Choosing a homecare provider
If you or someone you care for needs extra help at home you may need a homecare service.
Homecare services are usually provided by an independent sector social care provider, working on behalf of the local authority. Care UK, rated by the CQC as the independent sector provider with the highest quality scores of similar sized organisations, is one such company. You can ask your GP for assistance in choosing a home care provider. To help makes things easier, you can use the checklist below to help towards your information search.
About the homecare provider
- How long has the company been in business?
- Can the company provide references?
- Can the company provide the kind of domiciliary care and support that you need?
Quality of the homecare service provided
- How experienced and well trained are the care workers?
- Does the company work with you in the way that you want it to? For example, do staff take a personalised approach to delivering care and will they treat you fairly and as an individual?
- Do the care workers and the management staff seem friendly and do you feel comfortable with them?
- Do you know what homecare services are going to be provided, how often and by whom?
- Can you make changes to your care plan or the services you require if you need or want to?
Costs
- Do you understand the fees: how much and how they are going to be paid?
- Does the homecare provider point you in the direction of where you might get financial support and advice?
Medical care
- What plans does the provider have for dealing with emergencies?
- Have staff explained them to you and do you understand them?
- If you need a respirator, a dialysis machine or other support equipment, are you comfortable that the care staff know how to use it?
- Has the company asked for a second point of contact from you in case of emergencies? For example, a family member, neighbour or doctor?
