How to Find Good Homecare Part 2 - Getting a Good Service

Once you have a list of likely companies  do some background research - do they have a website or any literature they can send you?  Find out as much as you can about the companies on your list and then make a shortlist of  2-3 companies you think would be able to potentially provide you with a good service within your area.  Invite them to come and see you in your home (where they will be working), ask them to tell you more about their services and how they operate and ask for a quote for a likely schedule of care for a week (you don't want any surprise bills!).

So what do you need to know about a care service? I've grouped possible questions that you may want to ask under the four main headings:

1. Background:
Confirm they members of the UKHCA and registered with the CQC (if they don't meet these two essential criteria , don't go further and show them the door!)
Do they cover your area and do they have staff working in your neighbourhood?
How long have they been in operation and what do their other clients say about them? Do they have any testimonials?

2. Staff
Are the staff  CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked and do they have written work references?
What training do staff have before they start work?  Do they receive any additional or specialist training? What percentage of staff have achieved an NVQ?
How are staff supervised and supported?
Will I get a regular carer? How are they matched to my requirements?
What happens when the regular carer is off sick or on holiday?

3. Fees and Payment
Is there a schedule of Fees and is it clear what the charges are? Are there any mileage or hidden costs?
How is payment made? 

4. Operational
How is privacy and dignity of clients maintained? Has the company a safeguarding policy to protect clients?
How is quality of service monitored and maintained?
How would  the agency be contacted in an emergency or out of office hours?
What would a client need to do to cancel  a particular call or cancel the entire service?
Is there a contract to be signed? What are the main terms?
How are complaints dealt with?

Once you have been through the above information gathering  process you will be confident that the service you select will be realiable and meet your particular needs.  It may be tempting in the face of a lot of different agencies, to just select  the first company on the list or because you like the sound of the name (this happened!) - it is worth investing some time at the begining to ensure that you and the care agency are on the same wavelength and not only that they have the right policies and procedures in place but that they have the right atitude and committment to providing you with a continuing  excellent service.

For more information on SureCare go to  http://www.surecarewarks.co.uk/