About us
Welcome to McDonald Homecare
A small, family-run business founded by Leigh and Anila McDonald, with more than 25 years’ experience in care in the UK and New Zealand.
Leigh and Anila McDonald, Directors of McDonald Homecare
A small, family-run business founded by Leigh and Anila McDonald, with more than 25 years’ experience in care in the UK and New Zealand.
I have worked in the care sector for over 25 years, both in the UK and New Zealand. Before starting McDonald Homecare, I worked with the UK’s largest care franchise, helping develop quality live-in care services.
I love being able to offer a personal approach with McDonald Homecare. Every client of ours is unique, with different needs, life experiences and beliefs. Understanding these things is fundamental to how we provide great care.
In the past, we have seen our own family members move into residential care, giving up their home, much of their independence and sometimes their pets too. We founded McDonald Homecare to give families and their loved ones a cost-effective alternative, one that gives choice and control over their care and support, in the comfort of their own home.
My career in care began in New Zealand, working with a group of young adults with profound disabilities. That pioneering, community-based care is where my passion for care in the community comes from.
When I first came to the UK in 2001, I worked as a live-in care companion. That first-hand experience has been invaluable in understanding how to support care companions in what is really a job like no other, from setting up and settling a package of care to knowing what characteristics, skills and personality make a great live-in care companion.
In 2012 I joined the head office of the UK’s largest care franchise network, helping their franchisees develop live-in care services. That’s where I really learned what it takes to manage live-in care well. There are many important things to get right, from finding the right match to understanding family dynamics, clear communication and all the other details that help things click into place.
One of the great things about this work is that no two packages of care are ever the same. Each one is as unique as the people involved, and you learn something from every single one.
Leigh during his time working in community care in New Zealand.
We match you with one of our trusted, professional care companions. By working directly with the care companion, you have greater flexibility over your care, and it’s more affordable too.
We will always be on hand to support and advise you. We have long-standing relationships with many care companions who have proven themselves in providing excellent care, and over 25 years in the sector we’ve developed a highly selective recruitment process.
All our care companions have extensive live-in care experience, from companionship to complex dementia care. They are fully checked and vetted to Care Quality Commission standards, including Enhanced DBS checks, a full work history, multiple professional references and verified, up-to-date training.
On top of all the mandatory checks, we look for people who are naturally caring and compassionate, and who share our values of trust and integrity, which are essential to live-in care.
If you’re considering care for yourself or someone close to you, we’re happy to talk through your situation, explain the options and help you work out what might suit you best.
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