At Acacia Homecare, we believe great care goes beyond meeting basic needs; it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and delivering personalised, compassionate service. Over the last five years, Kajal Patel, our dedicated Care Manager, has embodied these values. From navigating industry challenges to leading with empathy, Kajal’s journey is a testament to the heart of Acacia Homecare.
A Leader in Compassionate Care
Kajal Patel recently celebrated her fifth anniversary with Acacia Homecare, marking a significant milestone in her career. Reflecting on her journey, Kajal recalls the very first week on the job—a week that included a surprise visit from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Despite the unexpected pressure, Kajal rose to the challenge, collaborating with the inspector to identify areas for improvement and ensuring that Acacia continued to uphold its commitment to quality care.
Her adaptability and leadership are not just demonstrated in moments of crisis but are evident in every facet of her work. From streamlining processes to ensuring each customer feels supported, Kajal has become an invaluable member of the Acacia Homecare team.
Overcoming Challenges in Recruitment
While Acacia Homecare has seen growing demand from families seeking our services, the challenge of recruiting qualified carers has been a constant hurdle for Kajal and her team. The national shortage of care workers has only heightened this challenge, but Kajal has implemented innovative strategies to address it.
Under her leadership, the team has employed various tactics such as incentive programs, social media recruitment campaigns, attending job fairs, and hosting an Acacia Open Day to connect with potential carers. These efforts ensure that Acacia continues to attract individuals who are passionate about caregiving and committed to our mission.
A key element of Kajal’s leadership is her dedication to fostering a strong team culture. She emphasises open communication, collaboration, and mutual support as cornerstones of her management style. Her ability to bring out the best in her team has made Acacia Homecare not just a great place to receive care, but also a rewarding environment in which to work.
The annual customer event, one of Kajal’s favourite moments of the year, showcases this sense of community. At this gathering, Acacia Angels, customers, and their families come together to celebrate the relationships that have been built. For Kajal, seeing the joy on everyone’s faces at this event is a highlight, as it reaffirms the impact that quality care has on the lives of our customers.
Kajal’s leadership has not only shaped Acacia Homecare’s success but has also left a lasting impression on her colleagues. Here’s what some of them had to say about working with her over the years:
Sarah: “Working with Kajal has been amazing. She’s always there to help and advise, and nothing is ever too much trouble. I’ve learned so much from her.”
Gita: “Kajal and I have worked together for nearly two years. She has always supported the staff, including myself, in the office. I enjoy working with her because she knows how to make us laugh, even during stressful times.”
Advice for Aspiring Carers
For anyone considering joining Acacia Homecare, Kajal offers the following advice: approach the role with an open heart and be prepared to adapt. Effective communication, teamwork, and a genuine passion for caregiving are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both customers and staff.
As Kajal celebrates her fifth anniversary, we’re reminded of the resilience, dedication, and compassion that define Acacia Homecare. Her journey reflects not just her personal growth but the growth of Acacia as a whole. We look forward to seeing how her leadership will continue to shape the future of care for our customers.
Get in Touch
If you’re interested in learning how Acacia Homecare can support you or your loved ones with personalised, compassionate care, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Whether you need homecare or live-in care services, we’re here to help you every step of the way.