Needing support to care for a loved one is nothing to be ashamed of and many people will require assistance from a home care agency to get by. Nowadays, these professional agencies are able to offer such a vast range of services that there is always something available to meet both your needs and also those of your loved one too.

 

Of course, when deciding to work alongside a home care agency you will be putting a lot of trust into them and you will undoubtedly want to ensure that you choose the right company. To help anyone currently searching for a home care agency, our team here at Companions of London have put together a list of questions you should ask any agency before deciding to go ahead and hire their carers. 

 

What types of care can you provide?

 

Ultimately, this should be one of the first questions that you ask. If a home care agency isn’t able to provide you with the specific type of care or the home care services that your loved one needs then, don’t waste any of your time by researching them further. 

 

Will it be the same carer at every visit?

 

This is a make or break question to many people that are trying to find a home care agency. Consistency can be essential to some, so make sure you find out who will be providing the care your loved one requires, if it is the same carer every visit or if it is the same carers on rotation. 

 

How do you match your carers with clients?

 

All home care agencies will have their own way of choosing which carer will be providing the support for your loved one and it is beneficial to find out more about this process. Ensure that the agency will make the right decision as this is incredibly important. 

 

What background checks and training do your carers undertake?

 

Again, this is another important question to ask. Ideally, you want to ensure that the agency that you choose carries out in-depth checks and only hires the very best carers. You also want to make sure that their training is up to date and will continue to be. 

 

How much do your care services cost?

 

Everyone will have a budget, and whilst you’d probably be happy to pay whatever is required to ensure your loved one receives the very best care, you need to be realistic in relation to costs. Make sure that you get exact figures from the home care agency for you to then consider. 

 

Do you have any testimonials?

 

It is always beneficial to see what others have to say about the care they have received from the same home care agency. Ask for testimonials from people receiving similar care to what your loved one needs, you may even be able to talk to these people directly. 

 

How quickly can you place a carer?

 

This question can easily be overlooked but it is important to know how quickly the agency would be able to start supporting you. Think about how desperate you are for this support and how long you’re willing to wait for the right agency too. 

 

Choosing a home care agency 

 

Hopefully, the questions above, and the answers that a home care agency provides, will help you not only choose the right agency but to also provide you with peace of mind that you did all you can to choose the very best carers for your loved one. Don’t be afraid to take your time when making this decision too, all of the best home care agencies will understand that it is a difficult decision to make and will gladly assist you with anything you require to make the decision easier. 

 

When searching for a home care agency in London, be sure to visit the Companions of London website. We are proud to offer high-quality affordable care for London residents and we will happily provide you with answers to all of the questions above. Our team of highly trained professional carers are here to help your loved one in any way they may need and you can guarantee that you are in the best possible hands when you turn to Companions of London.