Understanding the different care options can be overwhelming. I provide clear and independent guidance on:
Home care, live-in care, assisted living, personal assistant (self employed carer)
Domestic support: meals on wheels, cleaning, laundry
Assistive technology: lifeline and falls pendant, lifting services, GPS trackers, light & fire sensors, movement sensors, medication reminders,
Increasing independence at home: home adaptations
Care homes – residential, dementia, and nursing care
Differences between Respite, D2A (discharge to assess) interim bed, self funding and local authority funded care homes
Supported living and sheltered housing
Key factors to consider when choosing care services
What to expect from care providers
Identifying CQC compliant providers in your area.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. It ensures that care providers meet essential safety and quality standards. The CQC maintains a public register of all regulated providers, including care homes, home care agencies, and hospitals. To find a provider, you can search the CQC website by name, location, or type of service. Each provider’s profile includes inspection ratings, reports, and compliance status to help individuals make informed care choices.
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But remember there are plenty of excellent self employed carers that are often more cost effective. Private self-employed carers can be a more cost-effective option compared to agencies, as they often have lower overheads and can offer more flexible, personalised care. However, this model comes with potential drawbacks, particularly in terms of resilience and contingency planning. Unlike care agencies, which have multiple staff available to cover sickness or emergencies, self-employed carers may struggle to provide consistent support if they are unwell or unavailable. Families relying on a single carer should consider having a backup plan in place, such as a network of trusted professionals or a contingency arrangement with a care agency.
England, UK
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