The right home care provider will feel like a partner in looking after someone you love. Here is how to compare your options.
Check CQC registration and rating
Every provider that gives personal care at home in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can search for any provider on the CQC website and read its latest inspection report and rating.
Read reviews, and ask around
Reviews from other families can tell you how a provider communicates and how reliable its carers are. Friends, neighbours, GPs and social workers often know local providers too.
Talk to them
How a provider handles your first call says a lot. Are they patient? Do they ask about the person, not just the tasks? Do they explain clearly what they can and can't do?
Look for consistency
Seeing the same small team of carers helps people feel safe and builds trust, especially for people living with dementia. Ask how the provider plans rotas to achieve this.
Understand the costs
Ask for charges in writing, including any differences for evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and how much notice is needed to make changes.
This guide gives general information only. For advice about a particular situation, speak to your GP, local council or an independent adviser.