Ron Snijders has spent most of his life providing care for others.
So when the opportunity to buy and manage a care home cropped up, there was never any doubt as to whether he would snap it up. After all, he relishes the job because it is one of his passions as well as his chosen career.
Often patients get sucked up in large corporate care homes and I thought I could improve on that
His care home, The Villas, is a private home for people with learning disabilities. It houses a maximum of eight people and organises activities and outings, and provides independent living training.
After working for years for other people what finally made him make the leap into ownership?
“A bit of arrogance really!” he admits. “After working for many companies over the years, I thought I could do better myself.
“Often patients get sucked up in large corporate care homes and I thought I could improve on that.
“My mother was a nurse and my grandmother owned residential homes, so it is a great passion of mine and has been for much of my life.
Inspired by peer
“One of my colleagues bought a business and I helped her with the research and sale. After seeing how easy it could be I realised I could do it too.”
Following the example of his colleague Ron started to thoroughly research the marketplace.
“I researched what was on the market and which clients the homes served. There are many different patients such as the homeless, the elderly and patients with autism.
“Also, I spent time looking at the funding that each sector was entitled to. The funding element is crucial; it is affected by postcode, what provisions you have and a whole range of factors.”
Ron believes that research is an important aspect of buying a business.
“You must do your homework,” he says. “Take a long time to research and speak to providers, directors of social services, and people in the NHS. Overall it took me 18 months.”
So what can you expect from an average day in a care home?
“On a normal morning I come in and speak to my secretary, sort my mail and speak with the professionals in my company – the doctors, professionals and psychiatrists. I talk to all my staff; I like to be totally immersed in what is going on.
