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Homecare.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to many of your questions across the care industry.
What makes Hygea Homecare different, why should I use you?
With over four decades of combined experience in the health sector, Joanne and Adam Godsall, the visionary founders of Hygea Home Care, have dedicated their lives to caring for others. Joanne's extensive background in the NHS and Social Services has made her a lifelong expert in providing compassionate care for the elderly.
While Adam's diverse experience in Child and Adult care, ranging from learning Disabilities to End-Of-Life services, has shaped him into a skilled and empathetic caregiver.
At Hygea, we take pride in our rigorous training program that equips our Care Professionals with the necessary skills for practical care. But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to treating our clients with warmth, dignity, and respect - an integral part of the Hygea culture.
Do I have to have an assessment before care can start?
Your care, treatment and support achieves good outcomes, helps you to maintain quality of life and is based on the best available evidence.
My relative is soon to be discharged from the hospital, can you help?
In the world of hospitals and social work, a patient's return home can sometimes be hindered unless a proper care package is secured. Luckily, we have ample expertise in handling such situations to ensure a seamless transition for you.
With our efficient team, we can swiftly organise a tailored care package for your loved one, sometimes even within a day's notice, provided we have a skilled Care Professional available.
To further alleviate your worries, we offer hospital visits to personally arrange the best care package that meets your relative's unique needs and preferences. Our team will also collaborate with the hospital's social workers to facilitate a smooth discharge process.
Can I involve non-direct family member in the consultation?
Yes, you can choose whomever you desire to accompany you during the care consultation.
What is the ultimate level of care that you can provide?
Our expertly trained Care Professionals are dedicated to providing a comprehensive seven-day home care solution tailored to meet any specific requirements, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, stroke, and end-of-life care."
What is the minimum level of service that you can offer?
We can offer a home care service starting from just one hour a week, to suit your needs.
Why does your registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) hold such significance?
England's care services are governed by the meticulous standards set by CQC, ensuring the safety and quality of care for vulnerable clients. With regulations spanning from secure recruitment of Care Professionals to effective management of clients, CQC sets a high bar for care providers to meet.
Thankfully, a CQC-registered home care agency goes above and beyond to exceed these standards and provide you with added protection and exceptional service. Unlike hiring an independent carer or using an online matching service, a CQC registered agency offers a fully managed service with a qualified Care Manager approved by CQC to oversee your care.
This becomes particularly crucial in complex care situations such as medication management, handling, catheter care, specialised conditions, and dementia care. With thorough and up-to-date training, regular monitoring, and frequent reviews and supervision, a managed service ensures its Care Professionals deliver top-notch care.
Moreover, a CQC-registered agency takes accountability seriously, regularly reviewing client care and promptly addressing any issues that may arise. Rest assured, you are in capable hands with a CQC registered home care agency, such as Hygea Homecare.
Can I make changes to my care package?
You can tailor your care at any moment, for we continuously monitor and adapt to guarantee the perfect care package for you. Our top priority is your constant well-being and satisfaction, and we take pride in swiftly addressing any concerns or suggestions for change.
How do I pay for care?
Experience hassle-free payments with our convenient options of direct debit, bank transfer through the Internet or payments that can be taken over the phone by credit/debit card.
Can I get help with funding?
Get in touch with your community's social services division and let them unveil if you qualify for financial aid from the local government.
What is Direct Payment?
Experience the independence and flexibility of direct payment, where your local authority gives you the power to select your preferred care provider.
This revolutionary concept has been available for over two decades, but it was not until the implementation of the Care Act 2014 that the choice became entirely yours.
With a direct payment, the funds are solely designated for services that cater to your specific care needs.
However, keep track of your expenditures, as your local authority may request that they be reviewed every three months. Just note that this payment cannot be used for residential care or any services directly provided by the local authority.
How do I get Direct Payment funding with you?
If you seek the convenience of a direct payment, your first step is contacting your local social services department. From there, a community care assessment will be arranged to determine your eligibility. Don't worry; there's no pressure to decide immediately after the evaluation. However, your social worker will kindly guide you to a direct payment support service if you opt for a direct payment.
If you're already receiving stellar care from Hygea and believe a direct payment would be beneficial, give us a heads-up, and we'll gladly assist you.
If I get funding for Direct Payments, will I have to top-up?
Should you opt for a particular care provider, you may be called upon to contribute towards the expense of your care, similar to the financial support you may already be providing for services through your local authority. The choice of your care provider will ultimately determine this arrangement.
If i receive Direct Payment, how do I receive my money?
To ensure seamless transactions, it is necessary to establish a dedicated bank account for your direct payments.
Upon finalising the payment arrangement for your care, the local authority will promptly deposit the agreed-upon amount into your designated direct payment account.
From there, you will have the convenience of directly remitting payment for the exceptional care you receive.
How is the care delivered monitored?
Our cutting-edge technology is the ultimate solution, seamlessly relaying any changes in a client's care or medication to our Care Professionals in the blink of an eye.
This lightning-fast system enables our team to access medication records and care notes in near real-time, providing a comprehensive understanding of our client's well-being. Plus, if a Care Professional runs late, our office or on-call team is immediately alerted, guaranteeing the safety of our clients.
But that's not all—with our app, family members and healthcare professionals can access care notes and medication records for free in the comfort of one's home. For those residing far away or abroad, the same convenience is available anytime and from any location. Trust us, distance will never hinder your peace of mind.
Can I cancel my care package, if there is a change in circumstances?
You can take control of your care package and exercise your freedom to cancel it at your convenience by sending a written notice to your care manager two weeks in advance.
What can a carer do?
A Care Professional with Hygea Homecare is given the training and support to deliver the following services:
- Personal care.
- Washing, bathing and showering.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Cleaning teeth and dentures.
- Shaving facial hair with an electric shaver.
- Assist with personal grooming, such as brushing hair and applying makeup.
- Toilet management and continence care, emptying and changing catheter bags but not re-siting indwelling catheters.
- Assisting with physical exercises to enable rehabilitation under the direction of a physiotherapist.
Will I have the same carer on every visit?
We want you to establish strong connections and trust with multiple caregivers/care professionals. This ensures that you receive consistent care and have the comfort of being with someone you are familiar with.
For instance, if a Care Professional takes a break or falls ill, there will always be a backup. If you have multiple care visits daily, you can interact with different Care Professionals at other times.
Building rapport with your Care Professionals is essential, so we strive to maintain a small, consistent team. Of course, there may be changes in our care staff occasionally, but don't worry—we will introduce you to any new carers and address any concerns you may have.
What kind of training do your care professionals have?
Hygea's exceptional team of Carers and Care Professionals are equipped with comprehensive training in personal care, medication administration, safe lifting and handling, catheter care, and infection control, among other essential skills.
Please note that medication can only be dispensed from properly labelled containers specifically prescribed for the client. Our dedicated Care Professionals are not authorised to administer medication from dosset boxes or unmarked packaging, and injections are strictly prohibited.
Are Care Professionals able to support with catheters, stomas and PEG tubes?
While Carers and Care Professionals can empty and change catheter bags, changing an indwelling catheter falls outside their scope.
Please inquire with your local office about specialised support for stoma care, PEG tubes, and other needs.
Are your Care Professionals able to use moving and handling equipment?
Suppose you seek the convenience of a direct payment. In that case, your first step is to Our Hygea's Care Professionals possess extensive training in moving and handling, equipping them with the expertise to utilise hoists, stand aids, wheelchairs, and bath lifts in aiding our clients' movements within their homes and contacting your local social services department. From there, a community care assessment will be arranged to determine your eligibility. Don't worry; there's no pressure to decide immediately after the evaluation. However, your social worker will kindly guide you to a direct payment support service if you opt for a direct payment.
If you're already receiving stellar care from Hygea and believe a direct payment would be beneficial, give us a heads-up, and we'll gladly assist you.
Does the carers travel time affect my full visit time?
Your devoted Caregiver or Care Professional will give you undivided attention throughout your paid time together without subtracting any minutes for travel.
What happens if my carer falls sick or on long leave?
We highly recommend cultivating a solid bond with multiple Carers/Care Professionals, ensuring unwavering reliability and a familiar face, to avoid disruptions caused by vacations or unforeseen absences due to sickness. A support system that provides consistency and comfort in your care is crucial.
Will my carer carry out all tasks they a supposed to do?
At our agency, we collaborate with you to craft a personalised care plan that meets your unique needs.
Our innovative software system allows our Care Professionals to diligently document their visit notes and medication records, which can be easily accessed by family members from anywhere in the world.
Our Care Professionals are not randomly selected. They undergo rigorous training and are handpicked by us with one question in mind: Would we entrust them with the care of our own loved ones?
To ensure the highest quality of our services, our expert supervisors consistently monitor and support our Care Professionals.
However, in the rare case that you have any concerns, your local care manager is always just a call away. We are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care anytime.
This lightning-fast system enables our team to access medication records and care notes in near real-time, providing a comprehensive understanding of our client's well-being. Plus, if a Care Professional runs late, our office or on-call team is immediately alerted, guaranteeing the safety of our clients.
But that's not all—with our app, family members and healthcare professionals can access care notes and medication records for free in the comfort of one's home. For those residing far away or abroad, the same convenience is available anytime and from any location. Trust us, distance will never hinder your peace of mind.
What if I do not like my carer? What are my options?
We believe that personality compatibility is crucial in building a harmonious bond. Introducing a new individual into your life and home can be daunting at first, but a beautiful relationship can blossom with time and patience.
Our team has observed that it takes a few visits to feel at ease with your Carer/Care Professional. We kindly ask that you give it a chance, as most of our clients form a strong connection with their care provider.
Our agency carefully selects our care staff based on their skills and how well they fit into our family culture. This has resulted in very few instances of us having to change a Care Professional due to differences.
However, if you encounter any concerns, our dedicated care managers can always listen and accommodate your needs.
Are your carers insured if something goes wrong?
Yes, rest easy knowing that our comprehensive insurance coverage has you covered in the unlikely event of any mishaps while we provide care.
However, it's essential to double-check that your home insurance includes protection for workers entering your residence. After all, unexpected hazards like a frayed carpet on the stairs can potentially lead to accidents.