After a close family member developed dementia, Elaine Everett began to recognise that change was needed within the care sector, to not only improve the quality of care but the quality of people's lives. So she did something about it. Now Motivation & Co. delivers specially designed courses delivered in care homes around the UK. Elaine shares her story with UMi.
What does your social enterprise do?
Motivation & Co. specialise in physical and cognitive stimulation. The Motivation & Co. Class has been designed and fully researched to provide challenging, stimulation and motivating levels to suit all abilities to the residents within the care sector.
The Motivation & Co. Class is divided into four sections, mental stimulation, chair-based exercises, game section, and music therapy, it is this format that has been proven to really make a difference.
Everything has been developed and designed by the company fit for purpose, including a patented game, all our exercises are pre-recorded ensuring quality and consistency are delivered throughout the UK.
What made you start your business up?
After visiting my grandfather living with dementia in a care home, I saw a need for change, rolled up my sleeves and developed a ground-breaking new service concept for the care sector that would make a difference.
With no business blueprint to follow, Motivation & Co. was created with its unique programmes, and materials including a patented game. I identified a number of specialist advisors, all accredited to work with older people for exercise and physiotherapy, relaxation therapy and research into cognitive mental stimulation therapy.
How do you measure your impact?
The Motivation & Co. Class has been fully researched independently by Leeds Metropolitan University, Dr M Cattan – Centre for Health Promotion Research with Dr G M Fox & Dr J C McCreanor in partnership with St James Teach Hospital. Results showed we really do make a difference.
NHS Hertfordshire asked us to develop a falls prevention programme specific for Dementia clients the report showed a 66% improvement and reducing the call outs due to falls by over 50% making a saving to the NHS in excess of £78,000 in just 10 weeks.
What help did you have to start your social enterprise?
None financially but good advice from Banks, Accountants and The Franchise company in Darlington.
How did you decide on what legal form would work best for your business?
With the help and advice form my accountant.