EIGHT out of ten people find that choosing care for a relative is one of the most stressful moments in life, according to a survey arranged by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

In the survey, carried out through the Mumsnet and Gransnet websites, 84 per cent of respondents reported choosing care for their parent or relative was ‘very stressful’ or ‘quite stressful’ – ranking it higher than getting divorced or separating from a partner, choosing a school for their child, getting married, and buying a house.

Given the opportunity, I am sure most of us would choose to remain in our own home for as long as possible. The benefits include staying close to our social and personal support network as well as retaining a greater degree of independence. As well as maybe requiring some modifications to the home, such as installing a stair lift, adapting the bathroom or widening doors to accommodate a wheelchair, it will greatly depend upon being able to access the right level of care and support for your needs.

If you are looking for home care and support for yourself, a loved one or relative, you’ll probably want to get information from at least three providers in your area.

You may get information from the following: • Your local council for recommendations or look on the Somerset Choices website • The UK Home Care Association (UK HCA) for details of home care agencies that follow its code of practice • The Care Quality Commission for a list of registered services and their inspection report and rating There are a range of useful documents produced by Which, the UKHCA and the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) that provide information and guidance on choosing your home care or support provider.

Here are my top tips: 1. Think about how you want to be supported and make a list of questions. This may include: checking whether your preferences can be met e.g. times of visits; how many care staff will be involved; have they all undergone criminal checks and training; what happens if one of your regular care workers is off sick or on holiday; how you may contact the provider in an emergency?

2. Note your first impressions. Initial conversations with the care provider will be a good indication of future relationships. Does the provider do what they promised? Did they get back to you when they said?

3. A good provider should be happy to visit you free of charge to discuss things without any obligation. They should spend time getting to know you, to find out about your needs and wishes.

4. Check the price and what it includes. Your provider should confirm a price that will not change after you and they have signed the contract, unless by mutual agreement.

5. Regular reviews of your care package and a provider who is constantly checking their standards and trying to improve is a provider who will aspire to deliver the highest quality care.

6. Check out the Comments, Compliments and Complaints procedures. Who do you contact if things go wrong? Is there a process for feedback when things go well?

Just remember, choosing the most suitable care and support provider for you, can most definitely, enrich your life.

Claire Waddon - Director / CEO Care Focus

Quality Ratings in Somerset since October 2014
CARE HOMES

Outstanding 
Ashcroft

Good 
Oak Trees
Milton House
Bridgwater Court
Huish House
Halcon House
Catherine House
Moorhaven
The Rectory Care Home
Elm Tree House
Calway House
The Firs Nursing Home
Northmead House
The Old Vicarage
The Knowls
Netherclay House
Frethey House
Burnworthy House
Frith House
The Burnham Nursing and Residential Centre
The New Careford Lodge Limited
Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home - Chelston Gardens Dementia Nursing Home
Hillview Nursing Home
The Towans Care Home
SeeAbility - Fiennes House Residential Home
Oak Lodge Care Home
Wellington and Longforth House
Holywell Nursing Home
Linden House Nursing Home
Covenant Care - The Wheelhouse
The Elms Residential Home
Red Gables
West Abbey
Home Care
Good
Care South

GP PRACTICES
Good
North Curry Health Centre, Taunton
Cranleigh Gardens Medical Centre, Bridgwater
Langport Surgery, Langport
East Quay Medical Centre, Bridgwater
Dr Burton, Dr Sells, Dr Edwards, Dr Shackleton, Taunton
Blackbrook Surgery, Taunton
Drs Hanson, Perry, Paisley, Ashworth, Hammerton and Symons, Taunton
Dr B Newmarch and Partner, Taunton
St James Medical Centre , Taunton
College Way Surgery, Taunton
Church View Medical Centre, Ilminster
Buttercross Health Centre, Somerton
Dr Sewell, Piotrowski & Yick, Taunton
The Quantock Medical Centre, Bridgwater
Drs Bulley and Scott, Stoke Sub Hamdon
Glastonbury Health Centre, Glastonbury
Dr Denner & Partners, Chard
Drs Harris, Hughes, Pearce, Trenholm and Tresidder, Chard
Wellington Medical Centre, Wellington
Abbey Manor Medical Practice, Yeovil