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The information on this page can also be downloaded as the UKHCA leaflet “Choosing Care In Your home”. Choosing CareHomecare has become the first choice for people who need assistance with their personal care to lead independent lives. Many people who use homecare do so as an alternative to moving into a care home. Starting to think about meeting your care needs can be daunting. This leaflet aims to answer some of your questions about homecare and help you find out where you can get more information. Why choose homecare?Homecare, also known as domiciliary care, is a term for support provided in the home by one or more careworkers to assist someone with their daily life. Enabling people who need care to remain in their home helps maintain personal independence, comfort and contact with their local community. Homecare is flexible, with just the right amount of assistance at any one time. You may only require a small amount of support – from half an hour a week, to several hours a day, or even live-in care. The service may be on a temporary, intermittent or long term basis. What is UKHCA?UKHCA is the professional national representative association for homecare providers. Our priorities are to promote the highest standards of care, to encourage training and development of homecare workers and to highlight homecare as the preferred option for people who need care. Homecare organisations that join UKHCA are required to comply with our Code of Practice to ensure that:
In addition, UKHCA helps members of the public locate reputable homecare providers in their local area and to find organisations that can meet specialised needs, including live-in care. How will my well-being be protected?All homecare workers are required to undergo initial induction training to make sure they are ready to provide care at home. Many go on to achieve recognised qualifications in care. UKHCA helps its member organisations to obtain extra training funds, where they are available. In England, Scotland and Wales, homecare workers undergo a criminal record disclosure, previously known as a police check. All homecare providers are required to register with their statutory regulator if they provide personal care. They are obliged to meet a high standard of service and undergo regular inspection. In addition, the UKHCA Code of Practice requires our members to operate at a higher standard than the legal minimum. Homecare providers are required to comply fully with health and safety legislation to identify and minimise risks to people receiving care and their careworkers. UKHCA members operate effective procedures to respond to comments and complaints, so that in the unfortunate event of a problem arising, it is resolved as quickly as possible. What costs are involved?Your local council’s social work team are obliged to perform an assessment of your care needs if you request it. If they agree that you need care, they will undertake a financial assessment. Taking your income and savings - but not the value of your home - into account, the financial assessment will establish your eligibility to receive financial assistance from the state. In Scotland there is no financial assessment for people aged 65 and over as the majority of care is provided free of charge. There are several ways that care can be funded. In many cases local councils and some Primary Care Trusts will pay all or part of the costs of care. In England and Wales people may be required to make a financial contribution to their package of care. The local council will provide the care themselves or purchase from a list of approved agencies. Alternatively, you or your family may choose to fund your care, without any state assistance. You may choose to use a local homecare agency or possibly employ someone yourself. If you employ your own careworker you should be aware of your potential obligations as an employer. A small but growing number of people take up the option of using the Direct Payments Scheme, where it is available. Here, the state gives you a cash entitlement and you then take responsibility for organising your own care. You may also wish to enhance the range of services subsidised by your local council by purchasing extra help from an independent homecare agency. VAT is not usually charged on homecare services. However, it is important to know whether any fees quoted by providers include VAT or not. How can I find a homecare provider?A comprehensive list of homecare providers committed to the UKHCA Code of Practice is available from www.ukhca.co.uk/memberlist.aspx or by telephoning 020 8288 5291. You will find homecare providers listed in Yellow Pages under “Nurses’ Agencies and Care Agencies” or “Homecare Services”. You will also find details on the Yellow Pages website www.yell.com. In the Thomson Directory providers are listed under “Homecare Services or Home Help Services – Private”. Look out for the UKHCA logo in adverts in both directories. Local council Social Services departments may be able to provide a list of their approved organisations in your area. The regulators in England, Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland can supply lists of providers in your area, along with copies of inspection reports: England 0845 015 0120 Wales 01443 8484450 Scotland 0845 6030890 Northern Ireland 028 9051 7500 What should I do next?Telephone one or two homecare agencies and confirm whether they are members of UKHCA. Ask them to send you their brochure and price list. A wide range of services are available from homecare organisations to assist you and they are usually happy to design a care service for your particular needs. If you think you may be entitled to free or subsidised homecare you can contact your local council’s Social Services department for assistance. What questions should I ask a homecare provider?The following questions may help with the selection of the most suitable service:
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