What to Expect When You First Contact a Home Care Provider

29 May, 2024

Posted in: Blogs

Deciding that a loved one might need extra support at home can be a difficult moment. They may be struggling with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, or they don’t get out as much as they used to and it’s impacting their well-being. They may also be recovering/living with a long-term condition, and the extra help at home may be something they will benefit from.

 

Starting the conversation about home care options is often the first step towards improving their quality of life.

 

If your loved one agrees to some professional support at home, choosing the right home care provider is very important. The home care team you choose will have a significant impact on both their physical and mental health moving forward.

 

Finding the right home care provider can be overwhelming, especially the first time you pick up the phone to enquire about the home care services available. This is often the hardest part for families and many will be apprehensive about reaching out to home care agencies.

 

To put your mind at ease, below we have summarised what to expect when you first contact a home care provider like St Margarets Homecare.

 

 

First Contact

When you call a home care agency, you will be starting an important journey to decide the care and support your loved one needs to maintain their independence and well-being at home. This initial contact is about getting a feel for whether a home care provider is the right fit for your family and starting to build a relationship of trust. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, but knowing what to expect can help to prevent unnecessary stress.

 

At St Margarets Homecare, we understand the importance of making the right care decisions for your loved one. Our experienced team of professionals will put you at ease from the very first phone call, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

 

 

Care and Support Needs

The first things you will discuss with a home care provider is your loved one’s specific care needs. This is your opportunity to share your concerns about their daily routine, health issues and any challenges they’re currently facing.

 

Being open about their care needs will help a care provider tailor their services to suit your loved one.

 

Whether it’s assistance with domestic care like doing laundry and shopping for groceries or personal care like grooming and managing medication, St Margarets Homecare offer a vast range of support to you in the comfort of your home.

 

We will help your loved one maintain their independence while enabling them to continue living happily and healthily at home.

 

 

Range of Services

Understanding the different types of care services available is beneficial. When you call a care agency, you will have the opportunity to ask detailed questions about what home care visits entail and who will be providing one-to-one support. This is the time to ask about the training home care teams receive and how they can meet the specific needs of your loved one.

 

Home care services offer very flexible hours, to suit you. The care is available for a few hours a day, overnight or even 24 hours a day.  At St Margarets Homecare, we offer bespoke care plans that are as unique as our clients and we will ensure your relative receives the support they need in a way that best suits them.

 

 

Costs and Financial Support

Talking about the financial aspects of home care is equally important. This includes understanding the costs involved and any financial support available. A home care agency should be able to answer any questions you have about the cost of receiving care at home and how you can fund the care services your loved one needs.

 

The team at St Margarets Homecare will provide you with straightforward advice and tailored guidance about how to pay for home care services. We will even be happy to help with any paperwork or applications for securing funding to make the process easier.

 

 

Arranging a Home Care Assessment Visit

After initial discussions, the next step typically involves arranging a visit to your loved one at home. This visit allows the home care team to assess the environment and the specific needs of your loved one more closely. It’s also an opportunity for you to meet the carers face-to-face and get a better insight into how the care provider works.

 

We know how important this initial assessment is at St Margarets Homecare. It’s not just about evaluating needs but also creating a solid foundation for high-quality care, ensuring your loved one’s personal preferences are considered from the outset.

 

 

Contacting a Home Care Provider in Harrogate, Selby, York and Surrounding Areas

Contacting a home care agency is the first step towards enhancing the quality of life for your loved one. It can be a daunting step, but we can assure you that when you pick up the phone to St Margarets Homecare you will be greeted with a friendly voice and we will do everything we can to put your mind at ease.

 

Our expert team of compassionate and skilled professionals are here to help ensure your loved one receives the best care possible, designed for their unique needs and circumstances.

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us today when you’re searching for a home care provider in Harrogate, Selby, York, Knaresborough and all surrounding areas.

 

We look forward to hearing from you and helping to ensure your relative gets the support they need to maintain a high quality of life in their later years, in the familiar comfort of their own home.