A checklist to keep
1. Bring a simple outline
- The town or community where care is needed.
- The main tasks: personal routines, meals, mobility, company or family respite.
- The days and times when help is needed, including any night-time needs.
- Who already helps and which parts of the day are difficult to cover.
- Language, cultural and personal preferences that matter to the person receiving care.
2. Understand the proposed arrangement
Ask whether hourly visits, overnight support or a live-in arrangement would suit the schedule. Discuss what the caregiver will do and what remains with family or regulated healthcare professionals.
For live-in care, agree accommodation, privacy, rest periods and the days covered. One caregiver does not provide continuous 24-hour work.
Compare care arrangements and costs →3. Get to know your proposed caregiver
Our screening includes identity and reference checks, police/background screening and vulnerable-sector checks for applicable roles. We review relevant experience, qualifications and training, and consider language, communication and personal preferences when matching care.
We hold insurance for our care services and have continuity and absence-cover arrangements. We explain the details relevant to your proposed care and arrange an introduction.
Read our caregiver standards →- Which experience and qualifications are relevant to these particular tasks?
- What identity, reference or background checks have been completed for the proposed caregiver?
- How will language, communication and personal preferences be considered?
- What introduction or preparation takes place before the first visit?
Ask for specific answers for the proposed assignment. Different roles can require different checks, preparation and professional qualifications.
4. Clarify price and continuity
- Request the proposed rate, minimum bookings and what is included.
- Confirm any weekend, holiday, travel, overnight or additional-coverage charges.
- Ask whether applicable taxes are included or shown separately.
- Agree how to raise a concern, change a schedule or discuss an absence.
- Confirm payment, cancellation and notice terms before accepting care.
5. Agree the first visit
Before care begins, confirm the caregiver’s role, agreed schedule, access arrangements, the family contact and the communication plan. Availability and any proposed start date must be confirmed directly with the team.
What happens after a website enquiry?
The care team uses your preferred contact details to discuss the request. That conversation helps establish the support being considered and what needs to be agreed next. Sending an enquiry does not create a booking or service agreement.
Use general information in the website form. Detailed care information and any necessary records should be discussed through arrangements agreed directly with the team.