Caring Info - For Independent Providers of care

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Checklist for home care

Down to basics

Use the following list to gather information to select a homecare provider.

What do you need?
	Help with washing and dressing?
	Help with housework?
	Help with shopping, collecting pensions and prescriptions?
	Help with night sitting?
	Help with mobility?
	Help in preparing light meals and snacks?
	Help with small but essential tasks about the house and garden?
	Will an individual be able to provide the particular skills and services needed or do you need a mix of services that can only be provided by an agency?
Mix of skills and services
	What types of training and skills do the agency's staff possess and what is the range of services it provides?
	How are their staff selected and trained?
	What experience do they have?
	How long has this provider been supplying home care?
	Are carers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
	If not, what arrangements can be made for any emergencies?
	Are they registered with the National Care Standards Commission?
Recommendations and Record
	Is the agency or individual recommended by your relative's GP or other health care provider?
	Does the NCSC have complaints on file about the agency or individual?
	Ask for a list of references and contact each of them before you make your final choice.
	How long has the agency been established?
	Is the individual currently registered with the UKCC as a nurse?
	Is the agency a member of a professional association?
	Who will assess your home care needs?
	Will you be provided with a care plan and will you be involved in writing it?
	Does the care plan detail the specific tasks to be carried out by each carer?
	Who supervises the quality of care you receive?
Fees
	What is the cost per hour?
	How is the cost established?
	How often do these fees change?
	How will you be expected to pay your fees?
	Will the Local Authority pay a part of your fee?
	If the agency has a base or standard cost, what is included in that charge and what will be the costs of any extra services?
	Are there any hidden costs?
	Do they provie a written contract and clear details of all the costs and how you will pay them?
	How do they go about dealing with questions or complaints?
Post-selection performance monitoring
	Are all the services provided in a punctual and courteous way?
	Is there adequate storage space?
	Does the agency make family members feel included in the care giving team?
	Does the agency respect your privacy and confidentiality?
	How does the agency ensure that all your personal details remain confidential?
	Has the agency reviewed it's owm performance?
	Has a manager or supervisor contacted you and arranged to visit?
	Is the Certificate of Registration on Display?
	Is the home's most recent inspection report available?

The bottom line:

You have the right to expect courtesy; reliable and honest staff; to be treated with respect and dignity; and, wherever possible, to receive the same carer or carers on a regular basis.