Homecare: choosing a company and what to look for

It’s not always an easy decision to receive extra support for you or your loved ones – in fact it can be quite daunting. There is a range of care options available to you and it can be difficult to know where to start. Independent living can be important to those of us growing older and remaining in your own home is highly sought after, even if some extra support is required. If you’re considering care, you may be thinking of Homecare as an option for you.

What is Homecare?

Homecare, also commonly known as ‘Domiciliary Care’, refers to any form of support provided in the home by CareGivers.  Homecare is a great choice for those who are keen to maintain and further improve their personal independence and comfort. Also, Homecare can be a flexible choice, tailored to the amount and type of support you need; whether that be an hour a day to Live-In Care.

Some Homecare services can include:

• Helping you to get in and out of bed
• Help with washing and more personal care
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Taking you on a daily outing
• Companionship
• Medication support
• Find out more about the services we offer

Where To Start?

It is important to do some research on the Homecare company you are considering to deliver your care. Make sure to:

• Have a look on your local websites and see if they have any awards or accreditations
• Use Homecare.com, Social Media and Google to check out Homecare company reviews.
• Check the CQC Website. All Homecare providers have to be registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are all listed on the CQC website. Check your local Homecare companies to see if they are rated highly before choosing. At Right at Home Portsmouth, we have recently been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the CQC, the highest rating achievable. Other CQC ratings include, ‘Good’, ‘Needs Improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’.

Some key questions to consider before contacting a Homecare company:

• What specific tasks do you require help with?
• How often would you like visits and at what time of day?
• What is your budget?

You can calculate the cost of Homecare using online tools. Which also provide a fully comprehensive list of questions you can ask when choosing a HomeCare provider and a downloadable checklist.

A Good Homecare company puts your needs first

According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a good HomeCare agency or company provides effective care that is responsive to you and your loved ones needs.

When choosing a Homecare company, it is important that they create a care and support plan for you. We work closely with you and your loved ones to create a bespoke care plan that:

• Is tailored to you or your loved ones specific needs
• Promotes dignity and respect for both you and your CareGiver.

Whether it’s help with a morning wash and a cup of tea or getting you ready for bed at night, a good Homecare company will give you care at time that suits you best and make sure you needs are effectively met.

CareGiver and Client matching

It’s incredibly important that a good Homecare company will introduce you and match you to specific CareGivers, rather than multiple carers whom you may have never met before.

At Right at Home Portsmouth we have a profiling system and extensive training that matches Caregivers to you based on your interests, personality and type of care needed.

We provide a consistency of CareGivers and will never send a CareGiver who has not previously been introduced to the you. That way you can have a trusted, friendly face to share conversations with. Consistent company, stable routines and a familiar home environment, means you can feel safe, comfortable and maintain a great quality of life.

If you’re considering Homecare for you or your loved ones, we are always available for a friendly chat to discuss your needs. Please give us a call on 02393233186 or get in touch via our contact form. You can also find out more about why you should choose us.