Questions and Answers (FAQ's)

Can Caring Direct provide the care that I need, whilst meeting my personal preferences?

Yes, all personal preferences will be discussed at the initial assessment stage with a family member or friend if preferred.

How will Caring Direct and your staff respect my privacy and dignity?

The Caring Direct team are sensitive to promoting privacy and in agreement at all times with the lifestyle and choices of the service user. Care and support will be provided in the least intrusive way and all family members, relatives and friends shall be treated with courtesy at all times.

Have Caring Direct provided care for someone with similar needs to mine?

You may feel alone at such a difficult time however, in most cases, you will be surprised to know that Caring Direct are currently providing care to service users with similar needs on a daily basis. Please feel free to ask when making an initial enquiry.

How will Caring Direct match the most suitable care worker for my needs?

Caring Direct is sensitive and responsive to age, culture, disability, gender, sexuality, race and religion of all service users, and persons in contact with the service user.

Is Caring Direct required to register with a statutory regulator?

Caring Direct is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and compliant with all outcomes within The Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Is Caring Direct insured in order to protect my safety and interest?

Yes, Caring Direct is fully insured to protect your safety and wellbeing.

Does Caring Direct interview all care workers before offering them work?

All care workers are interviewed by 2 senior members of the management team prior to employment

Does Caring Direct obtain at least two written references from all care workers?

Yes, all workers are required to obtain a minimum of two written references.

Do all care workers undergo a criminal record disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau?

Yes, all care workers are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

What sort of training does Caring direct care workers receive before they start working and during their employment?

Caring Direct provides all staff with a comprehensive training programme of induction and ongoing development throughout the duration of employment. Some staff undergo specialist training depending upon the care that they are asked to provide.

What proportion of your care workers and managers have obtained a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?

All care workers are given the opportunity to enrol and obtain NVQ qualifications after the initial 12 week induction period. Some care staff have achieved NVQ Level 4 during their employment with Caring direct.

If my care isn't provided by a local council, does Caring Direct have a standard contract that I can read before signing?

Yes, all contracts are provided to Caring Direct by UKHCA.

Can I contact your agency during the day, outside office hours and in an emergency?

Caring Direct operate an ‘out of hours’ duty management service where service users can speak to, or request a call back from, a friendly and experienced duty manager 365 days a year should any emergency arise.

What happens if my regular care worker is sick or on holiday?

Caring Direct will endeavour to match a qualified care worker to ensure minimal disruption in the event of any care worker being absent or sick.

What charges, if any, will I be expected to pay?

All fees are discussed from the outset and a comprehensive fee guide provided to the service user. No additional fees or price increased will be charged without the consent of the service user.

What payment methods are available (cheque, direct debit etc)?

Caring Direct accepts cheque, visa/debit card and standing order.

Is there a minimum charge if I only need a small amount of care?

There is no minimum charge however provision of care is subject to area coverage and availability.

Are there hidden extras in the prices you quote?

No, absolutely no hidden extras other then what is clearly published in the Caring Direct price guide and discussed at the initial assessment.