When it comes to finding the right care provider for your elderly relatives, it's important to consider what matters to them. The natural preference, for most people, is to continue to live at home and have the care come to them. This can take the form of an hourly service where a carer visits to provide care at specific times of the day in line with the individual needs. When individuals find it difficult to cope in-between visits, live-in care can ensure the provision of support 24 hours a day. Live-in care services are required, by their regulatory body, to offer person-centred care, meaning they will tailor their services to meet the specific needs and preferences of your loved ones. This can make a big difference in older people's quality of life, as it affords them a level of control over their lifestyle and ensures stability as they remain in familiar surroundings.
When you are looking for a care provider, the most important thing to keep in mind is finding services with staff who are qualified and experienced in the type of care you require. You can ask family and friends for recommendations, or alternatively search online for care providers in your area. Once you have a few potential providers in mind, you should research their qualifications and experience to make sure they are a good fit for you. Seek out one with a good CQC rating. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and social care in England. They inspect, monitor and rate all health and social care providers in England. Knowing that an agency has met the standards of the CQC and will continue to be monitored by their stringent processes, reassures staff and service users alike that the service is safe, effective and keeps the service user at the core of planning and implementing the necessary care.
During your search for a live-in care provider, aside from meeting with the care manager in person, it is important to ask questions about the service they provide. Below are some key points that you may want to cover:
What services do they offer? And which one would they recommend for your relatives needs?
How does the live-in care work? For example, will someone live in the home 24/7?
What is the staff-to-service user ratio?
Are they registered with the CQC and do they have a good rating?
What is the experience level of the management staff and carers?
Are you able to build a good rapport with the management and the carer who will be living in the home?
What sort of checks do they perform as part of their recruitment?
You can also check testimonies about their service and or ask for a reference for the care manager.
By asking these questions, you can get a better idea of what to expect from the live-in care provider and whether they are the right fit for your loved ones. It can also give you some reassurance before you entrust them to come into you or your parents' home.