02 Dec 2017

Top ten tips when choosing a support provider

VODG have launched a practical guidance aiming to help people choose the right social care support.

Top ten tips when choosing a support provider is designed to be used by those looking to secure high-quality social care for themselves or for a relative or friend. It helps people consider the differences between receiving support from a care provider organisation or directly employing a personal assistant (PA). It also describes other methods of support including assistive technology, or combining a range of different support options.

The guidance suggests that if individuals assessed as requiring support under the Care Act 2014 are to make an informed choice about their care, they should ask providers some essential questions. These include:

  • how will the support package be developed, monitored and changed?
  • what is the cost of the support, and what does it include?
  • what is the complaints procedure?
  • how can care agreements be ended?

As well as demystifying issues such as the Care Act, personal budgets and the employment of PAs, the resource sets out the pros and cons of different types of care. The publication also includes a jargon buster that puts social care terminology into plain English.

Download the report here.