News / elderly care
Shining a light in the darkest of times
For Emma-Louise Doney, it was losing her grandmother to Alzheimer’s that sparked a deep understanding of a crisis faced by hundreds and thousands and their loved ones.
Equipped with first-hand experience caring for a loved one with a degenerative disease, Adorno Companions was born five years ago aiming to provide social support, companionship and other assistance to older people across the region, enabling them to stay independent, and in their homes.
The care industry is one of the largest employers in the area and often receives acute scrutiny from the media on its shortcomings and lack of “personal touch”.
But for Doney, it is more than a business, having trained herself and dedicated her entire professional life to the care industry. She is spurred on by “ensuring older residents in the region and their families are living to the full”.
In May, on the back of its success, the Chipping Sodbury-based firm underwent a rebranding process to broaden its reach and services, changing name to Best Life Companions and Best Life Day Clubs
After going on a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority-funded training course, Doney started up Adorno Activity Club based in Windmill Hill City Farm in south Bristol.
It was set up to offer fun, friendship and stimulation for locals with dementia through creative and musical activities, animal therapy sessions and more.
In May, on the back of the success and positive feedback, the Chipping Sodbury-based firm underwent a rebranding process to broaden its reach and services, changing name to Best Life Companions and Best Life Day Clubs, now part of the Best Life Care Group. The rebranding was spearheaded by Christine Kavanagh of the Bristol-based design agency, Tonic Brand & Design who executed Doney’s vision.
Bristol24/7 recently caught up with Doney on this latest venture.
Asked her to sum up her business, she said: “We are dedicated to enriching the lives of adults after injury, diagnosis and into their later years through personalised companionship and engaging day club activities. Our mission is to provide meaningful interactions and support that enhance the well-being and happiness of our clients and change the health and social care sector for the better.”
Speaking about her inspiration to enter the care sector, Doney said: “The inspiration for Best Life stems from my own experiences with my grandparents. I saw first hand the impact that companionship and engaging activities had on their quality of life. I wanted to create an organisation that could offer the same level of care and joy to other older people, ensuring they feel valued and connected.”
Best Life Companions offers their services of support in Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The visits are bespoke according to the individual needs and interests, ranging from light housework, transportation, companionship, and gardening to outings.
The day club at the city farm in Windmill Hill on Tuesdays and Greenfield Centre in Winterbourne includes a variety of activities such as board games, coffee lunches, live music and arts and crafts to keep the attendees engaged and enjoy the company of one another.
On the trajectory of the business with the recent rebranding, she said: “In the short term, we aim to expand our reach within the local community, increasing the number of day clubs and companions available. We also plan to introduce new programs and activities based on client feedback.
“We envision Best Life becoming a nationwide presence, setting the standard for senior companionship and day clubs. We want to create a network of support that ensures every senior has access to the care and engagement they deserve.”
“What keeps me awake at night is the constant drive to ensure we are providing the best possible care and experiences for our clients,” said Emma-Louise Doney
She is well-equipped to the daily grind of the business which she considers a privilege. Doney said: “What keeps me awake at night is the constant drive to ensure we are providing the best possible care and experiences for our clients. I think about how we can improve and expand our services to reach more people.”
“On the flip side, what makes me jump out of bed every day is the knowledge that we are making a real difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Seeing the smiles and hearing the stories of joy from our clients is incredibly rewarding.”
All photos: Best Life Care Group
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