A new Harrogate care business is combatting social isolation during lockdown with a number of care services for those in need of support.

Smiling Hearts Home Support provide care at home services for anyone, particularly the elderly, who need help with everyday tasks or just someone to talk to.

Whether it’s something as simple as companionship, shopping or meal preparation, Smiling Hearts are keen to provide support to people who may find themselves living alone.

Karen Howard started the business in September, having spent around 30 years working in care with people of different ages and disabilities. She said:

“There’s a lot of people out there, generally older people, who are living on their own and have no family, so it’s just offering them that support, especially if they’re feeling lonely or need other services such as help with meal preparation, trips out and appointments to the hospital or GP.”

Karen told us how it was being made redundant from her previous job that made her start her own business, offering care services to Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding villages:

“I was working in a similar role for a small company in Harrogate before I was made redundant, so I thought I’d start up my own business. I’d thought about it before but that gave me the push to do it.

“I’ve always worked in care – I worked with children as a nursery nurse, and more recently I’ve worked with people with dementia.”

Smiling Hearts Home Support ensure their care is carried out in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions, including all the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is worn at all times.

Smiling Hearts Home Support, Harrogate

The business operate in Harrogate, Knaresborough and the surrounding villages, offering Covid-19 safe care to those in need.

If you’d like to find out more about Smiling Hearts, get in touch via phone: 07815 500418, email: karenhoward1964@gmail.com or message them via their Facebook page.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.