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.

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.

We provide services throughout Slough and surrounding areas including Chalvey, Cippenham, Colnbrook, Langley, Upton, and Wexham.

We offer flexible visiting care from 30-minute calls up to several hours per day, based on your needs and preferences.

Yes, we have a diverse team of care professionals, many of whom are multilingual. We understand and respect different cultural and religious needs, incorporating these into our care plans.

Yes, we work with you to establish a visiting schedule that suits your routine and preferences, including morning, afternoon, evening, or multiple visits throughout the day.

We always provide a suitable replacement carer who is fully briefed on your care needs. We aim to maintain consistency with a small team of familiar faces.

Yes, our service is flexible. We regularly review care needs and can adjust visit frequency and duration as required.

Yes, our team includes carers specially trained in supporting individuals with specific medical conditions and complex needs.

Our care team can assess your home and advise on any helpful adaptations or equipment that could make care delivery safer and more effective.

We maintain detailed care records and use digital systems to ensure seamless communication between care team members about your needs and preferences.

Yes, our carers can assist with shopping, accompany you to local activities, and help maintain your community connections.

We offer a comprehensive range including:

• Personal care
• Domiciliary care
• Respite care
• Nursing care
• Palliative care
• Complex care
• Dementia care
• Companionship care

We begin with a thorough initial assessment of needs, preferences, and lifestyle. This forms the basis of a bespoke care plan that’s regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.

We’re regulated by the Care Quality Commission and proud of our ratings. You can view our latest CQC report here.

We carefully match carers based on skills, experience, cultural awareness, personality, and shared interests to ensure compatibility.

Yes, we maintain strong relationships with local NHS services, GP practices, and hospitals in Slough to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care.

Please contact us to discuss your emergency care needs. Our team is trained in emergency procedures and crisis management.

Following our initial assessment, we typically arrange introductions within 5 to 7 days. However, we can often accommodate urgent situations more quickly when needed. The timeline depends partly on finding the right support workers match and ensuring everyone feels comfortable before regular visits commence.

Absolutely. Companionship arrangements are designed to evolve with changing circumstances. Whether someone requires more frequent visits, various types of activities both inside and outside the home, or extra support during challenging periods, we adjust our plans accordingly. Regular reviews ensure services remain appropriate and beneficial.

We accept private funding, NHS funding, Local Authority funding, or combinations of each, depending on individual circumstances and eligibility. Our team can help navigate funding options and explain what financial support might be available for your specific situation.

Family involvement varies according to preference and circumstances. Some families appreciate regular updates and participation in planning activities inside and outside the home, whilst others prefer minimal contact. We work with whatever level of involvement feels right for your family whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

We offer a satisfaction guarantee and will work diligently to address any concerns you may have. This may involve adjusting the support plan, introducing different care and support workers, or modifying our approach to care and support. Our priority is to ensure that companionship arrangements work well for everyone involved.

Companionship works best when someone enjoys social contact and benefits from gentle encouragement. If someone requires extensive medical assistance, medication management, or has complex health needs that require clinical oversight, other care options may be more suitable. We’ll discuss this honestly during our initial assessment.

Following our initial assessment, we usually organise services within 7-14 days. However, urgent situations can often be accommodated sooner. The timeline depends on the complexity of care needs and the availability of care workers. We prioritise matching the right caregiver over rushing the process.

Absolutely. Care packages are designed to be flexible, with regular reviews to ensure support adapts to changing circumstances. Whether needs increase due to physical health changes or decrease as confidence grows, adjustments are made smoothly without disrupting established relationships.

Care funding can come from various sources, such as private funding, NHS continuing healthcare, Local Authority support, or a combination of these. After our financial assessment, we will help identify available funding options and guide you through the application process where needed.

Family involvement is entirely your choice. Some families prefer to be present during visits, while others appreciate the independence that home care offers. Our care providers work flexibly around family schedules and preferences to ensure everyone feels comfortable with the arrangements.

We guarantee your satisfaction and offer trial periods to ensure compatibility. If any concerns arise, we address them immediately through staff changes, care plan adjustments, or additional training. Our commitment goes beyond the initial setup to support ongoing success in the relationship.

While home care services meet most needs, some complex medical conditions or pressure sore management may require specialised residential facilities. During our assessment, we’ll honestly discuss whether domiciliary care is the most suitable option for your loved one’s specific circumstances.

Following your initial consultation and care assessments, we usually arrange introductory live-in care within 7-14 days. Emergencies can often be handled more quickly. For complex care needs that require specialist support, additional preparation time may be necessary to find the right carer.

Absolutely. Our care and support plan is designed to adapt as circumstances change. Whether dealing with dementia care, Parkinson’s care, or palliative care needs, we regularly review and adjust services to ensure they consistently meet current requirements.

We work with a variety of funding sources, including private payment, NHS continuing healthcare funding, Local Authority support, or a combination of these options. Our team offers clear guidance on eligibility and application processes for public financing where applicable.

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you have any concerns, our care manager team responds immediately to resolve them. We can arrange for alternative professional carers if personality or skill matching needs adjustment, ensuring you receive the high-quality care you deserve.

Live-in care is adequate for most situations, but some complex medical needs requiring constant nursing supervision may be better managed in clinical settings. During our honest consultation, we will help you determine the most appropriate option for your specific circumstances.

All our care staff undergo thorough Disclosure & Barring Service checks, hold relevant qualifications, and receive ongoing training. Regular supervision visits and care plan reviews keep standards high. Our 24-hour support system ensures care is consistently reliable. Being registered with the Care Quality Commission reflects our commitment to meeting regulatory standards and delivering quality care.

While we always aim to respond to urgent needs, specialist care usually begins within 1-2 weeks of your initial contact. This allows time for proper assessment, staff matching, and care plan development. For urgent situations, we can often arrange temporary support more quickly while we set up longer-term arrangements.

Absolutely. Specialist care services are designed to be flexible. Whether needs increase due to health changes or decrease as someone gains confidence and skills, we regularly review and adjust our support. This may involve modifying medication assistance, changing the focus of exercise programmes, or adapting activities of daily living support.

Specialist care can be funded through different routes. Many families use private funding, while others access support via Local Authority funding or NHS continuing healthcare funding. Our team can help you understand your eligibility and guide you in choosing the best combination of funding sources for your situation.

Family involvement depends on your preferences and circumstances. Some families prefer to be closely involved in daily care plans, while others prefer to have care management teams handle most of the coordination. We work with whatever level of involvement feels right for your family, while ensuring you are always kept informed about significant changes or concerns.

As a Care Quality Commission-registered service provider, we take satisfaction seriously. If concerns arise, we address them promptly through our quality assurance processes. This may involve adjusting the care plan, changing support staff, or modifying our approach. We are committed to getting the arrangement right for everyone involved.

Specialist care is intended for complex needs, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If someone requires intensive medical supervision that only NHS services can provide, or if their needs would be better met in a residential setting, we will discuss alternative options honestly. Our aim is always to recommend what is truly best for the individual, even if that means referring to other NHS trusts or specialist services.

Following initial contact, assessments are typically conducted within 48-72 hours for urgent situations. For planned short-term support, services usually start within one week of completing the assessment and staff matching process. Emergency respite can often begin on the same day when immediate support is needed.

Multiple funding options are available, including Local Council funding through a financial assessment, NHS Continuing Healthcare, short-term funding support, and self-directed support arrangements. We help families explore these options and can assist in combining different types of funding to make services more accessible.

Absolutely. Care plans are reviewed regularly and can be adjusted immediately if circumstances change. Whether increasing support during convalescent periods or adapting to stroke recovery needs, flexibility is key to our service approach.

Our team includes professionals experienced in supporting individuals with various mental health conditions. We work closely with existing healthcare providers and can coordinate with support groups and community-based recreational activities to promote overall well-being.

Extended respite care can cover family holidays, medical appointments, or personal emergencies. We ensure consistency by using familiar staff members and following the same routines, so your loved one feels secure during your absence.

We understand that personal care needs can arise unexpectedly. After our initial assessment, we can usually arrange services within 48-72 hours, depending on the level of support required. For urgent situations, we prioritise quick response times while ensuring proper matching and preparation.

Absolutely. Personal care needs often change, especially for those with progressive conditions. Our responsive service means we regularly review and adjust support levels to ensure your loved one gets the proper assistance while maintaining their independence wherever possible.

Your satisfaction and your loved one’s comfort are our top priorities. If you have any concerns, we address them immediately through our quality assurance process. We can organise alternative care providers or adjust our approach until you are delighted with the service.

We work with various funding sources, including private funding, NHS continuing healthcare, Local Authority support, or a combination of these. Our team can help you understand which options are available and assist with the application process when needed.

Our commitment to excellence includes regular supervision visits, ongoing training for all care providers, and strict adherence to Care Quality Commission requirements. We keep detailed care records and conduct regular reviews to ensure we consistently meet our nationally recognised standards.

Our experienced team of experts can support a range of complex conditions, including stoma care, assistance for those with memory loss, and prevention of pressure injuries through proper positioning in bed techniques. We work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure safe, comprehensive support.

Following your initial consultation and support plan development, we usually arrange home help services within 7-14 days. In urgent cases needing immediate respite care or household support, we can often accommodate a quicker response, subject to care staff availability and your specific needs.

Absolutely. Our personalised plan means services can be adjusted as your support needs change. Whether you need extra domestic tasks, a different visit schedule, or different types of assistive devices, we customise our services to help you maintain your independent living goals.

We accept private funding, NHS funding, Local Authority support, or a combination of these, depending on your circumstances and eligibility. Our team can help you with funding applications and social care assessments to identify available financial support options.

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If any aspect of our home help services falls short of your expectations, we will review the situation immediately and make the necessary adjustments. This may include changing care professionals, updating the support plan, or adjusting our approach to better suit your preferences.

Home help services work best when individuals can participate in planning their care and support. If someone requires intensive personal care, dementia care, or live-in supervision, we recommend our more comprehensive domiciliary care or live-in carer services instead.

All our care professionals undergo thorough background checks, DBS checks, and comprehensive training before entering clients’ homes. As a registered provider with a regulatory body, we maintain strict standards for staff selection, ongoing supervision, and professional development to ensure reliable and trustworthy service.