60 Seconds with Louise McLaughlin

Tell us about your role and your organisation
Home Instead Belfast, established two years ago in Northern Ireland, has quickly grown into a vital resource in the community. With a dedicated team of wonderful Care Professionals and office support, they have made it their mission to provide compassionate care to those around Belfast. Their service allows individuals to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, with a minimum of 1-hour visits. The emphasis on regular visits and continuity of staff ensures clients receive consistent, high-quality care tailored to their needs. This approach not only provides convenience but also builds trust and familiarity between the client and their Care Professional. They proudly hold the highest 5-star reviewed care company in Northern Ireland on homecare.co.uk. Louise is the Director and currently holds the Registration as Care Manager.


Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far
Louise began her journey in healthcare in 2011, studying Radiography in Scotland. She continued to specialise and undertook a master’s degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, working for the National Health Service. Her experience led her to embark on a new path, wanting to support not only in a hospital setting but to ensure people received person-centred care in the comfort of their own homes.

To undertake this new role from Radiographer to Registered Care Manager and Director, Louise has adapted her professional career to lead and train care staff in domiciliary care. As healthcare is continually advancing, she has completed numerous courses, including Advanced Leadership and Management, Safeguarding, and train the trainer courses in both Medication and Manual Handling. To keep up to date with practice, she regularly attends health and social care events around Northern Ireland. She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council, Northern Ireland Social Care Council, the British Franchise Association, the Homecare Association, the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, and Women in Business NI.

Describe yourself in 3 words
Compassionate, Diligent, Dedicated.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?
Active listening – working in care, you have to pick up on subtle cues, concerns, and needs in order to tailor support and strive for a person-centred workforce.

What advice do you have for women in your sector?
Ensure care is at the forefront and everything else falls into place – for your clients, for your staff and for success.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?
Louise has been nominated for 'Young Business Person of the Year' in the Belfast Telegraph Awards 2024.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?
As a fellow Donegal woman, it has been incredible to watch Laura Bonner grow her company 'The Muff Liquor Company'.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?
"Ironic" – Alanis Morissette.

What's your favourite break-time snack?
Jaffa Cakes

How can your fellow Women in Business members keep up to date with you and your organisation?
Visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/belfast and connect with Laura on LinkedIn here.