Ensure that you know what to look for when choosing a good home care provider
Choosing a home care provider for an ageing parent is a significant decision. You want to make sure they receive the best possible care. With many options available, the process can feel overwhelming. To help, here are key factors to consider when selecting the right provider.
Check the provider’s regulatory inspection report
In Scotland, the Care Inspectorate regulates care services. England uses the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Wales relies on the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales. Every provider registers and undergoes inspection by their regulatory body. After each inspection, you can read the report on the regulator’s website. Providers must also display a link to their registration on their own website. This makes it easy for anyone to check these reports.
Services receive ratings from ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’. Reports break down areas of expected quality, such as leadership, caring, effectiveness, and responsiveness.
Look for details about staff training and support. Well-trained and supported staff will care for your loved one with confidence.
Look for reviews about them online
Online reviews are a great way to gauge how people feel about a provider. Have a look to see if the provider has reviews on homecare.co.uk, or on TrustPilot, NHS Choices, and on their Facebook pages.
Find the home care provider on social media
Social media is a good place to get beyond the brand and see the people who are running the business and providing the service. Have they got a good community? Are they responding to questions? On Facebook, there may be reviews that you can read too.
Look at the care provider’s memberships
The main membership for home care providers in the UK is The United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA), this is a local and national lobbying group that aims to improve things in the care sector. It is not a mandatory requirement, however, a conscientious and committed provider will be a member.
Meet with the home care provider’s team
Finally, meeting with the team that will be providing your loved one with the care is the best way to get an idea of what they are like. If you are unable to go to their office, or they are too far from you, then you can request a video meeting or a telephone call.
The home care provider should be more than happy to spend time with you answering any questions you have, as well as offering an obligation free home care assessment.
At MyLife Edinburgh, our business Manager, Sue Judge, is always more than happy to answer any questions. No query is too big or too small and we are always happy to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Contact Sue today on 07584884097 or email sjudge@mylifehomecare.co.uk discuss how we can best assist you or your loved ones.
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