Elder creates new live-in care jobs in Aberdeen as demand for care home alternatives rise

28/05/2021
Pete Dowds, CEO of Elder

Live-in care company Elder, which already works with over 3,500 live-in carers nationwide, is actively hiring for 150 new jobs for home carers across Scotland. This comes as the company has seen a huge increase in demand as families search out an alternative to residential care following the pandemic.

THE company – which matches people with professional, full-time carers who move into the home – has seen a huge uplift in enquiries about its service in recent months.

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In Scotland, Elder has seen an increase of over 75% of families opting for live-in care compared to the same period last year, as COVID-19 has accelerated the trend of people wanting to remain in their own homes to receive care.

Excess deaths in care homes have been a real driver for many families now seeking an alternative. A recent report by the company has found that 41% of people are less likely to consider a care home, as safety is still a key concern.

Pete Dowds, CEO of Elder had to say: “During 2020, COVID-19 mortality rates at Elder were 83% lower in comparison to care homes, with huge thanks to the carers we work with showing unbelievable acts of selflessness. Many stayed with their clients, shielding them from the risk of infection, for up to three months without a break. It was a staggering level of dedication and there’s no doubt it saved lives.

For those who need care, it’s important that they are offered the chance to choose where they are most comfortable. For many, this may still be the care home, but this could also be due to a lack of awareness around other care options.” 

Elder is actively asking those experienced in the sector who have lost their jobs or been inspired by carers throughout COVID-19, to apply to become a carer on the Elder website.

Dowds continues “You may have been inspired by the heroic efforts of care workers throughout the pandemic. You may be working in the health and social care space but want more flexibility over your schedule. You may have spent time looking after a loved one and seen how rewarding this sector can be.

 “Whichever of these situations you’re in, we want to hear from you. You can be an integral part of a solution that’s keeping people safe and helping people get access to the care option they’d prefer.”

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