Home Care vs Residential Care, and Why Your Choice of Provider Matters
Choosing between home care and residential care is a significant decision for you and your family. For many people, remaining in the comfort and familiarity of their own home is the preferred option. However, it is just as important to consider how that care is delivered and who is responsible for providing it.
While hiring an independent carer may seem straightforward, there are important legal, financial and practical responsibilities to consider. Insurance cover, employment obligations, training standards and reliable back-up support all play a crucial role in ensuring care is safe, compliant and consistent.
In this article, we explore the key differences between arranging care privately and working with a regulated home care provider like Angels Private Homecare, so you can make an informed and confident choice.
Insurances and Legal
When choosing Angels as your care provider, be rest assured that all of our carers are fully covered with public liability and malpractice insurance.
Independent caregivers who do not work for an agency will most likely not hold there own personal insurance.
If an accident or incident occurs whilst working, the employer could be held liable, costing you hundreds or even thousands of pounds, in costs and compensation.
You the client are also responsible for all payroll tax, national insurance contributions and verifying that the employee can legally work in the UK
Training and qualifications
If hiring a carer directly, you need to assess the competence and skill level of the carer.
Are you sure that they hold even the very basic knowledge to provide good quality and effective safe care,such as:
- First aid
- Medication Management
- Manual Handling
- Dementia awareness
- Physical intervention
- DBS (Disclosure and barring services checks)
- Criminal records checks
This is why using caregiver agencies like Angels Private Homecare gives you confidence that we will always be there for you
Support
Angels will provide a replacement carer if the carer cannot make it to work, and this will be one of your care team that you already know and trust.
If an independent caregiver calls in sick or doesn’t arrive to your home, you the client will need a back-up plan as there will be no continuity support plan for such eventuality.