We love getting to know the people behind the businesses in Enfield. We caught up with Ken Waterhouse at Home Care Preferred to ask him our 5 famous questions:
1.What prompted the start of Home Care Preferred?
It was while helping my mum, Velma, care for my terminally ill step-dad, Bob, that my views on long term care began to change. With the perception of home care in the UK hitting an all time low in 2012 as cases of abuse, cruelty and even malnutrition made the headlines, I decided to try to change things by setting up a new company, Home Care Preferred.
Amongst the problems we found whilst caring for our loved one was obtaining equipment and advice on related care services such as where to acquire essential equipment needed when caring for someone at home. This led me to incorporating Independent Living Equipment and an advisory service within the Home Care Preferred business.
Based on my experience during a very difficult time I wanted to develop a “one-stop-shop” for people who want to remain at home. The early years of Home Care Preferred have proved this is a much valued service.
Pairing my 27 years experience working in the retirement sector with a new conviction that most people would prefer to be cared for in their own homes, we established the first branch of Home Care Preferred in Winchmore Hill
I started in the care sector in 1987 when I opened my first care home. Since then we have owned and operated award winning care environments before launching our first domiciliary care service, Home Care Preferred.
Since Home Care Preferred started in 2011 the company has gone from strength to strength. During the steady growth the focus has always been on striving towards an excellent standard of care and delivering a highly personal service.
In 2017 Home Care Preferred launched a franchise side to the business with new quality branches opening in 2018 and beyond.
2.What does your business offer its customers?
Our years of experience in the care profession has convinced us that people want to stay in their own homes, whether they are older people in need of some additional support or younger adults with a condition that requires the help to live the most independent life possible.
Staying at home with treasured memories is the choice that we believe everyone should have and our aim is to make this possible.
Home Care Preferred, based in Winchmore Hill, London, is an award-winning home care agency. We take great pride in training our team. Our carefully selected team members are dedicated people who provide superb levels of service in a friendly but professional manner.
In addition to statutory training, our caregivers receive intensive coaching in customer care and on-going training in all relevant aspects of Health & Social Care.
Our approach is flexible and our home care services are tailor-made around clients’ needs. Home Care Preferred is available to provide the right solution for those we serve. Keep your loved one happy at home with our home care in London.
3.What kind of customers do you work with? Are there any types of businesses you collaborate well with?
Adults over 18 years of age who need support in their own homes
4.What’s the toughest part of running your business?
The care sector has its challenges however the rewards make the toughest of situations worthwhile.
5.What piece of advice could you give to other business owners?
In these uncertain times it is essential to try and adapt your business the best you can. Communicate well with your clients and go the extra mile with your levels of service.
Find out more about Home Care Preferred HERE, or get in touch with Ken at info@homecarepreferred.com