When someone you love is diagnosed with a long-term condition, life can change in an instant. For many families, finding the right social care service, residential or supported living home can be overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating.

In the UK, it takes an average of six months or more to find a care service that feels like the right fit, and that’s if you know what you’re looking for. Many families feel lost navigating a maze of providers, limited support, and daunting decisions – all while trying to care for someone who may be increasingly dependent on others. 

Like it does for so many people, for Rachel Lovell, the journey to creating real homes in social care started when she was just a child…

Creating real homes in social care

Rachel, Group Head of Growth and Development at ivolve Care & Support, grew up as a young carer for her mum, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when Rachel was only 9 years old.

MS is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as mobility issues, fatigue, and vision problems. Around 130,000 people in the UK live with MS, and while its progression can vary, it often results in increasing dependence on care, both from loved ones and professional teams. 

Rachel’s lived experience has shaped her career and purpose. Today, almost 20 years into a career in care, she brings that deeply personal insight into everything she does.

We sat down with her to talk about her career, her passion for creating real homes in social care (not just services), and why ivolve is the right place for her to live out that mission. 

How long have you worked in care? 

R: I’ve worked in care for almost 20 years so most of my adult life, really. I feel really passionate about providing people with a beautiful home environment that ensures they’re safe and well supported.

It’s not just about care, it’s about dignity, warmth, and the feeling of belonging. 

What’s your favourite thing about your job? 

R: I love transforming spaces. Taking a building or even just an empty room and turning it into a warm, welcoming home. My favourite moment is when someone walks into that new space for the first time and knows it’s theirs. That joy when they get the keys. It’s powerful. 

Everything starts with that space: health, opportunities, life. A real home in social care changes everything. 

Why did you choose a career in care? 

R: I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was a carer from a very young age. My mum was diagnosed with MS when I was just 9, and her condition deteriorated really quickly. By the time I was 10, she was bed and wheelchair bound. My little brother and I grew up caring for her and it was just part of our normal family life. 

Later on, my mum needed more intensive support. Our home couldn’t meet her needs anymore, and we had to help her find her forever home.

But there was no roadmap. No support. No one guiding us. We were kids trying to navigate very complex systems. Eventually, she found a beautiful stately home that felt just right, and we finally felt peace. 

That experience stayed with me. 

It made me determined to help other people find that same kind of home – without the struggle. It’s such a privilege to be able to support others through what can be one of the hardest parts of their lives. 

What did that time feel like?

It was terrifying.  It felt like being a rabbit in the headlights. I just wanted the best for my mum, but I didn’t know what that looked like or how to get it. It was scary to see someone I loved become completely dependent, and even scarier not to have help. 

When we found her forever home, through pure chance, she just knew it was right. It was perfect for her. She was always so beautiful, and it was the first place that truly respected that and mirrored who she was, 

I don’t want it to be that hard for anyone else. At ivolve, we don’t just create environments, we build places that feel right for people. I always think:

“If it wouldn’t have been good enough for my mum, it’s not good enough for anyone we support.” 

What do you look for when creating a service? 

It’s personal. Everyone wants different things, and we all have unique needs. But ultimately, it’s about standards.

A good home helps someone feel safe, happy, and like they can be the best version of themselves – whatever that looks like for them.

First, I ask myself:

Together, these efforts help us build a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and proud of the difference they make.

This is what makes ivolve not just a great place to work – but a place where people can truly build a career in care to make a difference.

What first attracted you to ivolve? 

ivolve’s mission and values spoke to me immediately. We’re not just another care provider. We’re focused on person-led support, creating homes and opportunities that help people live flourishing lives.  

At ivolve, we genuinely care. The culture is supportive, the teams are dedicated, and there’s a shared commitment to doing things right. I was also really impressed by the career development opportunities.

From ivolve.jobs, it’s clear that ivolve invests in its people: whether it’s through meaningful training, real progression opportunities, or the way teams are empowered to lead with kindness, passion and resilience.  

For me, it’s not just about working in care, it’s about being in the right place to do care well. And ivolve is that place. 

Buildings to homes – the ivolve way

Rachel’s story is a reminder that behind every care referral is a daughter, a parent, a sibling – someone trying to do right by the person they love. 

At ivolve, people like Rachel are creating real homes in social care, and turning challenges into hope. 

Because for us – it’s personal.