The provision of quality patient care is a transformative factor in the healthcare sector. By developing more tailored and effective treatment strategies, it prioritizes patient well-being. Transformations are in place to make a difference by optimizing processes and engaging patients in their self-care.
One such innovation is done by Louise Blezzard the Founder and CEO of Venelle, a luxury home care provider that empowers individuals to live their lives to the fullest. She began her journey in healthcare as a nurse, where she gained a deep understanding of patient needs and a passion for enhancing care delivery. Throughout her career, Louise has worked in a variety of leadership roles, such as Group Director of Wellbeing & Membership at Loveday and as an inspector for the Care Quality Commission, which have helped to inform her vision for transformational, person-centred care.
Inspired by the early work she did as a teenager in homecare, Louise saw firsthand how compassion can transform lives. She then established Venelle to redefine home care through bespoke services that integrate easily into clients’ lifestyles. Founded on values such as compassion, integrity, and excellence, Venelle strives to strengthen the clients and team members she leads by furthering the culture under her guidance.
We had an interview with Louise. Let’s delve into the interview.
Can you tell us about your early life and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
I started in the care sector when I was young, working for a homecare agency, which saw me cycling around my parents’ village, looking after people in the local area. This early insight meant I was able to witness firsthand the profound impact compassion and support had on people – and it instilled a drive in me to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives. Social care gave me the opportunity to make a tangible difference and it’s one I’ve fully embraced.
What motivated you to start Venelle? How did you come up with the name “Venelle” and what does it signify for you and your company?
Venelle was born out of a desire to redefine home care – moving away from transactional services to delivering bespoke, dignified care that integrates seamlessly into clients’ existing lifestyles. The name ‘Venelle’ stems from a personal appreciation for the town Venelles in France, but with it also being the French word for alley/lane, it reflects the idea of life’s unique pathways. The association symbolizes our commitment to supporting each individual’s journey, empowering them to maintain their independence and identity.
Can you describe the mission and vision of Venelle?
Our mission is to enhance lives through compassionate, tailored care that prioritises comfort, dignity and autonomy, and our vision is to be an example of innovation in homecare – setting new standards for quality and personalisation and enabling people to live well at every stage of life.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I always look to lead with empathy and transparency, while empowering the team to bring their best selves to work. By fostering a collaborative culture, I also encourage my team to share their insights and innovate freely – suggesting ways in which we can enhance and improve our care provision. By learning from each other, we get a more holistic view of our client experience, which ensures any issues that may arise for one client aren’t repeated elsewhere.
And, similarly, any positive experiences are taken as good examples for us to follow with other clients, too. I also believe in leading by example – setting high standards while supporting growth, ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated.
What values do you prioritise in your team and company culture?
Our core values are centred on compassion, integrity, excellence and respect. We prioritise creating a culture of mutual care, where both our clients and team members can thrive. For our team, we emphasise work-life balance, ongoing development and recognition to ensure, as mentioned above, that they bring their best selves to work so that they, in turn, can do their best work and deliver exceptional care.
How does Venelle differentiate itself from other companies in the industry?
Venelle stands apart through our commitment to personalisation and empowerment. A standout example is the fact our clients can select their own care teams, helping to ensure compatibility and trust. For instance, we recently assisted somebody from Australia in relocating to London. The client was living with dementia, and one of their family’s requests was to have an Australian carer to help make that transition easier by providing a familiar voice and culture similarity. This saw us conduct targeted recruitment to ensure we delivered this, and, having uncovered two outstanding candidates, we employed both. It’s just one example of how we’re willing to go above and beyond based on individual needs.
We also offer services beyond traditional care, delivering lifestyle programmes and concierge support to help our clients tackle day-to-day activities, as well as support with any relevant life admin – from applying for a new bank card to doing the weekly shop. Recently, we also formed a strategic partnership with Annomo Health, a specialist service dedicated to sourcing top-tier medical treatment around the world, which sees us offer seamless integration between medical treatment and post-care support for those either travelling to London or living in London post-treatment.
A specialist service, it sets us apart from other providers, while underlining the high quality care provision we offer. We’re constantly seeking to enhance every aspect of our clients’ lives, with innovative recruitment and training reinforcing our dedication to excellence within the team.
What trends do you see shaping the future of healthcare and wellness?
The integration of technology in care delivery, such as AI-driven health monitoring and virtual consultations, will play a significant role. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on holistic and preventative care, recognizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health. Personalisation and client empowerment will also remain key drivers in reshaping the sector.
What are your goals for Venelle over the next five years?
Over the next five years, we aim to expand Venelle’s reach while maintaining our high standards of care. Beyond homecare though, we’re looking to broaden our offering yet further – and we’re very much in the process of rapid growth and ambitious expansion. With funding secured and a property search well underway, we’re poised to bring our unique blend of personalised care and luxury services to a wider audience in the form of a physical care home offering. The ethos of care established via our homecare services is now set to be expanded to incorporate residential care.
