When it comes to arranging care for yourself or a loved one, many people assume that they must accept the care providers chosen by their local authority or care funders. This is not the case. Whether you receive funding through your local authority, NHS, Charity, or you are paying privately, you have the right to choose your own care provider.
Yes there are 'recommendations' that will be provided to you by a social worker or similar social care professional, but these recommendations tend to be providers that are on or contracted to a local authority framework, and unfortunately that framework is based on accepting a contractual price per hour, set by the local authority which is (according to the HomecareAssociation.org.uk) much lower than what is required.
Understanding Your Right to Choose
The UK care system is designed to offer individuals choice and control over their care. This means you are not limited to providers suggested or contracted by local authorities. You can select a care provider that aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and values. Such as preferences to see the same carers, to have carers turn up on time and to have carers that you feel comfortable with.
If you or your loved one requires homecare or care at home services, it is important to remember:
The Choice is Yours:Â Regardless of funding, you can choose a care provider that suits your needs.
Personalised Care: Companies like Horizons Homecare offer tailored care plans that go above and beyond to ensure dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Consistent Carers:Â With private providers, you often have the benefit of consistent carers who take the time to know you and deliver compassionate, unhurried care. Although researching the providers and checking feedback is always key.
Navigating the System: A Small Step-by-Step Guide
We often find ourselves in a confusing situation where Dad, Mum, Grandparents etc are now being told they need care. One gentlement mentioned in a recent care assessment "We just always thought they were a bit forgetful. We didn't think they were struggling that much. Nobody thought they struggled. They hid it really well".
Finding the right care for your loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating funding and local authority processes. After all, nobody provides you with a step-by-step guide to help. So here are our clear steps to help you:
Assess Your Care Needs:Â Start by identifying what level of care is required. This may include personal care, companionship, dementia support, or more complex care needs like stroke or brain injury recovery. It's also worth remembering that the care can be as 'small' as having them help with jobs around the home. It also helps build trust with the carers, the company and helps you or your loved ones come to terms with more help when it is required. Start small, start right!
Speak to Your Local Authority: If you believe your care can be funded, request a needs assessment. This will determine whether you qualify for support. If you live in England you will not be entitled to funding if you have savings and capital in excess of £23,250.
Explore Funding Options:Â You may receive a personal budget, direct payment, or NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. All of these give you the flexibility to choose your own care provider. As an example, direct payment is generally funded through the local authority and is loaded on to your very own dedicated bank card for care. Your care provider invoices you, and you pay via direct payments.
Research Providers:Â Look for care providers who match your needs and values. Private providers, like Horizons Homecare, often offer greater flexibility and higher levels of personalised care.
Ask the Right Questions:Â When speaking with providers, ask about their carers, their approach to personalised care, visit durations, and how they ensure consistency and quality.
Make an Informed Choice: Once you’ve gathered information, choose a provider that gives you confidence and peace of mind.
Funded Care and Personal Budgets
If your care is funded by the local authority, you may receive a personal budget or direct payment. These options give you the flexibility to manage your care funding directly and choose the care provider you prefer. You are not obligated to accept care from providers your local authority has pre-selected.
Personal Budgets:Â The local authority calculates your care budget, and you decide how it is spent.
Direct Payments:Â You receive the funds directly, empowering you to hire a provider like Horizons Homecare.
NHS Continuing Healthcare:Â For those with complex medical needs, the NHS may fully fund care, giving you the freedom to choose the provider you trust most.
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters
The choice of care provider can make a significant difference to your or your loved one’s quality of life. The right provider ensures that care is not only professional and reliable but also compassionate and tailored to individual needs.
With Horizons Homecare, you get:
Consistent Carers:Â Familiar faces who understand your routine and build trust.
Full Visit Duration:Â Carers who stay for the entire visit without rushing or cutting corners.
Personalised Care Plans:Â Designed around your specific needs, values, and preferences.
Highly Trained Staff:Â Our carers are chosen for their personalities, values, and commitment to high-quality care.
Flexibility and Control:Â Whether you require short visits, longer stays, or 24/7 care, we adapt to your needs.
Overcoming Common Misconceptions
Many people feel they are locked into local authority decisions or are unsure how to use personal budgets or direct payments. Here are some misconceptions we want to clear up:
"I can’t choose a private provider if I’m funded." — You absolutely can! Personal budgets and direct payments exist to give you that choice.
"Switching providers is too complicated." — It’s easier than you think. Providers like Horizons Homecare can guide you through the transition process step-by-step.
"Private care is too expensive." — Funding options like direct payments mean you can access quality care without added financial strain.
How Horizons Homecare Supports You
At Horizons Homecare, we aim to make the process of choosing and arranging care as simple and stress-free as possible. From the moment you contact us, we:
Listen to Your Needs:Â We take the time to understand what matters most to you or your loved one.
Explain Your Options: Whether you’re funded or paying privately, we explain how you can access our care.
Create a Personalised Plan:Â We work with you to design a care plan that prioritises comfort, independence, and dignity.
Support the Transition:Â If switching providers, we handle the process with minimal disruption to you or your loved one.
Your Care, Your Choice
The power to choose is yours. You do not have to settle for a provider that does not meet your needs. Whether your care is funded or privately paid, you deserve the very best. Horizons Homecare is here to deliver the high-quality, compassionate care you and your loved ones deserve.
Contact Us Today
Take the first step in choosing a care provider who puts your needs first. Call us on 01253 202 922 or visit www.horizonshomecare.co.uk to learn more about our services.
Your care. Your choice. Your peace of mind.
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