Twenty years of care, community and commitment: CareYourWay's anniversary celebration in South Devon

CareYourWay celebrates 20 years in South Devon with a heartfelt event honouring its wonderful clients, and incredible home care heroes.

Twenty years ago, in the small South Devon village of East Allington, CareYourWay began with a simple belief — that families deserved better when it came to the care of someone they love.

Founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Manuel and Sarah Sabater, CareYourWay was inspired by personal experience and a shared determination to ensure that older people and vulnerable adults could continue living safely, happily and independently in the place that matters most to them — their own home.

What started as a small, close-knit team has grown into a home care service proudly rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission — placing it among the top 1% of providers nationwide.

But for CareYourWay, care has never just been about ratings or recognition. It has always been about people — and the families who trust others to step into their homes and support those they love most.

That sense of togetherness was at the heart of a recent 20th anniversary celebration held at Dainton Golf Club, where clients, relatives, carers and community partners came together to reflect on the journey so far.

The event welcomed elderly clients, members of the care and office teams, the Sabater family, healthcare professionals and long-standing friends of the organisation.

Guests were greeted with refreshments and live music performed by members of the CareYourWay team — a personal touch that reflected the warmth and family feel that defines the organisation’s approach to care.

Throughout the afternoon, carers and clients shared stories built over months and often years of support. For many families attending, these were not simply professional relationships but trusted bonds formed during some of life’s most challenging and emotional moments.

It was more than a celebration of an anniversary. It was a celebration of independence preserved, of worries eased, of families supported and of loved ones able to remain in familiar surroundings with dignity and comfort.

Healthcare professionals in attendance praised the organisation’s collaborative approach and its ongoing commitment to working alongside families to achieve the best possible outcomes for those receiving care at home across South Devon.

One of the most emotional moments of the afternoon came as the office and management team surprised CareYourWay’s three longest-serving team members — Debbie, Maria and Sarah.

Having dedicated nearly two decades to supporting people in their own homes, their compassion and commitment represent everything CareYourWay strives to provide to families across the community.

As they were presented with special gifts, founders Manuel and Sarah shared heartfelt words of thanks for the countless lives they have touched. There was laughter and memorable moments shared, and more than a few tears as the team, clients, and family members applauded to show their appreciation.

For many clients and relatives in the room, these carers had become familiar faces, reassuring voices, and trusted companions who had stood beside families through illness, recovery, and moments of vulnerability.

Speaking during the celebration, Co-Founder and CEO Sarah Sabater reflected on CareYourWay’s journey from its beginnings in East Allington to becoming a nationally recognised provider whose model expanded across the UK in 2021.

She spoke openly about the personal experience that inspired the organisation’s creation after witnessing inadequate care while supporting her terminally ill father — and how the desire to do better for other families continues to shape everything CareYourWay does today. She shared:

While we are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, this celebration is really about the people who made it possible,” she said. “Our clients, our team and the families who place their trust in us are the reason CareYourWay exists. We remain committed to delivering the kind of care we would want for our own loved ones.

The afternoon at Dainton Golf Club served as a meaningful reminder of the trust families place in care providers at some of life’s most vulnerable times.

As CareYourWay enters its third decade, its promise remains unchanged — to provide compassionate, high-quality home care that supports not just individuals, but the families who stand beside them, across South Devon and beyond.