A milestone year and astounding long service

The number 272 might sound like a bus route but in fact it is the total number of years of service completed by 1st Homecare’s loyal and caring team.  Two staff members alone are celebrating 25 years of service and several more are being recognised this summer for 15-20 years of service.  This equates to an astonishing average of 11.5 years of service per employee.

1st Homecare Kings Langley was formerly Ainsworth Care, which was established just over 25 years ago.  It is now in its fifth year in the ownership of 1^st Homecare group founders John and Annabella Rennison, who bought Ainsworth Care with its excellent reputation in the local area to add to their expanding home care business which includes branches in Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire, and a live-in care branch, providing support to those needing more than care visits. 

There are 4 office team staff based in Kings Langley and a team of 22 carers who are out and about in the area covering Abbots Langley, Watford, Croxley Green, Chipperfield and Rickmansworth.  The team supports clients by enabling them to remain in the comfort of their own homes in the safe knowledge that a professional, trained and kind person will be stopping by to support them with their everyday needs. 

The longest serving employee is Sharon who celebrated 25 years of being with the company recently.  Sharon started back in 1997 and progressed her career over the years and she is now senior carer on the Intake Team undertaking risk assessments with clients, writing their care and support plans, meeting with and providing initial care for new clients to settle them in, and ensuring that they are satisfied.  Branch Manager Helen Backhouse says of Sharon:  “Sharon has invaluable experience gathered with years of working with clients so she knows exactly how to best match clients with the right carers.  You have to be firm but fair in her role and her years of experience have taught her amazing communication skills. She has a fabulous way of saying no to people which can be a difficult part of the job.”

Helen said:  “Our team is trained to the highest standard and there are always opportunities for self-development and career progression.  We operate an open-door policy and see most carers at least once a week when they come in for an update and cup of tea.  They know there is always someone on hand to support them.”

Carer Omaima also received a company ‘Values Award’ for her dedication and for great client service and feedback after an equally impressive 25 years.  Omaima has worked at the Kings Langley office since March 1997. Despite - as she said - “slowing down somewhat over the past few years” (she says she's getting too old!!), Omaima remains a reliable and valued member of the team and is always bubbly and smiling.

And earlier this year in 2023 the duo of carers Wendy and Janet celebrated nearly 50 years’ service amongst just the two of them. Clients says these two senior carers are “reliable and trustworthy” and “nothing is ever too much for them.”

John Rennison, CEO of the 1^st Homecare group is delighted: “The number of years of service completed by the Kings Langley staff is extraordinary, and a testament to the office team.   I’m proud of the sense of belonging that our carers have and the culture we have created that enables our employees to remain so satisfied in their roles.”