This month’s blog, how to choose a homecare agency in Cambridge offers plenty of practical advice and guidance to help you find the right provider for you, a parent, friend or relative.
Our Ageing Population and the Need for Care
Based in Waterbeach, Eaton Home Care is situated about six miles north of Cambridge.
We know this county well. It’s an exceptionally attractive part of the UK, and many people come here to live out their golden years. We don’t just feel this; we know it Since the last census in 2011, the 65-year-old and over age group here has grown by 26%—that’s quite a jump in numbers, even allowing for an overall countrywide increase.
This means a growing need for resources and support, not least homecare.
Are you researching a provider to help your loved one stay in their own home for as long as they can? Perhaps they’re on an NHS or ICT Pathway and require care services after a stay at Addenbrookes or Hinchingbrooke Hospitals.
With over 60 years’ of combined experience within our management in home care, we’ve compiled this guide to help you make an informed decision. What’s the best way to find somewhere that offers the best standard of care, aligns with your values, and meets your budget?
Although you may know the type of care you’re looking for, you may not yet know the details. It may involve health care assistance, help with housekeeping, or perhaps personal care support, such as bathing and dressing.
Everyone is different, and we’re happy to offer you as an individual all the advice you need, so do get in touch for more information.
As a starting point, here are the basics.
1. Do Your Research
Obviously, Google is your friend here, but also ask for referrals and recommendations from family, friends and colleagues in and around our region. A personal endorsement goes a long way; it’s authentic, practical and “real-world”. Have a look at trusted relevant sites. An excellent place to start could be our regulator, the Care Quality Commission
https://www.cqc.org.uk or Care Choices https://carechoices.co.uk
2. Costs
Make robust enquiries about Ts and Cs, how payments are taken, how often, how to terminate the services and how the contract is written up. Obviously, costs are a significant factor. Nevertheless, it’s worth considering exactly what you will pay for compared to residential care – you may be pleasantly surprised. Consider a like-for-like comparison. Not all homecare providers are the same.
3. Essential: Care Quality Commission Accreditation
Is the care company you are considering fully regulated by the CQC? If not, avoid them.
The Care Quality Commission regulates all health and social care services in England, including care given in people’s homes. It means that the safety and quality of services provided is monitored and inspected on a regular basis. And, ensures that a homecare provider meets and maintains high standards.
The benchmarks they look for include safety, level of care, effectiveness, how responsive the care provider is, and whether it’s well managed and led. The CQC then awards ratings, so always find out how your potential provider scores.
(Eaton Home Care is CQC accredited with a rating of Good.)
Trust scores are also a helpful guide to the criteria you may be searching for. Refer to www.homecare.co.uk for more information (We rate highly – at 9.6)
4. How Do You Become a Client?
From a decision to go forward, this should be straightforward, and with us – it is. Most clients require services quickly. The right experience and a private care structure can make this happen. Ask about set-up time, responsibilities, financial arrangements and so on. Everything needs to be streamlined, with the involvement of occupational therapists or other third parties as required.
5. Homecare Service Provider Background
Learn as much about the company as you can: how long it’s been trading, and its management structure and background. Ideally, senior-level expertise and experience in medical or dementia care puts an agency ahead of the curve. Why?
Because, not to put too fine a point on it, they know what they’re dealing with. There’s an extra level to their knowledge. In addition, feel free to ask what, if anything, is different about them – their USP, if you like. Research their complete range of services to see if any gaps would need to be filled. Likewise, their staff profiles. Here are some people-first questions:
6. The Importance of The Care Team
The best type of care focuses on the interaction between the user and the person looking after them. Almost nothing is more important.
Consistency of care is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for your loved one’s wellbeing. As much as possible, the same carer is familiar not only with specific medical requirements, they also recognise a client’s emotional needs. So, feel confident to ask about the following:
- Request information on the carers’ recruitment and training processes. All our care staff are highly trained and have relevant experience. However, this may not always be the case with other providers.
- The carers’ employment status. For continuity, they should be employed directly rather than self-employed.
- Same-sex care. You can specifically request this.
- English as a first language. Clear communication is everything.
- Let’s call this point “mileage”. Certain care plans are best delivered within limited distances – again for consistency – so ensure the homecare company fully explains this issue.
- How is a care worker assigned and “matched” to a new client? Obviously, with a high-standard business, this isn’t a random process. Care worker preferences can be difficult to discuss, but they contribute enormously to your loved one’s health and happiness. And, a successful experience.
- Regarding medication, standards and guidelines between councils in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire tend to vary. So, do ensure that the care provider can explain these differences – they should know what these are Also, check that the staff are up to date with their training in order to meet local standards.
(Often, it’s assumed that training is correct and current, but this may not always be the case. We’d recommend a quick confirmation in writing that your chosen care worker is fully qualified to deliver your care – not least in dispensing and managing any medication you may require.)
7. How It All Works
Each company will arrange your visiting schedule at least a week in advance.
We advise that you ask how they do this. For example, what would happen if a care worker goes on holiday? Or, is off sick?
How will your homecare provider contact you, and how will they monitor your loved one’s care? Eaton Home Care is pleased to work through a centralised electronic system, with all notes, care plans, assessments, visits, and medication carefully documented and logged.
What’s also useful is that you, and any nominated people close to you can also have access to this real-time information.
8. What To Do When Things Don’t Go As Planned
Sometimes, something unexpected may happen.
Be aware that the Care Quality Commission requires every company to have policies in place, including a clear complaints process. You are within your rights to request this in writing (in fact we’d recommend you do so) if you don’t receive it when care starts.
How to Choose a Homecare Agency in Cambridge: In Summary
If you’re new to homecare services, choosing the right one may seem like a large, high mountain looming above you. May we suggest you organise consultations with the two or three providers on your shortlist (including us)? This way, you’ll get a sense of their approach to care.
Don’t forget to refer to this list. There’s a lot to find out and a lot to know.
Above all, don’t be overwhelmed. All will be well. Here’s our leaflet which includes a reference to the processes.
