Key questions to ask homecare providers

Choosing a home care provider is a critical task. The following questions may help you select a suitable service. You may want to choose a selection of questions to ask on behalf of your parent that is particularly important to you and your parent: 

  • Can you provide the care that is needed and meet personal preferences?
  • How will you and your staff respect privacy and dignity at all times?
  • Have you cared for someone with similar needs as my parent?
  • How will you match the most suitable care workers to the different care needs
  • Is your organisation a member of UKHCA, committed to complying with the UKHCA Code of Practice?
  • Are you required to register with a statutory regulator and if so, are you currently registered?
  • Is your organisation insured in order to protect residents’ safety and interests?
  • Do you interview all your care workers before offering them work?
  • Do you obtain at least two written references from your care workers’ previous employers?
  • Do all your care workers undergo a criminal record disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau (in England and Wales) or Disclosure Scotland (in Scotland) or Access NI (in Northern Ireland)?
  • What sort of training do your care workers receive before they start work and during their employment?
  • What proportion of your care workers and managers has obtained a recognised qualification in health and social care or management?
  • If  care isn’t provided by a local council, do you have a standard contract that I can read before signing?
  • How can I contact your agency during the day, outside office hours and in an emergency?
  • What happens if my regular care worker is sick or on holiday?
  • What charges, if any, will I be expected to pay?
  • What payment methods are available (cheque, direct debit etc.)?
  • Is there a minimum charge if I only need a small amount of care
  • Are there any hidden extras in the prices you quote? (Prices normally include National Insurance contributions, travel expenses and any VAT payable)
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