Here are 5 tips to consider when arranging care for your loved one because caring for a loved one can be a deeply personal and often challenging responsibility.

Asking for help can be difficult; however, finding the right care provider will make you feel at ease. When it comes to choosing a care service, it’s essential to consider several important factors to ensure that the provider you select aligns with your values and can offer the level of care that your loved one deserves.  

1. Aligning Values

The foundation of any reputable care service lies in its mission statement and vision. For a genuine connection, ensure that the provider’s mission resonates with you. Friends Helping at Home, for example, aspires to be the premier service in person-centred care, placing clients and service providers at the forefront. Their vision, “Care At Heart,” encompasses a wide range of services from 24/7 care to specialised support, emphasising a commitment to holistic and compassionate care.

2. Human-Centric Policies

Select a care provider that treats individuals, not as packages of care, but as unique human beings. Their policies should prioritise choice, personal connection, and the establishment of professional relationships. Friends Helping at Home implements a “no stranger” policy, ensuring that clients are introduced to service providers by their branch manager. With a focus on longer, comprehensive care packages, they aim to build meaningful relationships between clients and service providers, avoiding rushed visits commonly associated with traditional domiciliary care.

3. Rigorous Back Office Paperwork Checks

Trust is paramount when it comes to care. Friends Helping at Home conducts a thorough interview process for every service provider, overseen by a local branch manager. This includes rigorous checks such as enhanced DBS, references, and insurance verification. This commitment to quality ensures that clients are introduced to professional, registered service providers, providing peace of mind and security.

4. Flexibility in Care Calls and Needs

Care needs are dynamic and can change over time. A reliable care service should offer flexibility to accommodate evolving requirements. Friends Helping at Home excels in flexible and fast scheduling, recognising that care needs vary. Whether it’s 24/7 care, companionship, help around the house, or specialised care, their commitment to adapting to changing needs ensures a tailored and responsive care package.

5. Care at Heart: Community and Support

Choosing a care agency is not just about services; it’s about being part of a supportive community. Friends Helping at Home emphasises the importance of “Friends” in their name. The community within the care agency is characterised by support, patience, and understanding, all rooted in genuine care. When selecting a care provider, ensure that the heart of the organisation is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment.

In conclusion, arranging care for your loved one involves more than just ticking boxes. It’s about finding a provider that aligns with your values, treats your loved one with dignity, and prioritises their well-being. Friends Helping at Home embodies these principles, offering a person-centred approach that goes beyond traditional care services.

Here are a couple of pictures of me, Emily Merry… in the first one we’re presenting a cheque to Rowcroft Hospice after raising £4050.00 in a fundraiser and in the second I’m enjoying a selfie with one of our clients – what a lovely lady she is!