A MANAGER who built up her own care service from scratch has seen her hard work pay off after achieving a good rating from watchdogs.

Stephanie Adams runs CO9 Senior Home Help Limited in Castle Hedingham.

She built the service from scratch after always having a love of caring for the elderly.

Stephanie said: “I have done care since I left school - I love elderly people.

“I had always liked helping, so I got a job in Forest Home in Sible Hedingham and enjoyed caring for them and making their day a little brighter.

“I especially liked working with residents who sadly had Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“I stayed there for a few years. It was like a home from home.

“When my nana then got ill, I looked after her and I went self-employed.

“From there it spread through word of mouth, and I had more people contacting me.

“It got too many for me, so I talked to my husband about starting up my own company.

“My passion is providing top care they deserve at an affordable price.”

Stephanie registered with the CQC in December 2021 and was praised in her first inspection.

The report said: “The registered manager was passionate about their service and their community.

“We received positive feedback about their commitment to providing high-quality care.

“Staff worked well with people, families and professionals to promote people's health and wellbeing.

“They were compassionate and committed to the people they supported.”

Stephanie said: “The whole company has just gone from strength to strength.

“I have self-funded it, not had any help from anyone else, it has just been me building it up.

“To get this rating is incredible and the CQC inspector said we have the potential to hit the highest rating on our next inspection.

“Thank you to all the clients for trusting me, and the staff. I always thank them but without them there wouldn’t be CO9.

“They are all incredible and work so hard. The care they provide is outstanding and they always go above and beyond.

“And of course, I have a supportive husband and children, which you definitely need in this line of work with such a busy workload.”