The pandemic and its lockdown has led to Caroline Joyce launching a new business.

Magnolia Homecare offers three services; 1-1 private care, mobility and adaptive clothing suppliers, and a care consultation service.

Caroline told Nub News: "I was born and raised in Rutland and have spent most of my adulthood in the beautiful town of Stamford. Although I love to go to different cities and coasts, Stamford has provided a good base for myself, my husband, my two daughters and two dogs.

"I have successfully ran a domestic and commercial cleaning company for the past seven years to give me and other like-minded people family friendly hours. Previous to this I worked in the health care sector for over twenty years within hospitals, nursing homes, domiciliary and palliative care."

Caroline says she has always planned to return to the healthcare sector, believing it to be so rewarding and important. Therefore, after the lockdown forced the closure of her cleaning business, she undertook some research and put her plan into action to create Magnolia Homecare- named Magnolia as this symbolises dignity, nobility, joy and longevity!

Caroline continued: "Along with researching, I had already embarked on updating my existing training and qualifications to add nutrition for the elderly, food hygiene and health and social care degree which I am studying to enhance my knowledge even further - I don't think you should ever stop learning in the care industry!"

"The idea to create this business has been underlying for years, but I needed to be ready and I wanted to work alongside other reputable providers and suppliers to bring a complete package to the clients.

"Too often people feel completely lost, isolated and bewildered when all of a sudden they need to find extra help and support, I believe this should be made as easy as possible and strive to bring the best providers together that all have the same goal of enhancing a clients life and promoting independence."

"Another aspect that I provide is a care consultation service which involves working with the clients to see how much and what type of help they need, give information on the different services and groups that are out there and help them to access financial services. We also work closely with reputable mobility equipment suppliers and adaptive clothing specialists from the UK and globally."

Caroline continued: "Care isn't just for the elderly but anyone that needs that extra help through disability or illness, some of the providers that we work with provide adaptive mountain bikes, specialist support chairs and more, all to make life more accessible.

"Going that little bit further I am currently working with several charities to add their links for their websites from mine, this again being a centre stage to allow easy access to the public.

"I believe that information on how much and which kind of care you require, which equipment and products would help and how to access funding information should all be in one place to make life easier for people.

"I only work with reputable suppliers and trusted care providers that believe in the same ethos that care should enhance a persons life and promote independence.

"It is a myth that just because your old you should have poor health and be weaker - in some cases this is unavoidable, but with many with the right support, diet and exercise it is completely achievable to still live independently and continue to do the things you love.

"For people with disabilities we strive to find the products and equipment that will give the person as much of their freedom back as possible, with cleverly designed products, latest technology and more we can learn to adapt and enhance those lives.

But starting afresh has its challenges, especially in current times.

Caroline said: "The biggest challenge I have found especially being a new business is getting my name out there and telling the public of the services on offer, when we was in lock down all publishing was ceased which made it really hard, but through hard work, referrals and now the publishing back up and running, plus the powers of social media we are getting back on track.

But looking ahead, Caroline is optimistic: "The future of the business is looking good I'm very excited to be doing this.

"More and more people are looking into how to support their loved ones as they themselves return to work, plus I offer an online at home service which enable clients to reach their families no matter where they are in the world via our device and see and talk to them, reducing the feeling of isolation.

"I also offer accompanied calls to help clients still go to their favourite places, clubs or appointments.

"Loneliness is such a huge problem which has been made worse with Coronavirus lockdown and restrictions, our check calls can make a significant difference to those that would otherwise not see anybody from one day to the next.

"During lockdown I immediately signed up to help volunteer in our local community and with the NHS volunteer responder service which I am still part of now, it is so nice to see the community coming together."