Rachael Fox has been a Registered Manager at All About Home Care for eleven years. In that time she has supported hundreds of families through one of the most difficult and emotional decisions they will ever face — finding the right care for someone they love.
Under her management, All About Home Care has twice been rated ‘outstanding’ by CQC, the business is consistently rated 10/10 on homecare.co.uk and is one of the placed best people in the South East of England to advice on how to choose a home care provider.
“This is one of the most important decisions a family will ever make, and most people are doing it for the first time. I’ve spent eleven years helping people through it — here are the 5 pieces of advice I would give.”
1.Take your time — this decision deserves it
Choosing someone to care for your family member is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Take your time, speak to multiple agencies and, if you are not, sure ask the question again.
2. Use reviews, ratings and personal recommendations to build your shortlist
Homecare.co.uk reviews and CQC inspection ratings are an excellent starting point. Only 5% of care companies in England are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC and reviews at homecare.co.uk provide a helpful filter. However, the best evidence is often personal recommendations from people who have used the service – this is one of All About Home Care’s most common source of clients
3. Your relationship with the senior care team is crucial
Your relationship with the Registered Manager and the senior care team is vital. These are the people who set the care quality culture of the company. You will deal with them day to day to discuss problems and changes to the care plan. Speak to them on the phone, ask questions but the best test is meeting them in person. Ask them to carry out a proper care assessment of your family member. You will learn a great deal from how they handle it and how you get on with them.
4. Ask hard questions about the care team
The carers who visit your family member are at the heart of everything. Two things I always encourage families to ask about: how well are the carers paid? A carer on minimum wage is a warning sign — well-paid staff are motivated, stable, and proud of their work. And secondly: will my family member have a consistent team? The same familiar faces, week in and week out, make an enormous difference to care quality, wellbeing and outcomes.
5. Expect this to be a long-term relationship
Your family member’s needs will change and evolve over time — sometimes gradually, sometimes quickly. The right home care provider will be a long-term partner for your family, adapting the care as those needs change. Think of it as a relationship, not a transaction. Choose someone you trust for the long-term
If you want to speak to Rachael and ask her anything! Please call the office on 01892 575 499.
