From coordinating care with compassion to building meaningful connections behind the scenes, Chintan Desai plays a vital role in keeping Aspire’s support running smoothly.
With 17 years in health and social care, and 12 of those at Aspire UK, he knows what it takes to make a real difference in people’s lives.
In this profile, Chintan shares the personal story that led him into care, the most rewarding parts of his work, and the one piece of advice he gives to anyone thinking about joining the sector.
Whether you’re curious about life at Aspire or considering a career in care, Chintan’s story is a reminder of the impact you can make when you lead with empathy.
What is your role at Aspire, and how long have you been with us?
My role at Aspire UK is Head of Scheduling, and I’ve been with the company for 12 years. I bring a total of 17 years of experience in the Health and Social Care sector, which has given me an understanding of the needs of both clients and care teams.
What inspired you to start working in care?
What inspired me to start working in care was to make a real difference in people’s lives. I helped look after a relative who became seriously ill. Seeing how small acts of kindness or helping with everyday tasks made such a difference really stayed with me. That experience showed me how powerful compassionate care can be, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that every day.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is to ensure that clients receive quality care and to see the improvement in their overall wellbeing. As Head of Scheduling, I play a role in making sure our clients are supported with care which is delivered as detailed in their support plan, and our care staff are matched thoughtfully to meet their needs.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Aspire?
My favourite thing about working at Aspire UK is teamwork and support throughout the company. Over the 12 years I have been here, the culture is positive, inclusive and focused on growth not just for the company, but for each individual. That’s what has kept me here all these years, and why I am proud to be part of the team here at Aspire UK.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I coordinate closely with the office team and care staff to ensure the right carers are matched with the right clients, based on their needs, preferences and continuity of care. Throughout the day, I manage calls, handle queries and support the team in staying organised. We have to make sure our clients maintain their independence and dignity in their own homes. I also have to ensure that our rota is compliant with various legislation.
What’s one thing people often misunderstand about home care? One thing people often misunderstand about home care is that it’s just about helping with physical tasks like washing and dressing. While those things are important, home care goes far beyond that. It’s about building meaningful relationships, offering emotional support and helping people stay independent and comfortable in their own home.
What’s something you’ve learned from one of your clients?
One of the lessons I have learned from clients is the importance of patience and listening. I once supported a client who had dementia, and in the beginning, communication was challenging. But over time, I realised that even small gestures like eye contact, holding their hand and simply taking the time to actively listen goes a long way in supporting their needs and keeping them calm.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in care?
My advice to anyone considering a career in care is to lead with compassion and kindness. It’s not always easy, there will be challenging days, but the impact you make is truly life changing. You need to be patient, reliable and willing to keep learning, because every client is different and every situation teaches you something new. But if you care about people and want to make a real difference, this is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose.
Want to be Part of a Team That Makes a Real Difference?
If Chintan’s story has inspired you, we’d love to hear from you. Join the Aspire UK team and start your journey in care today.
