5 Questions to Ask a Healthcare Services Provider
Home Care Services from healthcare providers can be challenging to choose from, especially when you are looking for yourself or a loved one. Not only do you need to make sure that they are able to offer the level of care that you require, but also that they allow you to live in a way which suits your lifestyle. Before signing up to a provider such as Sova Healthcare, it’s important that you consider your options, and make sure that what they offer is right for you; consider asking these five questions before making your decision:
1. What is your previous experience?
You need to ascertain whether the provider has experience of caring for someone with similar circumstances to your own. Whether you require specialist services for a particular condition, such as Alzheimer’s care services, or more generalised care to assist with aspects of older age, you need to make sure that they understand what you will require and have been able to previously deliver such care successfully to other customers. Sova Healthcare is able to provide a wide range of different care services, which are tailored to your needs, so you’re sure to find a package to suit you.
2. What qualifications do your staff have?
A healthcare provider may have some excellent experience under their belt, but if their staff do not have the necessary qualifications and training, then they could be putting you at risk. Make sure that your healthcare provider ensures that all staff are fully qualified and screened prior to recruitment, and that they provide them with regular training, in order to maintain high standards of care. At Sova Healthcare, we take our staff’s training and quality very seriously, and ensure that all staff are compliant with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Disclosed Barring Service (DBS), as well as abiding by a confidentiality agreement. We also require staff to take annual training updates to make sure that they have full understanding of basic life support and first aid, as well as other relevant health and safety matters.
3. Who would be looking after me and how will my care be delivered?
Try to find out more about the individual or group of individuals who would be looking after you, and ascertain how your care would be delivered. If you would prefer one-to-one care with a regular member of staff, then make sure your provider is able to offer this. Also, if you will be receiving care in your own home rather than in a care facility, make sure that the availability of their carers meets your requirements. If you need 24 hour care services but their staff can only provide a 12 hour service, then you will need to approach an alternative provider.
4. Can you help me to maintain my lifestyle?
Maintaining your quality of life is one of the most important aspects of receiving healthcare. Without it, you are likely to become depressed, and your well being will suffer as a result, so choosing a provider who can help you to make the most of life and carry on with your favourite pastimes is vital. At Sova Healthcare, we know how incredibly important it is to deliver more than just health services, so we provide companionship care services to not only allow our customers to have a friends as well as a carer, but also to help them to go on day trips and visit family members and loved ones.
5. Is my contract flexible if my circumstances change?
As we all know, health can be unpredictable at times, so it’s essential that your provider allows a degree of flexibility with your healthcare plan. Whether you no longer need health care, or need to change your care package down the line, you should always have full control over the service you receive. Your provider should also be able to give you a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with your care up front, along with any payment options, so there aren’t any nasty surprises down the line.
We hope that these questions have helped to give you a better understanding of some of the more important aspects of choosing a healthcare service. Sova Healthcare is dedicated to delivering the very highest standards of service with the personal touch that very few other providers can match. If you’d like to find out more about our care services, please visit our FAQ page, give us a call on 0800 688 8866 or contact us for more information.