We appreciate that the decision to allow a care worker into your home can be a daunting one, so we have tried to answer as many of your questions as possible on this page, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a query that is not covered below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Care
Your questions, best answered.
Will I be given a choice of carers?
Absolutely. We understand that having someone in your home can be a daunting prospect, and we will work with you to ensure you get a choice of carers that match both your personality and care requirements. Once you have had an initial assessment with our senior nurse we can draft a care plan and begin the selection process.
How long will it take to find me a suitable carer?
There is no fixed timescale for this, and in our opinion the decision to appoint a carer should not be rushed, so we will spend as long as it takes to ensure the right candidates are shortlisted. Typically we can start sending over carer CVs for you to review within 24 hours of your initial assessment. In the event that your need for care is urgent, we can usually provide a same-day or next-day carer.
How can I be certain that my carer will be suitably qualified and of the right integrity?
All of our carers are DBS checked to ensure they are suitable to work with vulnerable people, and must have at least one year’s experience working in the UK. Prior to registration, our recruitment team carries out two interviews, of which at least one will be in person. Once we are satisfied that the candidate is of the standard that we expect, we then take up at least two references to ensure we get a complete picture of the individual.
Will I always have the same carer?
It is perfectly natural to build a rapport with your carer, our staff are handpicked for exactly this reason, and with that in mind we will try to ensure that you see your preferred carer. In order to maintain consistency of the service we provide, as part of the selection process we will identify a number of additional carers that can provide support or relief to your usual carer, so the person in your home is always familiar with you and your needs.
What happens if my carer is unable to attend?
There will inevitably be some occasions when your preferred carer might fall ill or be unable to attend for a reason outside of their control. In these instances we will always notify you beforehand, and ensure the replacement is of the calibre that you would expect from us. Typically we endeavour to ensure that more than one carer is known to you and aware of your routine, so they can be contacted in a situation where your normal carer cannot attend.
What happens if I am not happy with my carer?
Client satisfaction is very important to us. In the event that you find that you’re not happy with your carer for whatever reason, just inform one of our management team. We can then revisit the selection process that you underwent with the original carer.
Are my care hours fixed, or will I have the flexibility to change as needed?
We try to be as flexible as you need us to be, and you can chose how much/little care you wish to receive on a weekly basis if this suits you. We just ask that you try and give us at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel an appointment. For those receiving care for the first time, we know that it is not always clear what hours will be required. New care packages often evolve over the first few weeks, and if your circumstances change. This is normal and we will work with you closely to ensure that ongoing arrangements are meeting your needs.
How much will my care cost?
Every one of our care plans is individually tailored to the client, so quotes can be provided once we have gathered enough information about the client’s requirements. Live-in care starts from £1,350 per week, and hourly care starts at £25 per hour. The initial assessment is carried out by a member of our management team and is free of charge and without obligation on your part. To see our full price list click here
Are you able to arrange other services in my home?
We will always try to assist our clients however we can. If you require services outside the scope of your care plan, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige. We have access to a wide range of trusted partners who we are happy to recommend.