An increasing number of the population require support to live independently in their own home. Domiciliary at home care can be an affordable alternative to a care home and can help maintain independence and familiarity. But with so many providers around, how do you find the right home care provider for you?
Are they registered?
It is important to check that they are registered with the Care Quality Commission and are members of the United Kingdom Homecare Association. The CQC regulate all health and social care services in England; no home care provider can operate without CQC registration. They also state that every care user has the right to fundamental standards, below which your care must never fall. The CQC state that home agencies must be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led; Plum Care take great pride in complying with these guidelines. The UKHCA requires its members to adhere to the high standards of care set out in their Code of Practice. Their mission is to ‘promote high quality, sustainable care services so that people can continue to live at home’. Plum Care abide by the Code of Practice and take great pride in delivering the Principles and Values it sets out.
How do they treat their staff?
How a home care provider treats their staff is a reflection of the care they offer to their customers. Plum Care is a family owned business and that family feel extends to our customers and their loved ones and our staff. We offer our staff a guaranteed salary, excellent career progression, profit sharing and ongoing support. Our staff are supported at all stages of their employment with us, with reviews, refresher training and any other support they may need. We believe that if staff are treated with dignity, respect and compassion, they will extend those qualities to all customers.
Are their staff fully vetted and trained?
Care agencies must ensure that their care workers are thoroughly vetted and trained to deliver the required care. Plum Care thoroughly vet all staff before they join Plum Care, we obtain several references and all staff have Enhanced DBS certificates so you can feel confident about the people you welcome into your home. All Plum Care staff undergo Induction Training, covering dementia care, first aid, health and safety, nutrition & hydration, safeguarding, medication and more, providing them with the skills to provide the highest standards of care. Not only are our staff trained, Plum Care only hire staff with a genuine passion for care and who are patient, friendly, reliable and compassionate.
Do they offer person-centred care?
When choosing a home care provider it’s important to find a company that cater to your specific needs; your care and support needs are as unique as you are. Whether that means providing vegetarian meals or helping you get to your place of worship every week for example, Plum Care are here for you. We work with you every step of the way to create a Care Plan perfectly tailored to meet your needs. We want to help you stay comfortably in your own home for as long as possible, with the right care; we are committed to keeping you as independent as possible, with the highest quality of life. Your Care Plan is regularly updated; we stay flexible so we can cater to any changes that arise as soon as they happen.
Are they local with local carers?
Using a care provider that isn’t local can make it difficult for management staff to visit you in an emergency. Our office is based in Central Bromley, so if you need to contact a manager or supervisor we can visit you as soon as possible. Plum Care also recruit local carers, meaning they do not have to travel long distances to visit you, are not delayed due to transportation issues and arrive refreshed and ready to deliver the highest quality of care. We cover the entire Bromley borough, including Anerley, Beckenham, Bickley, Biggin Hill, Chislehurst, Chelsfield, Eden Park, Elmers End, Elmstead, Farnborough, Hayes, Longlands, Orpington, Park Langley, Penge, Petts Wood, Shortlands, Southborough, St Mary’s Cray, Sundridge,West Wickham, Widmore.