Our Story
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Raw, honest and truthful
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Hovell Hall Companions was born out of lived experience — from the frustration of trying to find reliable help when our own elderly parents needed support.
Like so many families, we suddenly became full-time carers overnight, learning as we went, sacrificing careers, social lives and much more than we ever expected.
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Learning, reading, staying up late printing off information about Dementia, about Parkinson's, about mobility, incontinence aids, profile beds, different medicines. We felt like we were in training - but not knowing what was coming.
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We’ve fought with hospitals to bring our parents home, spent hours chasing medication, arranged benefits, pensions, AA forms (good luck with the Blue Badge!), and navigated a system that can feel impossible when you’re already exhausted. We gave up trying to find mothers clothes after a hospital stay.
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As we spoke with other carers, we realised we weren’t alone — everyone was facing the same battles: endless phone calls to agencies, waiting days for responses and trying to find someone who genuinely cared. And when you did find someone - giving them your life story and then crying to a stranger.
Caring for an elderly relative is incredibly hard; you don’t need the added stress that comes with it.
We’re still caring for Mum today — she lives with us and attends a Day Care Centre so we can reclaim a little balance in our lives.
It might sound harsh to say out loud, but it’s true: you’re allowed a life too.
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That’s why we created HHC — to be the help we once needed. We’ve done it all: selling the family home, Power of attorney papers, solicitor's, moving our parents in, nursing Dad through his final days, stressing at 1am trying to find a doctor to sign urgent medical paperwork and learning — often the hard way — what it really means to care for a palliative loved one. Finding a care home, organising respite care, chasing dispensary for boxed tablets (dosset are not allowed!), packing a car with everything bar the kitchen sink for a 2 week stay. Then whilst they're there you feel guilty.
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It's hard, not to be underestimated. And through it all, we’ve kept our promise made to Dad before he let go - to look after Mum.
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We understand the love, the guilt, the worry and the exhaustion — and we know how heavy it can all feel. We’ve also felt that moment of release — the pain leaving me and my brother as we watched Dad being carried into the private ambulance.
For a brief moment, the clouds lifted with relief - we made light of the situation with laughter more from shock we feel now … and then the sorrow and the ache of loss took their place. All in the space of 15 minutes. Then the call from mum asking to go to the toilet. Most surreal moment I have experienced - hard to explain, unless you are in it. You just smile, deep breath and get on.
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The rollercoaster of emotions that come with caring for someone you love is not kind. The ups and downs, the constant worry, the small victories and the quiet heartbreaks — it’s a journey that changes you.
Let us help you carry it.
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A Personal Note
From me to you — I promise to be the kind of person I once needed.
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We won’t hide behind vague words or unanswered calls. You’ll always know our prices upfront, we’ll call you back the same day and we're available seven days a week.
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We understand what it’s like. That’s why our fees are fair, open and transparent. We show every penny, because families deserve honesty, not hidden costs or corporate walls.
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​We’re in this with you.
Simon
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