Support for independent living

The following article was recently published in The Jewish Chronicle in a feature on support for independent living. 

An agency that began by finding domestic staff for its clients now also helps those looking for support or domestic help as an alternative to moving into residential care.

Describing the task as akin to that of a matchmaker, Diana Graham, who heads The Graham Agency, with offices in Highgate and Mayfair, says she has to understand her clients' needs before appointing the appropriate live-in staff.

"The process is a bit like matchmaking - it is important for both of them that the chemistry is right", she points out.

"It is also vital", she stresses, "to ensure that job descriptions are clearly outlined, so that tasks such as walking a pampered pooch or feeding a child's pet rabbit will be gladly accepted as part of the job."

The agency, established in 1984, has a client list including politicians, writers, TV and media personalities, lawyers and City professionals, for whom it has found staff such as housekeepers, daily helps, butlers, chauffeurs and cooks.

Now, however, it is also increasingly being asked to find live-in care for elderly and frail clients who prefer to remain at home, rather than move out of their familiar surroundings and into a residential care home.

Staff include carers, daily helps, companions and, where necessary, nurses.

Among The Graham Agency's clients is Marjorie Bloom, from Barnet, whose twin sons wanted their mother to remain in familiar surroundings with stimulating companionship.

The agency was able to introduce them to a carer called Juliet.

Originally from the Philippines, Juliet has been caring for Mrs Bloom since 2009.

"Juliet is a true companion to my mother, who is now almost 91 years old", says Robin, one of Marjorie's sons.

"She shares her life, takes her out, ensures she takes her medication, cooks fresh meals every day and is a car driver", he adds.

"My mother is delighted with the arrangement."

"We have already recommended the services of Diana Graham to friends in similar circumstances and should the occasion arise would not hesitate to call on her services for our family again."

The agency's personnel manager, Karen Dawkins, says:  "We are confident we can find the right person for any domestic position."

"Every applicant for a job is interviewed thoroughly and all references are checked in detail."

After employment has started, she adds, the agency keeps in touch, to ensure that the client is happy with the placement.

Whether your home is large or small and whether your need is full-time, part-time or temporary staff to enable you to carry on living independently, The Graham Agency's team promises to make the matchmaking process easier.