Right At Home Interview
Hakeem Anjorin is the managing director of Right at Home Croydon to Caterham – a care provider which has made its home on Station Avenue in Caterham. The company specialises in providing a range of care services for both the elderly and those adults who may need that extra bit of support to help them live comfortably in their own home
Tell us a bit about Right at Home
Right at Home provides care services to help people stay in their own homes. We opened the Caterham office to be closer to our clients and carers. We aim to provide consistently high-quality care, which we do by selecting the right people – we only employ those who really want to work in care, who communicate well and are reliable. In return, we support them and offer development so they can have a fulfilling career. People’s care journeys change over time and we want to be responsive to their needs – we keep the teams as small as possible to help with familiarity. We really believe in offering the right support to help people stay in their own homes as long as possible.
What brought you to Caterham?
We have been in Addiscombe for almost eight years, which looks after the north of the borough, and we chose Caterham to be near our clients and carers in the south. It was important for me to make Right at Home visible and to have a shop front where people can pop in and have a chat, and not just a faceless office. Also we have a ground floor space, which means we are accessible, too. When making decisions about care, it is good to talk face-to-face about what help is needed and what we can provide.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to open up a business in Caterham?
One of the good things about the area is the Business Improvement District (BID), which is very active and supportive. There is also quite a bit of development going on around the town, and the shopping areas are trying to reinvent themselves, so it feels like a good place to be.
What sets your business apart from others in the sector?
I think it is the attention to detail. People use the term ‘person centred’, but for us that is everything. It’s about being responsive and being there for our clients for whatever they need. We can do as little as four hours a week to full linear care around the clock. We work closely with those we care for and adapt to what they need.
What would be your top tip for someone visiting Caterham?
For me its more the flavour of the town than one place as such. It is a really friendly and personable centre. There are plenty of independent shops as well as restaurants and cafes. It just has a great community feel. I have used a lot of the local businesses to get the premises ready and everyone was really helpful.
Where do you head to for lunch?
I actually make good use of a lot of the local cafes and I frequent many of the eateries. I am very partial to a bacon sandwich from the Caterham Cafe, which is just up the road.
Finally, tell us what makes Caterham the ideal spot for an up and coming business?
It feels like a you are joining a genuine community from both a business and resident’s point of view. People often come in to say ‘Hello’ or at least wave as they go past. It is really friendly and welcoming.
