Choosing a home care company is a major decision. With many providers offering different levels of support, it can be difficult to know where to start. These 10 key questions will help you understand quality, safety and whether the provider is the right fit for your family.
1. Is the company regulated by the appropriate UK body?
In England, providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can check their rating on the CQC website. Scotland-based services should be listed with the Care Inspectorate. A good provider will be transparent about their inspection results. View ours here.
2. What training do carers receive?
Ask about training programmes, ongoing refresher training and specialist qualifications such as dementia care or medication management. At Hartwig Care we proudly offer all of the above.
3. Will I see the same carers regularly?
Continuity matters, especially for people living with dementia or anxiety. A strong provider will aim to allocate a small, consistent team who get to know you well.
4. How long are care visits?
Short, rushed visits can compromise safety. Check the minimum visit length and whether travel time is included outside of the scheduled appointment.
5. How is the care plan created and reviewed?
A thorough, face-to-face assessment should be carried out before support begins. Ask how often reviews take place and whether family members can be involved.
6. What safeguarding measures are in place?
Carers should undergo DBS (or PVG in Scotland) checks, and the provider should have clear safeguarding policies, lone worker procedures, and medication safety processes.
7. How will the company communicate with me?
Good communication builds trust. Ask whether they offer regular updates, a dedicated care manager, digital monitoring tools or a 24/7 on-call number.
8. Can you meet my needs now and as they change?
Check whether the provider can support a range of needs such as dementia care, reablement, overnight visits or live-in care. This avoids the disruption of switching companies later.
9. What do other families say?
Look at reviews on Google, Homecare.co.uk and inspection sites. You can also read case studies and team insights on our Our News for real examples of excellent care.
10. How transparent are the costs?
Request a clear breakdown of hourly rates, evening or weekend charges, and billing terms. For more guidance, visit internal link: Our Home Care Services to understand how pricing works.
By asking these questions, you can feel confident that the home care provider you choose is professional, trustworthy and committed to high-quality care. Interested in finding out more? Contact our friendly team today.
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