"You're making a massive difference to these people's lives" is the message from a family-owned, independent provider looking to hire more carers in Kenilworth and South Warwickshire.

Unique Senior Care was launched around 15 years ago by Philip Wright-Howarth and Philip Maundrill who were both left frustrated by their own experiences of care and the lack of quality support available.

Now offering a variety of care services across the country, and boasting two 'outstanding' Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings, the company employs over 300 team members and is looking to take on more.

"We are unique by name, unique by service and unique in terms of the quality of service," Philip Maundrill told Nub News.

"You get a feeling of making a difference to people's lives, and that's probably one of the most rewarding things that anyone can do, is improving the lives of others. 

"That's what this industry is all about, to give people the best care, and give their family peace of mind. 

"When people use us, they are often entirely dependent on our services, so it is vital we give them the best."

Why be a carer?

Registered manager Nikki Culkeen explained working in care is often an overlooked career option, and is looking to tackle some misconceptions of the industry.

"People often don't realise being a carer can be the start of a great career," she explained.

"I started as a carer, then I was team leader, then I became a deputy, and now I am a registered manager.

"So you can work your way up, and it is a really fulfilling industry."

Unique Senior Care has a minimum call time of an hour (image supplied)

At Unique Senior Care, 70 per cent of our operational leaders come from our own care team, many of them starting out as a care assistant and progressing up.

The company also has carers from a huge variety of backgrounds and ages.

Nikki continued: "And of course you're making a massive difference to these people's lives.

"They look forward to seeing you, which is really lovely. 

"It's so important we are there for people, at whatever stage they are at.

Why work for Unique Senior Care?

With offices in Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Knowle, Unique Senior Care is reaching out to potential applicants from all backgrounds, and says no experience is necessary.

All new team members are given comprehensive training and support from the senior team right from the start.

The company was this year again awarded the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, recognising it as a leading light within the industry.

That extensive support and encouragement is also tailored to every new team member, with Unique recognising all carers have different strengths and levels of experience.

Unique Senior Care wants its carers to form relationships with their clients (image supplied)

"You're not a number," head of recruitment Roneet Fletcher said.

"We're always looking for good carers and we look after each of them individually. 

"It's more about the values of the people rather than their skills. We can train everything through our award-winning training, ongoing support and shadowing.

"We don't let people go on their own until they're comfortable, we're comfortable and the clients are comfortable."

As well as comprehensive training, the Unique Senior Care team is eager to provide as much pastoral support to team members as possible with an open-door policy at its various offices, regular check-ins, social events and support from managers.

The company also wants to be as flexible as possible for its team.

Unique Senior Care's office in the centre of Kenilworth (image supplied)

"It's a job that they can shape around them," Nikki said. 

"If they want a flexible role, they just want to be a carer because it works around family commitments, they can. 

"If they only want to work mornings or weekends, that isn't an issue.

"But then equally, if they want to move on, become a team leader or a manager, they can move up to senior management if that's what they want to do."

What makes a good carer?

When asked what makes a good carer, the Unique Senior Care team said it was hard to pinpoint just one characteristic, and said each team member offers something different.

Nikki explained: "For me, I don't think you can say somebody's a really good carer just because of this or that. 

"One carer might be great in one area and another carer might be good. 

"Everybody should bring something unique.

"Two carers might go to the same care client, actually both bring something different, but still provide them a great level of care."

One stipulation the company does have is all carers must be able to drive.

And before sending someone into the community, they have to pass the 'mum test' - would the team be happy for them to look after their own mother?

Why use Unique Senior Care?

As well as offering a wide range of services through its domiciliary care to adults aged 18 and over, Unique Senior Care places an emphasis on tailoring its support to each individual client.

Nikki explained: "Every client has a service that's for them. 

"When I go and do a consultation, I don't say 'we only have this, this, and this'. 

"Somebody might have very specific needs or they need to be varied.

"We literally build the foundations from what they want, and the bricks start going on top."

Unique Senior Care is hiring across South Warwickshire (image supplied)

Carers - who do not wear uniforms when in the community - are given regular clients to make sure they forge those connections.

The team also takes a lot of care in matching personalities.

"We've got a lot of information that we collect from each client so that we can build a picture of the individual," Nikki continued. 

"And then I'll look at my carers, what qualifications they've got, what they've done in the past, what are their hobbies and interests, and whether they will mix with each other. 

"Then they meet the family and the client and we'll see if everyone is happy."

Unique Senior Care is also quick to emphasise that it has a minimum call time of an hour for each client, meaning they are given the highest level of care and attention available.

The team also takes a lot of care in matching personalities (image supplied)

"I have had some carers who have worked elsewhere and only had 15 minutes per client," Nikki explained.

"That's not right. 

"You're not having meaningful relationship because you're so busy rushing around.

"Clients need to have the same carers and to be given the time to form those connections and receive the support they deserve."

To find out more about Unique Senior Care's services click here. Or follow this link to start your career at Unique Senior Care.

Unique Senior Care sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.

Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to offer clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.