How to find a suitable carer for your loved one

The world of care can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it, and deciding on a carer for your loved one can seem like an impossible decision to make. If you’re unsure where to start, we have put together some steps which will hopefully help.

Steps to finding the right carer for you

1. Have a clear idea in your mind of the type of care your loved one needs and how many hours of care per day you are looking for.
2. Start local – either search online for organisations or independent carers in your loved one’s area or ask around for recommendations. Age UK has a search tool to help with this: Personal Care at Home
3. When you have narrowed down a list of providers, be sure to check their Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating and report to give you an insight into how well the organisation is run. Click here to view the CQC website.

Are they a good fit for your family?

Whether your loved one has reached the stage where they need some extra help with daily tasks and personal care, or if they require a higher level of care throughout the day, or even 24-hour live-in care, it is important that the care company, and the carers themselves, are a good fit for your family.

An important thing to consider is whether your loved one shares common interests with their carer. After all, most carers spend a great deal of time with their service users, and it helps to share some common ground on which a trusting and genuine relationship can be built.

Trust is especially important when a carer is coming into your loved one’s own home, and especially for live-in carers, so it is natural to want to take your time when choosing a carer.

Other things to consider

• Does the carer live nearby, or is the care company based locally? This will make it easier for them to get to your loved one’s home on time.
  • Feel free to request references from their previous clients or the care company – a good carer will understand the importance of this.
  • It might help to arrange an informal meeting with yourself, your loved one and the proposed carer before making a decision as it can help you to assess whether they will be a good fit.

Go easy on yourself!

Choosing a carer for your loved one may be one of the most difficult decisions you can make. Trust that you will make the right choice for your loved one and ensure that you seek support throughout the process.