Top Questions to Ask a Live-In Care Company

Live-in care can be a great option for older adults or people with disabilities who need 24/7 care but want to remain in their own homes. When choosing a live-in care company, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that you’re getting the best possible care for your loved one.

Also, it’s important to remember that if you choose to go with an introductory agency, a lot of the items in the list below are not required or expected to be supported, and it will fall to you to undertake some of these points.

What questions should you ask a live-in care company?

Here are some top questions to ask:

• What services do you offer? Live-in care companies offer a variety of services, so it’s important to make sure that the company you choose offers the services that your loved one needs. This may include personal care, meal preparation, medication management, companionship, and transportation.

• How do you recruit and train your carers? Live-in carers are responsible for the care and well-being of your loved one, so it’s important to make sure that the company you choose recruits and trains its carers carefully. Ask about the company’s hiring process, including background checks and training requirements. How often do they refresh their learning, and do they offer condition-specific training?

• What is your matching process? The company should match your loved one with a carer who is compatible with their needs and personality. Ask about the company’s matching process and how they ensure that the carer is a good fit for your loved one. If it’s not working out, can you change the carer for someone else?

• Do the carers work on a rota pattern or stay for long periods of time? There are pros and cons for either option and you must understand how the scheduling of this is managed and how you are communicated with.

• How do you supervise your carers? Live-in carers spend a lot of time alone with their loved ones, so it’s important to make sure that the company supervises its carers effectively. Ask about the company’s supervisory procedures and how often they check in on carers and clients.

• What is your contingency plan? In the event that the carer becomes ill or is unable to work, the company should have a contingency plan in place to ensure that your loved one continues to receive the care they need. Ask about the company’s contingency plan and how they will keep you informed of any changes.

What other questions should you ask when arranging live-in care?

In addition to these general questions, you may also want to ask more specific questions about the company’s experience with your loved one’s specific condition or needs. For example, if your loved one is living with dementia, you may want to ask about the company’s experience with dementia care.

It’s also important to ask about the cost of services and how payments are handled. Be sure to get everything in writing, including the services that will be provided, the cost of services, and the payment terms.

Finally, be sure to trust your gut instinct. If you feel comfortable with the company and its carers, that’s a good sign. However, if you have any doubts, it’s best to look elsewhere.

Here are some additional questions you may want to ask:

• What are your qualifications and experience?

• How do you keep your carers up-to-date on the latest care practices?

• What are your policies on communication and transparency?

• How do you handle complaints?

• Can you provide references from previous clients?

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the live-in care company and whether or not it’s a good fit for your loved one.

Our live-in care services 

At Ashridge Home Care, we provide outstanding live-in care services designed to cater to the unique needs of our clients. Our committed carers offer 24/7 support, ensuring you or your loved one can enjoy a joyful and fulfilling life. 

Whether you need assistance with your daily activities, medication management or companionship, our team are here to deliver a personalised approach. In fact, you won’t need to compromise your routine, social life or home comforts because we bring our services to you. 

Our goal is to foster independence, enhance security and promote overall well being. We deeply value individualised care, and our empathetic team collaborates closely with clients and their families to provide top-tier in-home care. 

Choose Ashridge Home Care for unmatched live-in care services that prioritise comfort, dignity and quality of life.