Things to Consider When Choosing a Home Care Provider

Deciding on home care for a loved one is a big and often emotional step. You want to be sure the support provided is safe, reliable, and truly caring, because it’s not just about meeting needs, it’s about quality of life.

At Radfield Home Care Chingford & Loughton, we know how important these decisions are. To help, here are some key questions you should ask when choosing a home care provider:

1. Is the provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

Always check if the provider is regulated by CQC. This independent regulator ensures care providers meet safety and quality standards. Choosing a regulated provider means you can review reports on safety, effectiveness, and overall quality before making your decision.

2. Is the provider a Living Wage Employer?

Fair pay matters. Providers who pay the Real Living Wage show they value their care professionals. This means carers are more likely to be motivated, loyal, and deliver consistently good care. Radfield Home Care Chingford & Loughton is proud to be a Living Wage Employer, reflecting our commitment to quality through fair staff treatment.

3. Do your carers drive or rely on public transport?

How carers travel to visits can have a big impact on punctuality and the smooth running of care. Those depending solely on public transport are more likely to face delays, especially during early mornings or late evenings. At Radfield Home Care Chingford & Loughton, every one of our carers drives, which helps us schedule visits efficiently and minimise the risk of lateness or cancellations. For people living with conditions like dementia, having a consistent routine and timely care is crucial, as delays caused by transport issues can lead to unnecessary distress for both clients and carers.

4. Can your carer communicate clearly in English?

Clear communication is fundamental to quality care. Carers need to be able to hold conversations, understand instructions accurately, and be easily understood by the person they’re supporting. This not only helps build trust but also ensures that individual needs are fully met. Companionship plays a vital role in care, and without good communication and language skills, meaningful connections simply can’t develop.

5. What training have your carers completed?

Training standards can vary, so ask if carers hold the Care Certificate, which is a nationally recognised set of essential care skills and knowledge. We ensure all staff have this or are working towards it, along with ongoing professional development.

6. How are carers monitored during visits?

Do carers just sign a paper log, or is there a more modern, transparent system in place? Radfield uses a secure digital app with GPS tracking that confirms when carers arrive and leave each visit. Carers write visit notes in real time, and families can access these updates promptly, keeping everyone informed and confident that care is being delivered as promised.

7. Does the provider have many reviews on Homecare.co.uk?

Reviews matter. But, only if you know they’re genuine. Homecare.co.uk is the UK’s leading independent home care review website where all feedback is verified. Checking a provider’s reviews can give you valuable insight into the quality and consistency of their care.

Choosing home care is about trust: having confidence in both the people who enter your home and the company behind them.

If you’re looking for a home care provider that values its staff, delivers transparent, personalised, highly quality support and is trusted by families, get in touch with Radfield Home Care today. We’d be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.