Yusuf Abubaker shares the challenges of running a care company

My guest today is making a very welcome, second visit.  Last time, Yusuf talked about how he started his business and today he talks about the challenges he continually faces in his care business - which is supported living.

One of the biggest challenges Yusuf faces in his business is the procurement of contracts from local authorities. He talks about how frustrating it is when he invests in accommodation, training his staff and preparing a property for new clients, but then the local authorities take far too long to respond, and often go for the cheapest option of provider.  

He has two properties that have been available for a long while, and they’ve been offered to different local authorities, but they say the accommodation is overpriced.
There are a lot of care providers out there, often with inexperienced and non-specialist staff, but the authorities don’t seem to care; they just want the cheapest.

Also, as a business, Bosun Care have to look after their properties, pay bills and their staff – but if they are not getting people to care for, it is becoming unsustainable from their point of view.

Yusuf talks about exactly what the specialised service that supported living care is, and why he doesn’t think people, including many local authorities understand what is actually involved. 

Another huge problem with local authorities is the lack of joined-up-thinking. They take forever to get things organised, even when a situation is considered urgent; you rarely talk to the same person when you contact them, and often there is no one available to talk to at all. Yusuf gives an example of how the incredibly slow workings of local authorities can impact on clients. 

We both agree that local authorities need to look into the continuity of care, because as it is, it certainly isn’t working.

Find out more about Yusuf and the work Bosun Care does at https://www.bosuncare.co.uk/