Bright idea shows that Tim cares about the elderly

Tim Cocking, 26, already has 40 clients across the Lothians signed up to his company Bright Care, which specialises in helping the elderly stay in their own homes.

The Danderhall-based firm has 17 employees and allows clients to hire a carer at a flat hourly rate, ranging from live-in care to one-off brief slots.

Mr Cocking said: "There are people in the industry who say there won't be any care homes 20, 30 or 40 years down the line.

"That makes sense, because they are so expensive, and most elderly people would rather remain in their own home.

"It's cheaper too, you don't have to build or maintain a premises, because the person being cared for already has all that, you're only really supplying the people.

"And as technology improves, people can be kept an eye on all the time remotely, although it's important we never lose face-to-face contact, because that's what people crave."

Mr Cocking, who lives in Musselburgh, said he developed Bright Care after his grandmother's experience revealed to him shortcomings in care homes.

He also said his age had worked for and against him since he obtained a licence at the end of last year.

"I feel like I bring a fresh approach to things, I don't have any baggage," he said.

"I always make sure I employ people who are more intelligent and credible than me. I think when I first meet the families they are surprised when they see me, but once I've spoken to them that changes, and they can see we are serious.

"I was dragged over the coals by the Care Commission. They took one look at me and thought I wouldn't manage this, but I've been able to prove myself every step of the way, and now they are happy.

"Our key is being flexible; from us you can more or less have whatever you want. That's exactly the sort of thing that was missing when my grandmother needed it."

His venture comes at a time when care homes, and the quality of service they provide, has been moved up the agenda in the wake of the closure of the Elsie Inglis facility in Abbeyhill and the troubles of the Southern Cross group. Health chiefs have already stated that they believe the future of palliative care is in either the home, or a more sympathetic community setting.

Mr Cocking said he believes the shift will be as much dictated by finance as desire.

He said: "People have strange views about paying for care. We charge a flat rate of 15 an hour and some people think that is expensive, but would happily pay at least double that to a plumber."

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