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Mears, the UK’s leading provider of home care and support services, is creating up to 15 jobs in Dumfries & Galloway over the next few months as part of its expansion in the region.Formerly known as Independent Living Services (ILS), the company has been rebranded to Mears, which acquired ILS in 2013. To keep up with the ever-increasing demand for care at home services, the firm has moved to a bigger office in Arthur Street, Newton Stewart, and everything from stationery to staff uniforms has been changed to reflect the new name.Mears is continually expanding in order to support people of all ages, including those with conditions such as dementia or a learning disability, or those just needing a little bit of extra help at home. With the number of people aged over 75 set to increase by 75 per cent in Dumfries & Galloway by 2037*, care at home services are becoming more vital than ever before.As such, the company is looking for a range of full-time, part-time and shift workers over the next six months who can support people across the region, including Newton Stewart, Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas and Stranraer.Fiona Lochrie, service manager for Mears in Dumfries & Galloway, says: “The increasing number of people requiring support means that demand for home care services is growing at an extraordinary rate, with more and more families in Dumfries and Galloway realising that this is a viable and affordable alternative to residential care, or nursing homes.“A little bit of help can go a long way towards maintaining an independent lifestyle, and this is exactly where we fit in. Our employees support people with some of the everyday tasks we all take for granted, such as bathing, domestic chores and cooking meals.“We are continually growing and therefore need to recruit new people, and would be happy to hear from anyone in the local area who thinks they might have the right skills to work for us.”Support workers range widely in age, from 18 over 65, and come from all walks of life. Care and support is generally provided on a one-to-one basis, and those who work with Mears derive great job satisfaction which comes from a genuine interest in working with people.Although previous experience is welcomed, it’s not necessary as the company provides a full training programme in addition to ongoing support with the opportunity for career progression. An SVQ training programme supports employees’ development and the company offers flexible working patterns which individuals can fit around their own availability.Services are provided on contract to Dumfries & Galloway Council and also on a private basis to those who want to augment the care they receive through the council, or have other requirements for support.Mears’ care teams provide support to around 20,000 people a year and it is continually expanding to meet the increasing needs of the elderly population and other people. Its services are designed to meet changing needs and promote independence for those who may require extra support.The positions will require people who have a driving licence and access to a car.Anyone interested in working for Mears in Dumfries & Galloway can get in touch by calling 01671 401188.Local case study – applying for a job in the care sector ‘is the best thing I’ve ever done’Rosemary Cormack, aged 22, from Newton Stewart, joined Mears/ILS in September 2014 and has never looked back. She had previously worked in the retail sector but wanted a new challenge. Her mum had already worked for the company, so Rosemary knew first hand just rewarding this type of job could be.“I had been meaning to apply for some time, but was worried that people might think I was too young and naive,” she says. “But I couldn’t have been more wrong. I work mostly with elderly clients, and they love the fact that I’m young and have a spring in my step, and I love that fact that I can put a smile on their faces. In fact, that is always one of my main goals."“I love hearing about my clients’ lives and how they see the world. And helping them to remain independent in their own homes is really rewarding. Although I provide support for simple everyday things such as personal care, shopping and meal preparation, companionship is also vitally important, and I like to go the extra mile to make life that little bit easier for them."“The fact that I didn’t have experience in care wasn’t an issue as I was provided with all the training I needed. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I only wish I’d done it sooner. I love my job and want to make a career for myself doing this. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who has a caring nature and wants to help people.”