By Kam Gill | June 17, 2026
Last Updated on June 17, 2026
Working in home care can sometimes feel isolating, even for the most dedicated carers. Kam Gill, Registered Manager at Walfinch Oxfordshire, explains how investing in wellbeing, connection and peer support can help carers feel happier, more valued and better supported in their role.
A chat with a colleague who understands you as an individual, sharing a laugh together or halving a problem by opening up helps you deliver better care – ask any carer.
But home carers working alone can face isolation. Even with the nicest clients, you can miss the camaraderie of a team.
I know myself what that feels like, and it’s clear that feelings of isolation can impact carer wellbeing. We wanted our carers to be happy, not just because they are the most important part of our team and deserve it, but also because happy carers mean happy clients, and a happy workplace means greater staff retention.
We wanted to address any isolation problems and provide long-term solutions.
When a staff survey showed that some carers felt isolated, we created the Walfinch Wellbeing Academy, offering them access to mental health resources.
It led to a dramatic improvement in staff satisfaction: happiness in their role was rated as 4.75 out of 5 and 100% said they felt part of the team. Carer retention increased and it reinforced the value of investing in carers’ wellbeing and connection.
Surveys show that this works
Our latest Carer Satisfaction Survey, in March 2026, showed carer satisfaction as 91.35%. Supporting wellbeing requires ongoing attention, particularly in home care where staff often work independently.
Alongside monthly wellbeing check-in calls from our coordinator, Rita, we have also started creating more opportunities for carers to connect with one another as a team.
Initiatives that could benefit the whole care sector:
- Drop-in days, where our Events Co-ordinator, Hannah Tomlin, invites our carers into a local coffee shop for a chat. Hannah understands the issues, because she’s a carer too.
- Games nights, drinks, and get-togethers, where staff can meet, chat and let their hair down. It’s great fun, and when worries come out at informal meetings like this, other carers can support them, as well as managers. No-one understands a carer like a carer.
- A Pilates class for carers. Mobility enhances physical and mental health, and it’s fun, especially in a group. A professional Pilates teacher leads the sessions at a local hall, and it’s free. Even before the first class, eight people had booked. We already offer free mobility classes for our clients and local people, so why not our carers too?
As well as our care team, the Pilates class is open to all carers, professional and informal. Opening sessions to informal carers also helps strengthen support networks in the local community.
More work, but it’s worth it
We’ve learnt a lot from putting these practical moves into place. It’s also important to remember that things can change quickly, so keep contact regular. Yes, it’s extra work, but it pays off.
Benefits for staff, clients and the whole business
One of our carers told me: “The company has been amazing, often reaching out to see how we’re doing. We also plan outings together as groups or go to grab food, or even for walks. Any issues with the job are sorted out immediately. It makes us feel valued and taken care of.”
We’ve learnt that small, consistent actions matter. A quick check-in, an informal coffee or simply creating space for carers to connect can make a real difference to wellbeing.
In home care, where people often work alone, preventing isolation can’t be a one-off initiative – it needs to be ongoing. The extra effort is worth it, because carers who feel supported are better placed to support others.
Kam Gill, Registered Manager at Walfinch Oxfordshire