Home Care Frequently Asked Questions

Simply contact us on 01753 645112 or by email at info@oxfordhousecare.com and one of our friendly team will discuss your requirements. We offer a no obligation consultation and assessment of your needs. We can review all options with you in the comfort of your own home.

We recognise that each individual person is unique, with needs and requirements that will change over time. Our care packages are entirely flexible and can be adjusted at any time.

We can tailor our services to your exact requirements. Typically, our Carers support people with tasks that assist them to remain independent, such as personal care, assistance with household tasks and prompting or support with medication requirements.

Within reason, we will support you with whatever may be required. There are some tasks that we do not undertake, for health and safety reasons, such as replacing or repairing electrical items. However, we can access specialist support where required.

We pride ourselves on continuity of Carer and recognise that having the same person delivering care is both efficient and most effective. However, as a 24/7 service, each person receiving care is assigned to a small tam of Carers. This enables us to cover visits when the regular Carer may be on holiday or for some other reason is absent.

All of our staff go through an extensive vetting process, including background checks and DBS checks (previously called criminal record checks). Our staff are carefully selected and supervised.

As part of our initial consultation, we will discuss fees. Whether these are paid in full or in part by a Local Authority will depend upon each person’s financial circumstances. If a Local Authority pays, we invoice them directly. If you pay for your own care, we raise invoices 4-weekly with payment due within 7-days of invoice. These invoices can be paid by bank transfer, standing order or by cheque. Each invoice contains an itemised schedule of all verified care visits and their duration.

The cost of each visit is determined by the day of visits (weekday or weekend) and the visit duration. We will provide a full price list upon request or at our initial consultation.

We operate a 24/7 service. Outside of normal office hours, we operate a full on call service manned by our own staff. This team has full access to each person’s care plans and team of Carers.

We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and we adhere to all relevant Care standards and regulations. You can see our latest CQC report on our website oxfordhousecare.com or at www.cqc.org.uk We are routinely inspected by our Local Authority and the CQC.

We will agree a schedule of visit times and duration. Typically, most visits are 30 minutes to 60 minutes in duration.

Our prices are fully inclusive with no ‘extras’ applied.

Our live-in care services typically range from £1,400 to £2,000 per week, depending on the level of care required. This can be more cost-effective than residential care homes, especially for couples. However, prices may vary based on the individual’s specific needs. It’s best to contact us at info@oxfordhousecare.com for precise quotes.

Home care involves carers visiting your home at scheduled times to assist, whereas live-in care means a carer resides in your home full-time. Live-in carers provide round-the-clock support, offering higher care and companionship. This allows individuals to remain in familiar surroundings whilst receiving comprehensive care.

Live-in care can be funded in several ways:

• Self-funding: Using personal savings or income
• Local authority funding: If eligible after a needs assessment
• NHS Continuing Healthcare: For those with primary health needs
• Benefits: Such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
• Combination of the above

We can discuss the best funding options that suit your circumstances.

Live-in carers are typically allowed to sleep during the night, usually for about 8 hours. However, they can be available for emergencies. If regular night-time assistance is required, you may need to arrange a “waking night” service, where the carer remains awake and alert throughout the night.

Live-in care involves a professional carer living in your home to provide round-the-clock support. The carer will:

• Assist with personal care, medication management, and mobility
• Help with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry
• Provide companionship and support for hobbies and interests
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals as needed

Care plans are tailored to individual needs, and carers usually work on a rota system, typically with 2-week shifts. This ensures consistent care while allowing carers adequate rest periods.

Live-in carers usually hold a minimum of a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care. Many have additional qualifications in first aid, manual handling, and medication management. Reputable care providers ensure their carers are checked by DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and receive ongoing training.

Yes, live-in carers can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, or medically prescribed diets. They can prepare meals that meet specific nutritional requirements while considering personal preferences.

Urgent live-in care can be arranged within 24-48 hours. However, it’s generally advisable to allow 5-7 days for a thorough assessment to ensure the best match between the carer and the client.

Yes, live-in carers can assist with medication management. They can remind clients to take medication, help with administration, and sometimes administer medication directly. However, specific medical tasks may require additional training or nursing qualifications.

Live-in care can be an excellent option for individuals with dementia. It allows them to remain in familiar surroundings, which can help reduce confusion and anxiety. Carers can be specially trained in dementia care to provide appropriate support and stimulation.

Absolutely! One of the benefits of live-in care is that you can keep your pets. Many carers are happy to help with pet tasks like feeding, walking dogs, or changing litter trays. This should be discussed during the care assessment to ensure the carer is comfortable with pets.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates live-in care providers. It conducts regular inspections and publishes reports. Additionally, reputable care providers have quality assurance processes, including regular check-ins, care reviews, and feedback mechanisms for clients and their families.

Yes, many live-in carers can drive and are willing to transport clients to appointments, social engagements, or local attractions. Some may use their vehicles, while others can drive the client’s car if insured. This helps maintain the client’s independence and social connections.