Wheathampstead Magazine
Looking for a Home Carer?
Questions to ask before you decide
If you have made the decision that your needs/the needs of your loved one can be met, at least for the time being, by care at home, then choosing the people who will provide the support requires careful thought and research. Local Life spoke to Home Care specialist Kay Naden from Home Care providers, Nannies 4 Grannies, for their advice on which six questions to ask before you make your choice.
How will you match the most suitable carers to my/my relatives needs and at times to suit?
At the initial Home Assessment, the personality, interest and background of the client and the preferred time of visits should be discussed. These should then be taken into consideration when matching the care workers to the client. Most companies should be able to provide the care within the time window requested, allowing 15 – 20 minutes either side of the scheduled time for unavoidable delays.
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How will they all be notified of the support I/my relatives require and will they keep accurate, written records of the support that has been given?
At Nannies 4 Grannies each member of the team receives a copy of the client Support Plan in advance so that they can familiarise themselves with the client’s background and needs. At the end of each visit they will record details of their visit on Observation Sheets, kept in the clients’ folder at their home.
What happens in the event of a medical emergency?
You need to be sure that the care workers are capable of coping in an emergency and that you know what the company’s emergency procedure is. You would also need to be contacted if such an event should arise.
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What are your terms and conditions?
It is important that you are aware of: the hourly rates and any additional charges incurred e.g. weekend/bank holidays; what liability insurance is provided and the notice period for cancellation of visits or termination of the assignment.