If you require care at home, finding the right care provider can be a daunting task. However, with the help of our step-by-step guide and with the right questions to ask, you can navigate through the process and select the best care agency for your specific needs.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Home Care You Require
One common method of arranging home care is through a domiciliary care agency. These agencies offer professional care staff and handle all the necessary arrangements. When considering an agency, ensure they can provide customised care tailored to your requirements. Determine whether you need assistance with daily tasks like eating and dressing for a few hours a week or if you require round-the-clock live-in care. Additionally, consider whether the agency can adapt its services if your needs change.
Alternatively, you can hire a private carer or personal assistant if you prefer more control over the arrangements. Remember that this option entails taking on the responsibilities of an employer. Before determining the level of professional care required, assess whether it can be supplemented by support from family members, friends, or other cost-effective forms of assistance, such as hiring a cleaner, gardener, or companion. Additionally, consider if any home adaptations or useful gadgets could enhance your or your loved one's independence, as this may influence the amount of professional home care needed.
If you are unsure, try our Care Estimator tool
Step 2: Compile a List of Desired Care Service Features
Before committing to a care provider, gather detailed information about your requirements. This will enable you to compare different providers and choose the one that suits you best. Consider the following questions:
- Which specific activities do you need assistance with?
- How frequently do you want the care visits?
- What is the preferred time for the visits?
- How many hours (per week/day) can you afford to have assistance?
Step 3: Identify Local Care Agencies That Meet Your Criteria
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals who have experience with local care providers.
- Consult your local authority's social care team or your general practitioner for suggestions.
- Use Pairly's simple search tool to preview care companies near you now!
Step 4: Assess Ratings and Create a Shortlist
All domiciliary care providers must be registered with one of the UK's care regulators, which monitor and inspect services to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. Inspection reports from these regulators can be downloaded from their websites. Additionally, check if the agency is a member of the Homecare Association, which upholds a code of practice for maintaining high care standards. Based on this information, create a shortlist of agencies that meet your needs.
Step 5: Contact the Agencies on Your Shortlist
Arrange meetings with the staff of the shortlisted agencies, preferably at your home. Don't hesitate to ask questions during these meetings, as they provide an opportunity to gather essential information. Consider having a family member or friend accompany you to help keep track of the discussions. Utilise our checklists to prepare for these meetings with home care agencies.
You can create a shortlist on Pairly and message providers directly.
Some Key Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency
When considering a home care agency, asking relevant questions that align with your specific circumstances is crucial. Here are important inquiries to make. Pick the questions that are relevant to you and ask away! You can even copy and paste them into a provider enquiry on Pairly.
Carer-related Questions:
- How do you recruit your care staff?
- Do you conduct reference checks before hiring them?
- Do your carers undergo criminal records checks (Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check)?
- What qualifications and experience do your carers possess?
- Are they trained in specialised areas like dementia or mobility issues?
- Is there a high turnover of carers in your agency? - A high turnover may indicate employee dissatisfaction.
- Can I meet potential carers in advance?
Questions about Your Needs:
- What services does your agency provide?
- Are there any specific services you don't offer?
- Do you currently care for individuals with similar needs to mine?
- Will you assess my needs and create a personalised care plan?
- How will you ensure that carers adhere to the care plan?
- How do you match carers to the specific needs of clients?
- Will I have a regular carer or a team of carers?
- Can I request a different person if there's an incompatibility with a carer?
- Do carers keep records of the care provided, including timesheets for visits?
- Can I access these records if necessary?
- Do you have online record-keeping for family members' convenience?
- Care Visit-related Questions:
- Can you provide carers during the times I require assistance?
- What if I need to increase the number or duration of visits in the future? Is it possible?
- How many different carers are likely to visit on a regular basis? What happens if my primary carer is absent due to sickness or vacation?
- How will carers access my home if I cannot answer the door?
- What protocols are in place for medical emergencies? Will the carer stay with me until further help arrives?
Questions about Charges and Terms & Conditions:
- Do you have a standard contract? Can I review a copy in advance?
- What are your hourly charges, and what services do they cover?
- Do the charges depend on the level of care needed?
- Do prices vary based on the time of day or incur additional costs during weekends and bank holidays?
- Are there any extra charges to be aware of, such as travel expenses or call-out fees?
- Is there a minimum charge for individuals requiring minimal support?
- How often is payment required, and what payment methods do you accept?
- Will I need to make a deposit or upfront payments?
- Under what circumstances can prices be increased, and by how much?
- How much notice is required for visit cancellations or changes, and will there be a fee?
- What happens if I have to go to the hospital for some time? Will I still be charged for scheduled home visits during my hospital stay?
- Is it possible to arrange a short trial period to evaluate the service?
- How can I terminate the service, and how much notice is required?
Questions about the Care Agency:
- How long has your agency been in business?
- Are you registered with the relevant care regulator?
- When was your agency last inspected?
- Are you a member of the Homecare Association, and have you committed to its Code of Practice?
- How can I lodge a complaint if I'm not satisfied?
- Who will be my primary contact person for information or inquiries?
- Does your agency have insurance coverage for accidents or property damage?
- What procedures are in place to ensure the quality of care is maintained?
- How does your agency protect clients from accidents, neglect, or self-harm?
Key Questions a Home Care Agency Should Ask You:
When engaging with a home care agency, they should conduct their own assessment to develop a tailored care plan. They are likely to inquire about the following aspects:
- Your Care Needs and Medical Conditions: What are your specific care needs, including details of any medical conditions and medication requirements?
- Sensory and Communication Abilities: How well can you see, hear, and communicate?
- Continence, Mobility, and Equipment: Do you experience any challenges with continence or mobility? Are there any assistive devices or equipment you use?
- Dietary Preferences and Requirements: Do you have any specific dietary preferences or requirements?
- Religious and Cultural Needs: Are there any religious or cultural practices that need to be considered in your care?
- Mental Capacity and Decision-Making: Do you have the mental capacity to make decisions regarding your care? Are there individuals with authority, such as those holding Power of Attorney, involved in supporting and making decisions on your behalf?
- Risk Assessment: Do you pose any risk to yourself or others by living at home? How can carers ensure your safety during their visits?
- Home Access Arrangements: What arrangements are in place for carers to access your home?
It is important to note that if an agency fails to conduct a comprehensive assessment covering these areas, requesting them to do so is advisable.