Questions to ask before hiring a home care agency
Published: 01/11/2022
It can be hard choosing the right homecare agency near you, because trusting an outside party with these very personal responsibilities can be challenging. It’s important to ask the right questions of possible providers, so that you can feel confident that you’re making the best decision. Below are some suggestions to help get you started.
What services do you offer?
Agencies vary in the types and levels of services they offer. So, one of the first things you need to know is which agencies offer the services you need.
Services can range from occasional help with chores right the way through to 24hr live in care. To avoid wasting time enter the term; Homecare near me, with the service you want, into an internet search engine. This won’t be fool proof, but it should reduce the list to relevant service providers. You will then need to ask the agency the details of what they offer so you can be sure it meets your needs.
It is also important to ascertain if they offer a fully managed service or are just an introduction agency. The former ensures that the agency is fully accountable for the service that is provided, reassuring you that background checks have been done on their employees and that training and reviews take place. An introduction agency matches you with the carer and is not regulated.
What are your fees?
It’s important to find out how much the home care agency will be charging to make sure it matches your budget. They should confirm whether there’s a flat fee rate, or an hourly one, and if these vary based on whether it is a weekend or not. Once you’ve established this it is worth getting a little more detail on their fees (so there are no surprises). For example:
- Does the agency offer a free in-home assessment?
- Do they require a minimum number of hours per week?
- Is there a charge for an in-home consultation?
- Do they require a deposit?
- Do they accept long-term care insurance?
- What are the set-up fees (if any)? Ongoing management fees?
- What are the terms of payment? Are there late payment penalties?
- Can they personalise the care to your budget?
Do you offer homecare near me?
Establishing the location of the home care service is important. Whilst you may consider it their issue if they have to travel long distances, it can make them less reliable as they’re more likely to be unable to attend if there are travel delays or weather disruption.
What training and qualifications do your staff have?
Everyone who supplies personal care to someone, either in their own home or in a care home, must be registered with the Care quality Commission (CQC) who are the regulating body for the care providers and will have a registered body number. The CQC monitor all care services in England and ensure that the required standards of care and welfare are being met. It is also worth checking:
- Do they have ongoing training?
- Are they monitored?
How will you personalise the care that you provide?
The reason many people choose home care is because they want their loved ones to be able to maintain their independence whilst staying in the comfort and reassurance of their own surroundings for as long as possible. Therefore, it is important to establish how the agency will tailor their care to your specific needs.
Will I be able to meet the carer before they start?
The relationship you have with your carer is important as they will be spending a significant amount of time with you in your home, and so it is crucial that you like and can communicate easily with them. A good agency will allow you to meet with your carer prior to the care package starting, so that you and your family can take the opportunity to ask them questions and get to know them a little before you start. You can also use this meeting as an opportunity to find out details such as who you should contact in an emergency, and whether they have a 24hr service.
Related articles:
How to choose between home care and a nursing home?
Why choosing home care can be the best decision for your spouse
