Home Carers - where to start looking?

GustyGardenGalaxy

My elderly mother is probably going to need a home carer in the near future. She largely copes very well on her own, but some jobs are becoming increasing difficult for her due to arthritis. She just needs somebody to briefly pop in once a day and check on her, do any little jobs that she can't manage herself, etc.

How do I ensure that we find somebody reliable and trustworthy?

She lives in North Somerset - the council seem to have some options, but are they really the best first port of call, or should I go direct to a company such as this one:

http://www.accessyourcare.co.uk/

or this:

http://www.carewatch.co.uk/

Thanks

Pollycat

I think my first port of call would be the Adult Care section of my local council for advice on what services they can offer.

GustyGardenGalaxy

Thanks very much, I'll try that on Monday.

Pollycat

Our local council were pretty good when we got in touch with them about my Dad who was diagnosed with dementia.

They provided someone to come in each morning to get him up, showered & dressed and also provided someone to sit with him for 4 hours each Saturday morning so my mum could have some respite.

They also suggested a good care home when it came to the point that he couldn't remain at home anymore.

Pollycat

They also did a review of my parents' flat (warden-controlled) and provided various items to make things easier for my Dad, such as grab rails in the toilet and a walk-in shower to replace the bath.

Indie_Kid

Do you have any friends or family who live nearby who have used any of the care companies?

elsien

Domiciliary care agencies are also registered with CQC. The reports do not necessarily give the full picture, as inspectors generally just look at the offices and paperwork rather than going along on visits to observe practice. But it can give you a starting point re whether staff have sufficient training etc.

With our council, if the person is self funding they just give you the list of agencies and leave you to get on with it yourself.

Sgill

Hi this is my first post. Sorry for any mistakes. Am actually planning to setup a care agency. Has anyone done this I just need to know what I need first. Please help or advice thank you

msb5262

Sgill wrote: »

Hi this is my first post. Sorry for any mistakes. Am actually planning to setup a care agency. Has anyone done this I just need to know what I need first. Please help or advice thank you

I'd like to suggest politely that you shouldn't even think about setting up a care agency until you have found out what is required...and I don't mean by asking on an internet forum.

pendragon_arther

Sgill wrote: »

Hi this is my first post. Sorry for any mistakes. Am actually planning to setup a care agency. Has anyone done this I just need to know what I need first. Please help or advice thank you

You need proper qualifications like an NVQ 2, a caring attitude and not one just made up of wanting to make money and a lot of patience.

pendragon_arther

OP, as already said have a word with your local council. Social Services should have a list of properly sanctioned care agencies, and if they're any good like our council were with my mum they should come to your mum's home and prepare a risk asssessment/care plan. Another good source of advice is AgeUk.