When arranging care for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand the difference between regulated and unregulated care. These two types of services vary in safety, oversight, and quality. At Hartwig Care, we are proud to be a Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulated provider, giving families confidence that their care is safe, professional, and fully managed.
What is Regulated Care?
In England, regulated care is monitored by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This independent body ensures that care providers meet strict national standards for safety and quality. Because of this, regulated care offers reassurance that services are delivered professionally.
What Does Regulated Care Include?
- Personal Care: Help with washing, dressing, and grooming.
- Medication Support: Safe administration of prescribed medicines.
- Household Help: Cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
- Companionship: Social interaction to reduce isolation.
- Specialist Care: Support for dementia, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and more.
In addition, regulated providers must:
- Employ qualified and vetted staff
- Provide ongoing training and supervision
- Follow safeguarding and health & safety policies
- Monitor and improve care quality regularly
As a result, regulated care is fully managed, with professional oversight and quick responses when needs change.
What is Unregulated Care?
Unregulated care does not require registration or inspection by the CQC. It often includes:
- Non-Personal Care: Housekeeping, meal preparation, companionship.
- Private Arrangements: Direct agreements with personal assistants, often when individuals manage their own budgets.
While unregulated care can be flexible and cost-effective, it lacks the safeguards of regulated care. Families must:
- Create and update care plans
- Monitor quality themselves
- Arrange training and replacements if needed
As care needs become more complex, the absence of professional oversight can lead to risks that may go unnoticed.
Why Can Unregulated Care Be Unsafe?
Unregulated care introduces several potential dangers:
- Lack of Training and Qualifications: Caregivers may not have the skills to manage health conditions or emergencies.
- No Accountability or Oversight: There’s no formal body to enforce standards or investigate complaints.
- Risk of Abuse or Neglect: Without safeguarding checks, vulnerable individuals may be exposed to harm.
- Poor Infection Control: Untrained staff may not follow hygiene protocols, increasing illness risk.
- Inconsistent Quality: No guidelines mean care can vary widely and may involve unsafe practices.
- Financial Exploitation: Families may face unclear pricing or overcharging without regulation.
These risks highlight why regulated care offers peace of mind and safety for those who need support.
Hartwig Care’s Values and Approach
At Hartwig Care, we believe that care should be personal, professional, and compassionate. Our approach is built on three core principles:
- Person-Centred Care: Every client is unique, so we tailor care plans to individual needs, preferences, and goals.
- Quality and Safety: As a CQC-regulated provider, we uphold the highest standards in staff training, safeguarding, and service delivery.
- Continuity and Support: We provide a fully managed service, ensuring consistency of care and quick solutions if needs change.
Our team is passionate about helping people live independently and with dignity in their own homes. Whether you need short-term support or long-term care, we are here to make life easier and more fulfilling.
You can view our CQC profile here.
Looking for Trusted Care?
If you’re unsure whether regulated or unregulated care is right for you, our team can guide you through the options and help you make an informed decision.
Contact Hartwig Care today to learn more about our regulated services and how we can support you.
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