Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right home care provider is an important decision, and we understand that you may have many questions. The Always Take Care team is here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.
Welcoming a carer into your home can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. It’s natural to have concerns, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. To help you feel confident in your choice, we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about home care services.
We hope you find them useful. But if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help!
What range of services do you offer at Always Take Care?
We offer 24-hour live-in care. A live-in carer can assist with a wide and varied range of services to suit our clients, including housekeeping, companionship, meal preparation, personal care, specialist care if required, assistance with medication, driving, shopping, laundry and pet care.
Does your agency provide an initial consultation and assessment for potential clients?
Yes, we always visit clients in their own homes to conduct a thorough assessment of their needs. Based on this, we create a personalised care plan tailored to their specific requirements.
Does your agency adhere to a recognised code of practice?
Yes, we do. We follow the United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA) Code of Practice, which sets clear guidelines for all aspects of a client’s care and well-being. A full copy of the code will be made available to you during your home assessment.
Do all carers undergo a training programme before being placed with a client?
All our carers complete a comprehensive induction training programme covering best practices in key areas such as housekeeping, health and safety, infection control, emergency procedures, client mobility support, and medication administration. Additionally, all carers are required to undergo annual refresher training to ensure their skills remain up to date.
Do you thoroughly reference-check and interview all your carers?
Absolutely! Before joining the Always Take Care team, every carer undergoes a thorough interview and assessment process. We obtain up to two references, conduct a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check, and carry out a separate health check.
Can I choose my carer?
Carers are selected based on their availability. We’ll send you the profile of a carer we believe will be the best fit. Of course, we’re happy to arrange a change of carer if it’s not working out. But we recommend allowing a good couple of weeks for things to settle.
How do you match carers with clients?
We take a personalised approach to matching carers by considering each client’s unique personality, family dynamics, and individual needs. With experience, you can often sense which carer will be the best fit for a client.
Will I have the same carer all the time?
We try to provide consistent live-in care by rotating familiar carers back into the same placements – as long as both the client and carer are happy to continue. While carer availability can vary, we understand the importance of continuity of care. So, we will always aim to coordinate client and caregiver schedules to satisfy both parties. We usually find that when carers are happy with their placements, they’re more likely to align their dates to return.
What happens if my carer is unavailable due to sickness or because they are on holiday?
If your carer is off sick or on holiday, we will arrange for a relief carer to step in as soon as possible.
How much does live-in care cost?
Our carers provide three levels of live-in care: home support with personal care, home support with specialist care, and home support for couples who both require care. Our home care services start from £200 per day and £1,400 per week, and clients are invoiced every two weeks with a single, all-inclusive amount covering both the agency and carer fees. For added convenience, a standing order can be set up for seamless payments.
Do you offer live-in care for couples?
Yes, we provide home care services for couples who need support. Having a single live-in carer can be a practical and cost-effective solution, allowing both individuals to receive personalised care while continuing to live together in the comfort of their own home.
Do you provide in-home care for clients with dementia or other medical conditions?
Yes, we provide specialised live-in care for clients with dementia and a range of other medical conditions. Our dedicated caregivers are trained to support individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, mobility issues, and other complex health needs. If you have specific medical concerns, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support you or your loved one.
Are caregivers trained to administer medication?
Yes, our carers are trained to assist with the administration of medication, ensuring clients receive their prescribed medications safely. Caregivers can help with tasks such as prompting and reminding clients to take their medication, assisting with pre-measured doses, and, where appropriate, administering medications as prescribed. If you have specific concerns about medication management, we’re happy to discuss how our carers can provide the right support.
Is there a minimum level of service required to receive in-home care services from Always Take Care?
We specialise exclusively in 24-hour live-in care. We do not provide any other type of in-home care services.
Do you offer respite care?
Our experienced carers can provide respite live-in care for family caregivers in need of a break. Respite care can be arranged for a few days, weeks, or longer, depending on your circumstances and needs.
Am I able to contact the agency at any time while receiving care?
Yes, of course. Once your care plan is in place, you will be assigned a dedicated line manager who will check in with you regularly. Additionally, we provide a 24-hour helpline for emergency support.
How quickly can live-in home care be arranged?
We can typically arrange live-in home care within a couple of weeks, allowing time for a full assessment and planning the right support. In urgent situations – such as after a fall or hospital discharge – we can often respond more quickly with an emergency or short-term care placement. Once a suitable long-term carer becomes available, we transition into a more permanent arrangement. While our minimum placement is generally six weeks, many of our clients choose ongoing live-in care for 3 to 6 months or longer, often with short breaks of 1–2 weeks between placements.
Can I request a trial period before committing to ongoing live-in home care?
We understand that starting live-in care at home is a big step, which is why we offer a 14-day trial period to help you, and your family feel more confident. Although contracts are signed upfront, clients have the flexibility to end the home care arrangement within the initial two-week trial period if it doesn’t feel quite right. If you are looking for short-term support, we also offer flexible respite care options. This can be arranged for a month initially, with the option to extend if ongoing care is needed. Our respite care at home usually starts from a minimum of two weeks, but we can offer shorter one-week placements. Ultimately, the Always Take Care team is here to help you get the live-in care support you need, when you need it.
How do I arrange live-in care for myself or a loved one?
We’re here to help you find the ideal care solution for yourself or your loved one. Contact Bridget and the Always Take Care team today to get started. Call 01572 869 138 or email info@alwaystakecare.com.
