Care, aid, and support are what a patient needs to regain good health. In a scenario where the patient is a senior, personalized care services at the comfort of their homes becomes essential.
The ‘healthcare services at home’ niche has evolved significantly in the past couple of years pertaining to the demands of a more convenient access to quality healthcare service. Organizations catering to this niche market have striven to leverage the most of their healthcare professionals and resources to deliver quality and comprehensive care to patients.
One prominent name among such organizations is Home Care Preferred, a provider of home care services, emphasizing on delivering the best possible care with warmth and affection. The company strives efficiently to create a friendly environment for clients and families and supports them professionally with special attention with their errands, meals, and medications.
In the following interview, Ken Waterhouse, Founder and Managing Director, shares his opinions about the current scenario of the home care services market and how his organization has gained a stronghold in the same.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Tell us more about your home care solutions, that make your company stand out from the competition?
Home care preferred provides a highly personalised service to clients. In addition to providing care in people’s homes we also sign post people to associate services. For example, health care professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, care fee planners.
What is your opinion on the impact of the current pandemic on the global healthcare sector, and how has your company fared during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns?
There have been major challenges during the past year with care homes severely affected at the height of the pandemic. Some homes that were already struggling have closed however the more successful care homes will survive. Home care preferred has managed to keep clients and team members, largely safe, during the pandemic. The early months when PPE was scarce were difficult, however the company is now managing well. From a financial perspective thing are virtually back to normal.
What is your opinion on the necessity for healthcare service providers to align their offerings with newer technological developments, especially when it comes to catering to changing patient preferences and needs?
It is important that operators utilise the excellent systems and developments that are being introduced to the sector. Home care preferred has virtually become a paperless business and streamlined record keeping and reporting thanks to cloud based software.
In your opinion, what could be the future of the healthcare services sector post the pandemic? And how are you strategizing your company’s operations for that future?
The sector will be better prepared for any future pandemics and able to reduce spread of disease. Home Care Preferred’s strategy will be continuing to develop more branches as before the pandemic.
As an established leader, what would be your advice to the budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the healthcare services?
Firstly, ensure it is a sector you are passionate about. Entering into healthcare needs to be more than profits. Do your research, look at the successful companies and analyse, what makes them good. Be realistic with funding requirements. Many ventures fail due to running out of funds. Make good contacts, work with competitors.
Have good values and ethos and do not let these slip as the company grows. Your team are your most important asset. Treat them with the same respect as you do your clients. If your team respect you and are on-side this gives the business much better chance of success. Be prepared to work very hard and deal with problems on a weekly basis.
About the Leader
Ken Waterhouse started in the care profession in 1988 when he opened his first care home. He went on to own and operate award winning businesses in the care sector including home care preferred which was the first care agency in the UK to open on the high street. In 2021, we are also planning on opening up to 3 more new branches.
