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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:

1. Work with a limited number of clients to provide highly tailored service, believing in quality over quantity.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

By Anya Cooklin-Lofting

I spend the majority of my free time gazing into jewellery shop windows or scrolling through Instagram accounts dedicated to all that glitters. Between browsing the expressive work of contemporary designer-makers to squinting at velvet-clad plinths in antique jewellery ateliers, there’s hardly time to stop for a spot of lunch. In the world of jewellery, there is always a story to be told, whether it’s the innovative use of materials or a particularly exciting provenance, and that’s why it makes such a thoughtful gift, for loved ones or yourself. 

Trends in jewellery move quickly, and any good jeweller will tell you to buy what you love, and wear it with gusto, despite the trends. However, if you’ve amassed something of a collection, a jewellery trend can act as a prompt of sorts, either to dig out a much-loved piece or to treat yourself to something new. So, read on for the biggest trends for 2023 from some of BBB’s favourite jewellery brands.

Colourful Gemstones 

In a trend that echoes the romance and sentimentality of Victorian acrostic jewellery, which featured gemstones with specific initials to spell words or messages, colourful designs are enjoying a renaissance. From infinity bands set with a rainbow of sapphires in perfect chromatic order to cluster rings of bright stones in perfect chaos, this joyous trend encourages playfulness and self-expression. 

Alice van Cal, the founder of her eponymous jewellery company, has just launched CHROMA, a collection of cocktail rings in pink tourmaline, emerald, garnet and yellow sapphire. Each ring in the radiant collection is inspired by the ancient tradition of colour therapy, inspiring a burst of happiness in its viewer. Van Cal works on the principle that each gemstone holds deep meaning and protective, supportive properties. She advises clients to go with the colour they’re most drawn to, allowing intuition to help in choosing the stone they might need the most.

Stacking & Layering

In another nod towards self-expression, stackable rings and earrings and layer-able necklaces will endure in popularity in 2023. This mix-and-match approach allows you to clash styles, colours and eras for a curation that speaks to your mood, or even just your outfit. There are no hard or fast rules to creating your own stacks and layers, but some of the most beautiful combinations can be achieved when you contrast old and new. 

A one-stop shop for the perfect stackable, layer-able pieces is Rachel Jackson London, where birthstone necklaces can be paired with Art Deco-style alphabet pendants and gemstone chains with gold and pearl charms. 

Organic Shapes

For many, the greatest marker of luxury is the evidence of the maker. For those who love organic shapes and perfect imperfection, this trend is for you. The visual signs of a craftsperson’s hand beating or engraving are characterful and charming. Equally, something magical happens when a jeweller takes the natural form of a piece of gold and sets it in a way that enhances its inherent, unadulterated beauty. 

Irena Chmura is an independent designer who does just this. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in a small London studio, while gemstones are set in a small stone-setting workshop in Hatton Garden. The trend for organic, natural forms can be seen in Chmura’s Dewdrop pendant necklaces, each set with a cut gemstone that serves to accentuate the natural textures in the gold drop. 

Ethical Jewellery

While it’s true that the importance of ethics shouldn’t come in and out with the trends, it would be remiss to omit the increase in the number of jewellers offering ethical alternatives. Ethical concerns in the jewellery industry could involve the support of artisans and reinvestment into communities all over the world, responsible manufacturing, ethical sourcing, the use of recycled or recyclable materials and environmentally aware shipment. 

One great example of a jeweller taking steps to contribute to a more ethical jewellery industry is Ana Dyla, a company that prides itself on its ethics and sustainability. The company has had B Corp status since 2021 and designs with the environment and its artisans in mind to drive positive change in the jewellery industry. Not only does Ana, the company’s founder, constantly look for new ways to limit the jewellery’s impact on the environment, but also looks at the industry as a whole, right down to the packaging design, which is FSC® labelled.