Barnstaple woman launches inclusive care and companionship service

A Barnstaple resident has launched a new initiative to provide safe, reliable, and inclusive care and companionship services for those in need.

Sarah Fitzgerald, 55, a mother of three and grandmother of one, recently started her business, Sunflower Care and Companionship, after being made redundant from her 14-year role with a local assisted living company. 

Drawing on her 35 years of experience in the care sector, Sarah aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among elderly and disabled individuals.

The service, which began at the end of September, focuses on promoting independence and offering tailored companionship, creating a support system akin to an extended family.

“Since I have been spending time with my clients through my business I have felt very rewarded to be able to provide a safe and reliable service,” Sarah shared.

When asked how it feels to be doing this work, Sarah said: “I am incredibly passionate about promoting my clients’ independence and being able to offer them companionship like an extension of their family. I feel highly rewarded and receive great satisfaction when I know I have added light to somebody’s day by being there for them in whichever way they need.”

Sarah’s vision for Sunflower Care and Companionship is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest.

“My aim is to provide a safe, reliable and inclusive care and companionship service that will help disabled and elderly people {but not limited to} to have the same opportunities as everybody else. This could mean meeting new people at social events and clubs, attending to their appointments or going shopping with a companion, going to their favourite place e.g. the garden centre, or just going for a drive around our lovely coastal area and stopping to have refreshments.

"Everyone I accompany will be made to feel comfortable and content as I always ensure that I go at my clients pace and tailor each appointment to their individual needs. My service can also be carried out in the clients home if this is what they so wish. At Sunflower we use a fully insured wheelchair accessible vehicle.”

With Sunflower Care and Companionship, Sarah hopes to make a lasting impact on the North Devon community, bringing connection and joy to those who need it most.