How do I find home care?

Finding and getting access to vital care services can be a stressful and confusing time, so here is our easy guide to finding care.

We find that many people seek care in a time of crisis and feel unprepared, uninformed and unsure of where to start. We have written this guide to hopefully shed some light on the care seeking process and give you an easy road map of how to move forward in the search for care.

Determine the Type of Care Needed

There are many different types of care available but finding the right care is essential for successful support.

• Home care

• Live-in care

• Night care- Sleeping and waking

• Respite care

Home care: Home care visits are typically between half an hour to 2 hours long. A Care Assistant will come to your home and support in daily activities, cleaning, hygiene, excursions and socialisation.

Live-in care: A Care Assistant will live within your home. Live-in Care provides personalised, one-to-one care and support, with a focus on dignity and promoting independence.

Sleeping night care: A care assistant sleeps at the property for a minimum of eight hours and is on hand if required. This option suits those who don’t require regular support, but feel uncomfortable when left alone throughout the night. Care Assistants can support twice in the night and must have an adequate place to sleep.

Waking night care: The Care Assistant is on duty throughout the night. This is the best support option if you or a loved one wakes several times perhaps being disorientated, need to change position due to injury, or administer medication at regular intervals. Carer Assistants support throughout the night and will be awake the entire time.

If you aren’t sure what kind of care is right for you, contact us for a no-commitment call so we can support you in finding the right services.

Accessing Care Services

When looking for a care provider, we recommend using our simple checklist below:

• Check their CQC (Care Quality Commission) rating. This rating will also have a complete report on their overall services and quality of care.

• Ask whether they provide a free care assessment.

• Look up independent ratings and reviews.

• Call and speak with their Customer Service Consultant. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• If needed, ask about speciality support.

If you are looking for funded care services or help paying for care, you can contact your local council’s adult social services department for an assessment of care needs. If they recommend home care, they may help you pay towards the costs.

Assessment

Once you have identified a care provider you would like to use, they will send a Field Supervisor to carry out a care assessment. This assessment will determine how much support is needed and allow them to create a care plan.

Once the care plan is complete and the individual receiving care, along with family or loved ones are happy with the recommended support, a Field Supervisor or Senior Care assistant will come and carry it out for your first visit. This ensures the plan can be followed within the visiting time.

Monitoring and Reviewing Care

Your chosen care provider should always conduct regular reviews to ensure the care plan is reviewed regularly to meet changing needs. Working alongside your care provider is important to maintaining a safe and supportive care network you can rely on. 

Speak to someone

If you prefer to speak to someone about your care choices and how to move forward, feel free to chat with our care consultants. We are always happy to help answer questions and support you in your search. We also offer free care assessments which can be arranged for a time that suits you, normally within a week of your call.

Call us today on 01626 335321, or email us at teignbridge@bluebirdcare.co.uk