Family Care Experience Inspires Move into the Homecare Sector for new Walfinch franchisee

When his Granddad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, Richard Maguire came face to face with the importance of personalised care. “Granddad wasn’t able to receive care which catered to his specific needs,” says Richard.

“Microwave meals and no help with household chores meant that if he hadn’t had support from his family, his nutrition would have suffered, and companionship and comfort would have been severely lacking.

“I asked myself, ‘How does someone with no family cope?’”

Richard’s commitment to the care sector was reinforced by the experience of a close family member who has Motor Neurone Disease.

“He is fiercely independent, and it showed me first-hand the importance of care which allows people to maintain their independence as long as possible.” Richard says.

Richard wanted to put his commitment to personalised care into action, so he left his career in the financial services industry to start his own homecare business. Now he is the Walfinch franchisee for Reigate and Horsham.

Walfinch is a growing home care franchise, which has 26 branches across the country owned by franchisee managing directors.

“Partnering with Walfinch as owner the Reigate and Horsham branch means creating a culture in which both clients and carers are valued members of, not just a team or brand, but a community,” Richard says. “I have huge respect for carers and aim to be an employer of choice in the sector by rewarding people for their caring nature, loyalty and hard work.”

Richard started his career in equine insurance, then moved into the financial sector in sales, trading, broking and project management, but wanted to leave the finance industry to run his own business.

Now he says: 

“As a Walfinch franchisee, I can build my own business in a rewarding sector while using my experience from multiple industries.”

Richard is joined in the business by his Mum, Angela, who brings her experience caring for his Granddad. Angela is the branch’s care coordinator and is qualified via a Train the Trainer course to provide training to the care staff.

“She’s now completing a teaching certificate so she can present Train the Trainer courses to other Walfinch franchisees, and, through our holding company Maguire Care Limited, to other businesses,” he says.

Richard adds: “With the support of the Walfinch franchise, I can build a business that benefits the local community and delivers great emotional rewards. Once my first branch is thriving, I’m ambitious to open a second.”

Transform lives in your community as a Walfinch franchisee. Visit their profile to find out more.