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)