Arranging care for a parent is a big step, and it often has to happen quickly. Talking to two or three agencies and asking the same questions makes it much easier to compare them. Involve your parent as much as you can: it is their home and their routine.
About the caregivers
- How do you recruit and check caregivers before they start?
- What training do caregivers have, and is there extra training for dementia care?
- Will my parent see the same caregivers each week? Who comes if they are off sick?
- Can we meet a caregiver before the first visit?
About the care plan
- Who carries out the assessment, and is it free?
- Is the care plan written down, and how often is it reviewed?
- How much notice do you need to change, add or cancel a visit?
- What is the shortest visit you offer, and is there a minimum number of hours?
About safety and communication
- Is the agency licensed or registered, and where can I read the latest inspection report?
- What happens if a caregiver is late, or my parent does not answer the door?
- How do you keep the family updated, and who do we call out of hours?
About costs
- What are the hourly, overnight and live-in rates, and what costs extra?
- How are you paid, and how often are invoices sent?
- Can you explain which funding options might apply to us?
Write the answers down and trust your instincts: a good agency is happy to answer every question clearly and will not rush you into a decision.