When choosing a care provider, it’s essential to ensure they can deliver high-quality, reliable, and compassionate care tailored to your needs. We asked our Registered Manager and Operations Director, Lorna Dimes what she considers to be the important points when selecting a care provider.

Industry Registrations and Customer Reviews
Home care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This is the independent body that regulates, monitors, and inspects service providers to ensure they provide a high standard of care. You can read the latest inspection report for any service provider on the CQC website.   Some care providers will also use industry recognised review portals such as Homecare.co.uk  that gather independent reviews. If these are not available ask to see reviews from existing clients

At Kare Plus Preston our reputation and reviews are excellent. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and are proud to display “Good” in all inspection requirements. On our website, we have a range of testimonials from current and previous clients we have supported throughout their caring journey. 

Staff training 
The minimum level of staff training required before a home care agency can offer care at home is a series of online courses and an Enhanced DBS check. It’s therefore important to determine the training staff have received so you can make an informed decision about the quality of care offered.

At Kare Plus Preston we go above and beyond this minimum standard, guiding our staff through classroom-based courses. These include moving and handling with the use of equipment, medication and basic life support skills and understanding skin integrity and pressure relief when repositioning someone to keep them safe and well. 

Our carers are always respectful of cultural, religious, or personal preferences, have an Enhanced DBS check which is live and is checked regularly ensuring your safe and in good hands. We also adhere to hygiene policies and infection control policies. 

We offer specialised dementia, end of life care, catheter care, epilepsy training and rescue medication alongside Excellence in Care, and Care certificate accreditations. 

Our staff are experienced and will be proficient in all training before they go out into the community. Our new carers are checked for competency and shadowed by our more experienced staff until we feel they are proficient at our standards to deliver excellent care. 

We also offer continuing professional development to encourage staff to obtain further education within the field such as NVQ 2s, 3, 4.  Good providers offer ongoing training to their staff to keep up with the latest care practices.

Transparency of care 
Home care services are, by nature, highly personal services. One that benefits from a fully managed service provider ensuring a good fit for both sides.  When choosing a home care provider determine how they will communicate changes in arrangements so you are aware of all eventualities if a carer is late or there is illness on either side that prevents a care visit. Also request how they assess the standard of care given so you can review, increasingly important if you are organising care for a loved one that lives away from you. 

At Kare Plus Preston we are proud of our transparency. We don’t hide our rotas from you, we encourage you to read the care notes, and understand who is coming and at what time. If the carer is late we will communicate this with you and ensure you are our priority at all times. 

Our invoices are sent out weekly, and we are happy to discuss anything which is not clear. We always write to you in advance of any changes in price structures so you are always prepared. 

We also ensure that our contracts and terms, including cancellation policies and payment schedules, are clear and fair.

Communication is key at all times, and we want you to feel happy and secure. We offer continuity of care with a core care team you have met and know, and we will have a back up plan that you are equally happy with for on occasions such as sickness and holiday cover. 

Futureproofing your care
Initially, you will be looking for care to fulfil an immediate need but it’s worth considering the different types of home care on offer should circumstances change. This ensures a care agency can be flexible and adapt quickly to offer additional services.  It also ensures you don’t have to change providers at a stressful time to ensure any new requirements can be delivered. 

At Kare Plus Preston we can offer any type of care from cleaning, dog walking to regulated personal care. We are also proficient in meal preparation, batch cooking for convenience, and collecting and administering medication.

If you need support for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, or mobility impairments, we can provide expertise in these areas. We also offer palliative care, companionship and respite care to give loved ones a much needed break. 

We offer person centred care plans with care delivery that is bespoke to you, taking in to account your needs and wants, we also offer flexibility and adaptability ensuring all your needs are met. 

Choosing the right care provider involves careful consideration and thorough research. We would advise prioritising providers who are professional, compassionate, and committed to delivering care that enhances your quality of life. 

Whether you are organising care through your local council or a private care company Kare Plus Preston offers an initial consultation to discuss your individual needs and expectations. To learn more about our services, please get in touch.