A carer by heart and by lineage, Jade Thumwood’s commitment to caregiving is more than just a profession. With a legacy marked by the caring spirit of her grandmother and mother, who have dedicated much of their lives to care, she finds herself continuing this family commitment. Nestled in the heart of West Leicestershire, Jade has launched Visiting Angels – a team that cares for people in the comfort of their own homes. Her goal extends beyond simply running a care business. She aims to create a familial atmosphere for both clients and carers, reminiscent of the one she has witnessed her grandmother and mother uphold for so long.
Jade’s journey in the Leicestershire care sector began during university, where she worked part-time in a care home. After working in global recruitment and sales post-graduation, the arrival of her two children prompted a career reassessment. After five years managing another care brand, Jade realised her true passion lay in nurturing carers and upholding family values, which was when she founded Visiting Angels. Finally finding the gratification she sought, the care-driven entrepreneur is now setting out to make a tangible difference in the care industry.
“I’ve always been around carers in one capacity or another,” said Jade. “As a teenager, my grandmother lived at home with us and was a nurse. She used to volunteer doing meals on wheels and would bring me along to help her at the Red Cross on holidays – she was always such a driving force for good in the community. My mum works in care too, and I’ve seen how awfully carers can be treated in the industry. Having such strong, caring female role models completely instilled in me those values which are so intrinsic to a carer’s role: compassion, patience and selflessness.”
Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it apart from other companies in the in-home care sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel valued and respected for their commitment to the profession. Through both financial rewards and opportunities for career development, Jade and the Visiting Angels team are determined to address issues surrounding the industry, which often leaves carers feeling little to no appreciation.
“More than anything, I just want people to want to work with us rather than for us,” added Jade. “I want our carers to feel like it’s where they want to be, where they are supported, valued and given every possible resource for them to do the incredible jobs they do.”
Based in Hinckley, Visiting Angels will bring over 20 new jobs to the area, with a real focus on caring for the selfless people who care for those most in need. Intent on building relationships with clients, carers and their families, Jade’s new venture aims to make carers feel like family rather than caregivers, for a community in need of the personal touch.
“I’ve worked for companies where the management never even learned their carers’ husband or children’s names – family that carers regularly leave for almost 90 hours a week,” said Jade. “I’m a firm believer if we invest in our carers as an employer, our carers will be more invested in their clients and our mission. Carers are the most selfless people in the world – they should be rewarded and valued. That’s why I’ve launched Visiting Angels.”
