Partner Spotlight – Hamilton George Care
At some point in all of our lives we will likely have to consider the option of live-in care for a loved one. And whether it’s a process you’re currently going through or simply a glimpse into what the future may hold, it’s a poignant part of life and a weighty decision. To understand more on the topic, we caught up with Fred Lloyd George, Founder & Managing Director of Hamilton George Care to discuss the evolving landscape of live-in care, what sets them apart and much more…
Please could you tell us the story of how Hamilton George Care began?
The story of Hamilton George Care began in 2011 when I met Alex Hamilton during a training course in the Brecon Beacons for the British Army. Both of us having similar backgrounds in health and care, we found ourselves becoming a support system for friends and family who were struggling to find reliable, quality care for their loved ones amidst a challenged system, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It was from this need that Hamilton George Care was founded, with the goal of providing a service that is wholly centered on the individual, is family-oriented, and creating a positive experience with care.
Could you explain what Hamilton George Care does and what sets you apart from other live-in care providers?
Hamilton George Care provides live-in care services that prioritise clinical excellence. We are fully regulated so are responsible for understanding the requirements, identifying a care structure and carer to deliver this, and making sure the care runs smoothly.
What sets us apart from other providers is our custom-tailored approach that takes into account the unique needs and lifestyle of each client, while also involving their family in the care process. We empower our clients by giving them choice and control, and we provide them with the best carers in the UK, who are matched to their specific clinical and lifestyle needs and work to the client’s timelines.
We have assembled a highly skilled and experienced team to deliver the best tailored care in the UK. Our Head of Care Strategy, Guy, has over a decade of personal and professional experience in managing care. He is supported by Alyce, our in-house registered nurse, and Rachel, our Senior Relationship Manager who has over 20 years of experience in providing high-quality support to different British Royal Households.
We believe that our processes, support, and carers provide the highest quality tailored care service in the UK and this is reflected in the fact that 75% of our new clients come through referrals.
What advice would you give to families that are considering live-in care for a loved one?
Firstly, start planning early. Care is often needed quickly and it can be a significant investment with various options and quality. To ensure that you receive the best care for your loved one, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the type of support needed and where to find it. Speaking with an expert, such as a fully managed agency like Hamilton George, can be a helpful starting point. They not only provide carers but also manage the entire care process for clients. It’s important to understand that you don’t have to make a decision with the first agency you speak to, they can guide you through the initial stages, alleviate some stress, provide answers to your questions, give advice and act as an informed sounding board.
Secondly, recognise that acceptance can be difficult. Nobody wants to have a carer in their home. It’s a recognition that they are losing their independence and often unrealistic expectations of what they are able to do. However, when the person receiving care is allowed to maintain as much control as possible, involved in the process, and the right carer is selected, they can feel more empowered and accept the situation. Our role as an agency is to act diplomatically and to understand the wishes of all parties involved. We use the expertise of our in-house nurse and the experience of our Head of Care Strategy to determine how care can be provided in the best way possible while ensuring the client’s safety. With our experience and clinical expertise, we take on the responsibility and minimise the stress for the person organising care.
You state that “care should be life enhancing, not life limiting” how do Hamilton George Care embody this philosophy?
At Hamilton George Care, we strive to embody our philosophy that care should be life-enhancing, not life-limiting. To achieve this, we have established a company mission to understand the unique situations faced by all of our clients and to take the stress out of finding and managing care by providing exceptional clinical management and dedicated, life-enhancing support.
To achieve this mission, we:
- Work with a limited number of clients to provide highly tailored service, believing in quality over quantity.
- Have rigorous training and selection criteria for our carers to ensure that we only work with the best and most dedicated individuals. We provide our own training, including etiquette courses, to ensure that our carers meet our high standards.
- Meet with our clients and their families several times before care begins to gain a detailed understanding of their needs, and use this information to recommend a care strategy and carer that fits their unique situation.
- Give clients the opportunity to interview their carers before they arrive at their home. This allows clients to feel more comfortable and confident in the care they will receive.
We are dedicated to providing a personalised and high-quality care experience for our clients and their families, and we strive to make a positive impact on their lives.
As Founder and Managing Director of Hamilton George Care, what is your biggest motivation?
I would say my biggest motivation is the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients. The opportunity to provide exceptional clinical and lifestyle support for both the client and their family is incredibly rewarding. However, what truly drives me is the ability to genuinely enhance the lives of those who come to us for care. The ability to develop a tailored care strategy that truly makes a difference in someone’s life is what motivates me to continue working in this field. It is a privilege to be a part of a team that is committed to providing life-enhancing care services and it is a source of great satisfaction when we are able to achieve this goal for our clients.
How do you see the landscape of live-in care evolving in the future?
The landscape of live-in care is evolving and I believe it will continue to do so in the future. One of the key trends that we are currently seeing is a shift towards upgrades in the quality of care services and the value received. This is driven by a more informed client base which is willing to invest more in their care needs to ensure that they receive high-quality care from a competent team. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought attention to the importance of health and care needs, and as a result, people are becoming more aware of what they value in terms of care.
In the future, I see a continued demand for live-in care services as the population ages and the need for care increases. Technology will also play a greater role in the delivery of care services, making it easier for carers to provide care and for clients to receive it. I also believe that we will see an increased focus on the well-being of carers, with better pay and support provided to ensure that they can deliver excellent care. Overall, my hope is that with the evolution of live-in care, the quality of care will continue to improve, making it more accessible and affordable for all.
For more information on the services Hamilton George Care provide please contact, Fred: fred@hamiltongeorgecare.com
222 Kensal Rd,
London,
W10 5BN
T: +44207 138 3556
