Alison Hesketh, the Founder and Managing Director at TimeFinders, originally carved a niche for herself as a charity troubleshooter par excellence.
She became the lynchpin for medium and small charities in turmoil, often stepping in as their acting CEO. “My job was to sort out whatever mess they were in,” Hesketh shares candidly about her role as a consultant. Her commitment to each charity ranged from three months to two years, during which she not only steered them out of crisis but also laid the groundwork for a stable future by aiding in the recruitment of a permanent CEO.
Hesketh’s journey was fraught with challenges, notably bridging the divide between paid staff and unpaid trustees and volunteers. She recalls the prevailing mindset: “There was still very much the view that this is a charity so therefore you should be doing it out of love and not for money.” Overcoming this notion and advocating for the professionalism of the staff, while also acknowledging their financial needs, was a significant hurdle in the early days.
As the charity sector evolved, Hesketh was at the forefront of embracing change. She played a pivotal role in the nascent days of the Institute of Charity Fundraising Managers, now known as the Institute of Fundraising, setting up codes of practice to guide ethical fundraising. Challenging the focus on problems rather than solutions, she pushed for promoting positive images of charities’ work, especially in developing countries, despite considerable resistance.
The TimeFinders Story: Helping Life’s Transitions with Compassion
But it was Alison’s personal experience with her mother’s need to downsize in her late 70s that was the catalyst for the creation of TimeFinders. “She was still fully compos mentis, just getting a little bit physically frail,” Hesketh explains. The challenge of managing this transition while juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities was significant. “I learned a lot from that,” she admits, highlighting the absence of services to assist with such a process.
Following a career break in which Alison took care of her mother in her final illness, Hesketh decided against returning to the voluntary sector. It was then that a friend’s frustration with managing their own mother’s affairs sparked an idea. “That was one of those light bulb moments,” Hesketh says, recognising the unmet need for a service to help with downsizing and relocation for the elderly.
With her background in project management, Hesketh saw an opportunity to apply her skills to a new venture. TimeFinders began as a retirement downsizing service in 2010, carefully growing and adapting to the needs of its clients. Operating in an area with little regulatory oversight, TimeFinders established its own Code of Conduct to ensure ethical practices. Hesketh is particularly proud of their meticulous approach to gift acceptance, ensuring transparency and integrity when working with vulnerable individuals.
As Time Finders’ clientele expressed diverse needs, the organisation expanded its services. This included family mediation, legal and financial advice signposting, and developing care options reports. “We’ve done a lot of family mediation and making sure that everybody’s expectations match,” Hesketh emphasises the importance of managing expectations to prevent conflicts.
One of TimeFinders’ most innovative services is its advocacy for individuals ageing alone. Hesketh describes the development of a detailed program to understand clients’ needs intimately, allowing TimeFinders to act on their behalf should they lose capacity. “We’re there fighting for them,” she asserts, highlighting the service’s commitment to its clients’ welfare.
Hesketh shares poignant stories of clients, such as a music teacher with dementia who regained her ability to play the piano, demonstrating the impact of proper care and support. “That is something that I get rather passionate about,” she admits.
Championing Dignity in Dementia Care
Toward the end of the conversation, Alison delves into the heart of her mission. Hesketh, a dedicated dementia ambassador, emphasises the urgency of addressing the needs of those diagnosed with dementia. “It’s really important to act at that time because you need to get your legal paperwork in place and whilst you still have the mental capacity to do so,” she asserts.
Hesketh’s advocacy extends beyond the individual to the systemic level. She highlights the care crisis and the need for government support, “Leaders of the care industry need to know that the government is on their side and will root for them.” Her disappointment is palpable when leaders fail to show solidarity, “It unfortunately sends the wrong signal by not turning up or sending a statement.”
The challenges she describes are not just bureaucratic but deeply personal. Hesketh shares an anecdote about her mother, an ex-head teacher, who faced condescension while shopping for a fridge. This experience underscores the ageism that pervades society, “There are many people like that who just feel belittled and sidelined. They’ve got such talent that the country could be using.”
Hesketh also touches on the taboo surrounding death, sharing the story of a 98-year-old gentleman who appreciated her frankness. “You’re the only person who mentions the ‘D word’… it’s probably the most important thing that’s going to happen to me next, and I want to make sure that it’s right.”
Her holistic approach to care is evident as she discusses the importance of understanding clients’ wishes, “That level of understanding of empathy goes a long, long way.” Hesketh’s vision for TimeFinders is clear: to advocate for dignity in dementia care and to challenge the systems that fail to recognize the value of our elders.
Coming toward the end, it’s evident that Alison Hesketh’s work with TimeFinders is more than a service but a crusade for compassion and change in the face of dementia. Her message is a call to action for society to recognise the humanity and potential of those living with dementia, and to support the carers who dedicate their lives to this cause. It’s a reminder that in the journey of life, dignity should never be a privilege, but a right for all.
