Top tips for finding the right homecare provider in Sutton

It’s daunting when you realise that you need to start investigating care for yourself or someone you love. There can be a mixture of emotions and identifying that help is required is the first major breakthrough.

We have put together a 5-point guide to help you begin your homecare research. Our aim is that this will help you to evaluate the best provide and solution for you.

1.      Consider the needs of the individual

There is a wide variety of different plans and support options available, both from different providers and within a company, so make sure you give careful consideration to which is the most suitable for you. At Bluebird Care, we offer both domiciliary (hourly) and live-in care. We can tailor a care plan to each customer, allowing the individual to receive a specific and high-quality level of care. This can be extremely useful for those with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease for example.

The following is a list of services that most homecare providers offer:

• Live-in (24/7 support)
• Hourly ad half-hourly visits
• Domestic chores such as laundry and cleaning
• Trips and outings such as going to the shops, a day centre or place of worship.
• Personal care – a little pampering when you need it or assistance with bathing and self-care.
• Assistance in ensuring that medication is taken as prescribed.
• A visit at the end of the day, getting comfortable and rested in bed
• Mealtimes – preparation and serving food.

Not sure what help you need?

You don’t need to know exactly what it is you need before you contact us. Just provide us with some general information about the person and what they are like, and we can take things from there.

2.      Research the Company’s Reputation

There are a variety of different regulatory bodies for home care provision, and you can consult their websites before you tie yourself to a provider. Bluebird Care is regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission, or CQC. You can look up the latest inspection report for any provider on their website.

The website Working Feedback is also valuable, allowing you to read customer reviews of different care providers. This can be useful if you want to learn about the experience of clients who have used the provider for the same services which you are interested in. 

Another good source of independent reviews is homecare.co.uk. There you can research providers and identify a short list of the ones you think will best suit your needs.

3.      Consider the change in care required over time

It’s impossible to know exactly how an individual’s needs will develop and change, it may be worth considering the expected trajectory when choosing a care provider. If you are anticipating the need for a higher level of care in the future, it is worth looking into whether the services a company offers align with this. This may relieve you of the hassle and issues of having to change providers in the years to come.

4.      Consider the importance of continuity

For some individuals, it can be greatly useful and stabilising to receive the majority of their care from the same carer. Some individuals come to think of their carer as part of their family, especially in the case of live-in care. This is where a person lives in with you 24/7 and is available to fit in with a person’s usual daily routine. It is a great alternative to a care home, allowing you to remain where you feel safe and happy – your own home.

As the person changes so will may the provider or type of care provided. You may find that the need care for reduces, as the person becomes more independent. You don’t need to remain continuously with one provider, but knowing who you can trust, or who can flex with you over time will provide much-needed peace of mind as time progresses.

5.      Identify what your budget is and how the care will be funded.

As you research the care and providers available in your area will start to build a picture of what would work for you. Identifying what funds are in place to pay for the care will mean that you can work back from the budget, and then build a plan around something you can afford. More information about sources of funding for care can be found here. Or you can also consult the AgeUK website: age.org.uk