We've put together honest answers to the questions we hear most often. If something isn't covered here, please don't hesitate to call us on 01493 804040 - we're always happy to talk things through, with no pressure and no obligation.

Getting Started

Do you charge for an assessment?

No. Our initial assessment is completely free of charge. One of our care managers will visit your loved one at home, take the time to understand their needs, routines, and preferences, and put together a personalised care plan - all at no cost to you. There is no obligation to proceed.

How quickly can you start after an assessment?

In most cases we can begin care very quickly after the assessment is completed and a care plan is agreed. If your situation is urgent, please tell us when you call and we will do everything we can to prioritise your family. Call us on 01493 804040 to discuss your timescales.

What areas do you cover?

We provide home care across Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Gorleston-on-Sea, Caister-on-Sea, Bradwell, Belton, Oulton Broad, Pakefield, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Southwold, Kessingland, Somerleyton, Martham, Hemsby, Ormesby, Rollesby, Fleggburgh and many surrounding villages across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Not sure if we cover your area? Just give us a call.

What Carers Can Help With

What can a home carer help with?

Our carers can help with a wide range of daily tasks, including:

• Personal care - washing, bathing, showering, dressing, oral hygiene
• Medication assistance - prompting and administering medication (see below)
• Meal preparation - cooking, preparing snacks and drinks
• Light housework - hoovering, dusting, washing up, laundry, tidying
• Shopping and errands - accompanying to shops or collecting shopping
• Companionship - conversation, activities, social engagement, trips out
• Appointments - accompanying to GP, hospital, or other appointments
• Night care - waking nights or sleep-in support
• Specialist care - supporting people with dementia, Parkinson's, stroke, and other conditions

If you're not sure whether we can help with something specific, just ask us.

Can carers help with light housework and chores?

Yes. Light domestic tasks such as hoovering, dusting, washing up, laundry, and general tidying are all things our carers regularly help with as part of a home care visit. This support helps our clients maintain a comfortable, clean home environment and remain living independently.

Can carers go to the shop if my mum is low on milk?

Absolutely. Running errands such as popping to a local shop for essentials, collecting a prescription, or picking up groceries is something our carers can help with. This kind of practical support - while it might sound small - makes an enormous difference to daily life and independence.

Can carers give medication?

Yes. Our carers are trained to both prompt and administer medication, including tablets, creams, eye drops, and certain other medications as specified in the care plan. Medication support is one of the most common and important parts of a home care visit, and all our carers receive specific training in this area.

Your Care Team

Will my loved one have the same carer each visit, or will it change?

We work hard to ensure continuity of care - meaning we aim for your loved one to have a small, consistent team of familiar carers rather than a different face every visit. Building a genuine relationship between carer and client is something we believe in deeply, and it makes a real difference to well being, trust, and quality of care.

While there will occasionally be cover arrangements (for annual leave or illness), we always try to introduce any cover carer in advance where possible.

Can I request a female carer for my mum?

Yes. We will always do our best to match your loved one with a carer of their preferred gender. Many of our clients have a strong preference for a female carer, and we fully understand and respect this. Please let us know your preference when you first contact us.

Can I request a male carer for my dad?

Yes. We have male carers available and are happy to accommodate this request. Again, please tell us when you call and we will do everything we can to match appropriately. Gender preference is completely valid and we will never make you feel awkward for asking.

Are your carers DBS checked?

Yes. All of our carers hold an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before they begin working with clients. An enhanced DBS is the highest level of check available and covers both the children's and adults' barred lists. You can have complete confidence that every carer who enters your loved one's home has been thoroughly vetted.

Do carers wear PPE?

Yes. All of our carers are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) by Bluebird Care. You do not need to supply or purchase anything. PPE includes gloves and aprons as standard, with additional equipment provided where clinically required.

Flexibility & Practicalities

If I have a hospital appointment, can I change the time of my care visit?

Yes. We understand that life doesn't always run to a fixed schedule, and we will always try to accommodate requests to adjust visit times where we can. We simply ask for as much notice as possible so we can rearrange our carers' schedules accordingly. Please contact our care coordinator to discuss any changes.

If my mum needs extra care for a few days, can you provide that and then return to her usual routine?

Yes. This is something we can arrange. Whether it's additional visits during a period of illness, recovery after a hospital stay, or simply a time when more support is needed, we can increase care temporarily and then return to the regular care plan once things settle. Flexibility is one of the real advantages of home care over a residential setting.

Do you offer holiday care or cover while family carers are away?

Yes. If you normally care for a family member yourself and need cover while you go on holiday, we can provide temporary home care for the duration of your absence. This is sometimes called respite care, and it gives both you and your loved one peace of mind. It can be for a few days or several weeks - we'll work around your plans.

Costs & Billing

How much does home care cost?

Our home care services start from £34.50 per hour, the exact cost will depend on the the duration of each visit. We will always give you a clear, transparent breakdown of costs as part of your free assessment - there are no surprises.

Are there any hidden charges - for example, mileage?

No. We do not charge for mileage or add unexpected fees on top of your quoted price. The price we quote is the price you pay. We believe families deserve complete transparency about costs, and we will always be upfront about what is included.

How do you invoice - weekly or monthly?

We invoice weekly.  You will usually receive this each Monday/Tuesday for the week before.

Our Quality & Standards

Are you regulated and inspected?

Yes. As a home care provider we operate within the regulatory framework for adult social care. Our service has been inspected by PAMMS - the local authority's quality monitoring system for adult social care in Norfolk and Suffolk. We are proud to have received a 'Good' rating. Our inspecting officer noted: "You were good verging on outstanding, but as you know I never give an outstanding rating!"

We have also completed two internal quality audits with Bluebird Care's national quality team, achieving a pass rate of over 90% on both occasions.

We are extremely proud of our Homecare.co.uk rating.  Our clients rate us 9.8 out of 10 on Homecare.co.uk, based on nearly 50 confirmed independent reviews from families we have cared for.

What about CQC registration?

We are a registered provider with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). As a newer provider that has maintained a clean record since opening in 2023, we have not yet been subject to a routine CQC inspection - this is normal for newer services where no concerns have been raised. Our quality is evidenced through our PAMMS rating, our Bluebird Care audits, and the reviews of the families we support.

Ready to Talk?

We hope this answers your questions. If you'd like to find out more, arrange a free assessment, or simply have an informal conversation about your loved one's needs, please get in touch.

Great Yarmouth: 01493 804040 Lowestoft: 01502 446150 Visit: bluebirdcare.co.uk/east-suffolk-great-yarmouth-lowestoft

There's no pressure, no obligation, and no charge for an assessment. We're here to help.

Bluebird Care East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft provides professional home care services across Norfolk and Suffolk, including Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Gorleston, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Southwold and surrounding areas.