First Things First…
An initial assessment must be implemented through your local authority’s social services department to assess your current care requirements. This is recommended if you notice that you start to struggle with daily responsibilities and simply feel as if you would profit from a helping hand.
Once a decision has been made as to whether care services would benefit you, there are several different home care services to consider.
Many local councils provide their own, internally funded care services for local residents. If the organisation states that you are eligible for this course of action, they will take it upon themselves to arrange a schedule while you sit back and relax. Alternatively, if you are eligible for a council-funded care plan, however, would prefer to make your own arrangements with an external care organisation, there is also the option to do this. The council will either organise a direct monthly payment or set a personal budget, in which you can contribute towards your care.
Or,
If you are funding your own care, or are ineligible for state-funded care there is still a solution. There are many different private care options including the following:
- Using a Care Provider, Such as ACS
- Hiring a Personal Assistant
- Getting Care From a Charity, Such as Age UK
If you are a self-funder, there is no need to first go through your local authority at all. You can contact us and we will carry out an assessment and work with you to create a care plan. Care will then be put in place as soon as possible.
Home Care Providers
Opting for enlisting the help of a care provider is an excellent option if you would like to easily set up care for yourself or a loved one.
Care providers consist of a fully trained, experienced team of care workers who will visit your home through an agreed schedule. All providers must comply with a set of national regulations delivered through the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This includes strict Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on all potential and current care workers to guarantee the safety of all individuals.
Due to the scale of the care teams, it is not guaranteed that each day you will have the same professional visiting. However, every organisation takes into consideration your requirements and preferences before pairing you with a care worker.
The main benefits of care providers are the following:
- Immediate cover will be arranged in the event of a visit cancellation, for example, if a care worker is unwell or on annual leave.
- Providers will aim to resolve all problems promptly, in a professional manner.
- All care workers are trained through national qualification bodies and regularly participate in additional training courses to expand their industry knowledge.
Find out more from the UK Homecare Association.
How Much Does Care at Home Cost?
Similarly to the majority of other private services, the prices of care will fluctuate depending on the level and consistency of care you require. Although fees may seem expensive, lower prices are available, and ultimately, high-quality care with a trustworthy individual is priceless.
Questions to Ask When Using a Care Provider
Before deciding to go ahead with a provider, you should ask questions about the fee and what it covers. These include: