilled while providing financial and personal recognition. With caregiver turnover rising to 77% in 2023 for reasons such as low pay, poor working conditions or too much responsibility, Visiting Angels' revitalised approach of caring for carers before anyone else is addressing the need to establish a strong, committed and highly skilled workforce. Through both financial rewards and opportunities for career development, Lydia and the Visiting Angels team are determined to reform the care industry's conditions, which often leaves carers feeling little to no appreciation.
“I really don’t give up,” added Lydia. “If I say I’m going to do something, I make sure it gets done. I’m absolutely bringing this to Visiting Angels! There are countless care companies who say they look after their carers, but the reality is vastly different. I’m always pushing for better in terms of how people in the industry should be treated, and I won’t settle for anything less than being the Employer of Choice for care in the area!”
For more information, or to see how Visiting Angels could help care for your loved ones, visit www.visiting-angels.co.uk/eastsuffolk or call Lydia and the team on 0147 372 2713.