Choosing a care service

If you, a relative or friend, need care or support at home it is important to find the right care service for you.

Most care in the home is provided by care services or agencies that are registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Search the Care Quality Commission directory of care homes and care services you are thinking about.

Here are some straightforward suggestions that might help:

• Ask around
• Talk to your family and friends
• Ask your doctor, district nurse, community nurse or social worker
• Search the Care Quality Commission directory of care homes and care services for the care services you are interested in
• The managers of the service should meet with you to talk about what your needs are and how they can help.

Before you meet with them think about what questions you'd like to ask or what is important to you:

• Are they friendly and approachable or do they always seem too busy to talk?
• Are they interested in you - do they want to know what your interests and hobbies are?
• Do they understand what you need?
• Is the service able to fit in with how you live your life?

You need to check the following about care staff

• What training have they had?
• Have all carers had a criminal record check?
• Are you able to meet your carers before they start working with you?
• Are they friendly and approachable; do you feel comfortable with them?