Moving between companies in the same industry is a completely normal occurrence for virtually all professionals.
However, it’s not something Diane Meynell plans on ever experiencing again during the rest of her career in home care.
The Yorkshire-based 49-year-old was part of the Blossom Northallerton team for over two years before deciding to leave for pastures new. However, her experience with a home care competitor left a lot to be desired, and she soon found herself back delivering exceptional client care with Blossom.
Here in her own words, Diane talks through her journey and why she can never see herself leaving again.
“It was a no-brainer to go back”: Diane’s experience of rejoining Blossom
Leaving Blossom wasn’t a decision I made lightly at all. I am from a sales background and was structured in looking at pros and cons. But eventually I decided that new employers – one of Blossom’s main competitors – were up my street. They offered similar pay in the same area, and they welcomed me with open arms. It seemed the right choice.
However, as the old saying goes, the grass isn’t always greener – and I discovered it’s not.
My new employer had serious safeguarding issues, which I brought to the fore – I have got a voice and am not afraid to bring such issues up. But my concerns were swept under the carpet, so I needed to think seriously about my future again.
I had an informal chat with Lucinder at Blossom Northallerton. As soon as I met her, I liked her and what she was saying. I discovered the issues I had highlighted when I first left had been dealt with, so I couldn’t see any reason not to come back. It was a no-brainer to go back to Blossom.
Blossom has always had better pay than their competitors, and they increased it again just before I returned. I was then offered the chance to be a senior carer as well. It was so nice to be recognised for all I had done during the two-and-a-half years I had first spent there.
Since day one I have always been very invested in my clients. It broke mine and their hearts when I left. So to be able to go back to them was amazing. My first shift was on Christmas Day and it was just lovely, it felt like I had never been away.
Now I would never, ever leave Blossom to go to another care company. I wouldn’t advise anyone to, either – the grass simply isn’t greener. We have an awful lot more people that need care now. So if you want to have a job where you feel satisfaction with every day you put in, join Blossom. Anyone who works for us is proud to be part of the family.
What Diane’s experience means for Blossom franchisees
Diane’s journey back to Blossom illustrates our position as the No1 employer of choice for quality, empathetic carers. Our reputation for caring for staff as much as our clients delivers several key benefits for current and prospective franchisees:
Carer recruitment and retention
By fostering a supportive and enjoyable environment for carers, we ensure clients receive the highest quality of care from dedicated professionals who view their work as more than just a job. This culture makes it easier for franchisees to attract and keep the very best staff.
As Diane says: “The culture at Blossom is that if you want to speak to somebody, then you get to speak to somebody. Blossom has always been big on caring for their carers, and that’s more important than ever now.”
Continuous improvement
Our emphasis on addressing staff concerns and improving practices reflects our commitment to continuous improvement at every level of the business. For franchisees, this means being part of a brand that is respected and trusted by both clients and care professionals.
“Blossom really tries to be as human – and not corporate – about things as possible,” explains Diane. “In my experience with their main competitor, it felt as if they were just another money-making business. Some of the carers were out for themselves and it did not feel as if they were ever as invested in the actual care aspect as much as Blossom are.
“The carers at Blossom are far more invested in clients. They find joy in delivering that care – it is a driving force inside them. Blossom carers treat people as if they are relatives of ours.”
A genuinely supportive community
Diane’s story demonstrably highlights the importance of having a supportive, family-like atmosphere within the business. This real sense of community is significant for franchisees as it indicates a strong, positive company culture that extends to all aspects of operations.
Business growth
The focus on caring for carers and delivering holistic home care is a unique selling point for Blossom. It differentiates us from competitors and drives business growth for all franchisees across the nationwide network.
We’ll leave the last word to Diane: “If you’re considering a career in care, do it with Blossom. I said I would try it for just a month and that was three years ago!”
How can I become a Blossom Home Care franchisee?
If you want to find out more about joining the Blossom Home Care family, get in touch with us today using the contact form on our website. A member of our team will then contact you to discuss the opportunity in greater detail.
As well as gaining the benefit of our immense level of support and expertise, you will be joining a nationally recognised, award-winning company. In doing so, you will become the owner of a highly lucrative, easy-to-run business that will help the local community by changing the face of care in the home.
We can’t wait to hear from you!