Back in November, Sky News released a report of a family who had to make the decision to find support for an elderly family member.
Sarah Whitaker, the daughter of David Seal, a retired businessman was forced into looking for care for her father after he suffered a stroke and it became difficult for her and her family to manage all of his care.
They contacted an Introductory Care Agency in the belief that they were a registered care company and that their staff were fully vetted. They found a carer that looked ideal on paper, but that is where the ideal carer situation finished. The carer in question was using a friend’s identity and had no experience in care nor had the relevant background checks required to work in care.
Introductory Care Agencies may appear to be fully registered services like 1st Focus Homecare but the reality is they are not registered with either the CQC or the Care Inspectorate and there is no governmental oversight for these organisations. On paper, Introductory Care Agencies may look like an attractive alternative due to the costs involved being substantially lower than a registered care company, but the real cost may be higher if things go wrong.
At 1st Focus Homecare, we try to bring useful advice. By sharing this story, we do not wish to cause any more stress to Mrs Whitaker and her father but wish to highlight their bravery by coming forward and exposing this story so others like you do not have to go through the same thing.
The full Sky News story is worth reading, and if we can help even one family or person learn from Mr Seal’s experience, then this article would have done its job.
Our mission at 1st Focus Homecare is to allow our clients to lead their lives with dignity and as actively as possible.
Keeping physically and mentally active is challenging for everyone as we age, but we work closely with families to build the right care and support package for them.
Some elderly people may need just a few hours of support per week, whereas families that have an elderly family member with dementia, or Alzheimer’s, or those that have just returned from a hospital stay will need more support.
It is incredibly important to have peace of mind and know the care company and carer you will be working with.
Choosing a care company and not falling for potential unregulated companies is not as difficult as it sounds. Here in Scotland, the care industry is regulated by the Care Inspectorate, which is an organisation that grades all of the care companies in Scotland, including here locally in Edinburgh.
To learn more about our own care approach, we have outlined some key areas below.
Comprehensive Vetting and Training
1st Focus Homecare has been delivering care for 7 years in Edinburgh and part of our process is the detailed vetting and criminal records checking of potential staff. New team members are not only vetted but go through a rigorous training programme.
New carers are also shadowed by a member of our existing team. This allows us to make sure that they have understood and acted on the training they have been given.
As a care provider registered with the Care Inspectorate, we are obliged to provide staff with continuous training programs to ensure high standards of care.
Personalised Care Plans
At 1st Focus Homecare, we understand that every individual and every family has unique needs when it comes to care at home. There is no one-size-fits-all, this is why all of our care packages are bespoke and built around your specific needs.
This is where family members are encouraged to have a big input into the plan. A family will know the likes and dislikes of an elderly person, they will know whether they value privacy or are a more chatty type.
This all helps in building the care plan and how we interact with the individual in their home.
nlike Mrs Whitaker and Mr Seal in that shocking story from Sky News, you need to be sure you have somebody coming into your home that you can trust and who is compassionate, well trained and experienced. You also want the oversight from an experienced management team who is on hand to deal with any requests or issues, this is something you will not get with an Introductory Care Agency.
Qualifications and Experience
When we hire care staff, we look for a range of qualifications, certifications, and experience.
Testimonials from our Caregivers
The care industry is known to be a relatively low-paying sector. 1st Focus Homecare is working towards the goal of making this vocation more rewarding, both financially and professionally.
We look after our team, as proven by some of the testimonials from staff.
“I might run out of space so I will make it brief. I love the fact that 1st focus gives their staff a very healthy environment to work in. They listen to you when you have concerns or worries.”
“The management team is very approachable and I don’t feel judged when asking any questions”
“Good company to work for. Communication excellent, and very prompt feedback always helpful”
“The company is well structured. The training and retraining is top notch”
“The best care company I’ve ever worked for”.
Success Stories From Our Clients
For us, it is important to build a strong level of trust with the people we care for and their families. One of the easiest ways for us to do this is to meet with them in their home with our care team manager.
However, nothing can beat using the actual hands-on care we provide.
Choosing a care company is a very important decision as proven by the story we shared in this article. We find that many of our clients decided to test us out, and this is a great way to see if any care company is a fit for your needs.
What usually happens is that a customer may use us for a couple of hours each day. This lets them get to know the carer and more importantly the quality of care.
We know that our team will take excellent care of people and find that this builds trust and then leads to us being required to take on more responsibility for that person’s care.
Below you can see screenshots from a number of our satisfied clients.
Those reviews have been made on a public website. To see more than thirty references from satisfied clients, please visit the independent care search portal homecare.co.uk
All care companies in Scotland must adhere to a set of guidelines for general business practice, safety of service users, and compliance with both UK and local Scottish legislation.
Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
Although certifications are optional for care companies, our best advice when searching for a company to help you is to make sure to research the Care Inspectorate website.
What is the Care Inspectorate?
The Care Inspectorate is a regulatory body in Scotland dedicated to assessing and improving the quality of care services. It ensures that care services meet high standards, supporting positive changes where necessary. With a vision to provide safe, high-quality care that respects individual needs, rights, and choices, the organisation employs around 600 staff across various sectors, including health and social care, early learning, and community justice.
- Comprehensive Inspection: Registers and inspects over 11,000 care services in Scotland, ensuring high-quality care delivery.
- Risk-Based Approach: Conducts more frequent inspections for higher-risk services, focusing on critical areas like care support, staffing, and management.
- Collaborative Oversight: Partners with other bodies to evaluate how services are delivered across communities, supporting effective collaborations.
- Support for Improvement: Offers guidance and shares best practices to help care services reach optimal standards.
- Enforcement Actions: Can recommend improvements and enforce changes, including service closure if necessary.
- Public Accountability: Publishes detailed inspection reports for transparency and informed decision-making.
- Adherence to Standards: Aligns with Scotland’s Health and Social Care Standards to ensure services meet expected levels of care.
- Regulatory Compliance: Follows the Scottish Regulators’ Strategic Code, prioritizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals over commercial interests.
The Care Inspectorate plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of care services in Scotland, ensuring that care recipients experience safe and respectful treatment in line with established standards. Read the latest Care Inspectorate report on 1st Focus Homecare.
The Managing Director of 1st Focus Homecare has served in the healthcare sector in Scotland for 12 years, and as a serving Paramedic has seen many issues where care for the elderly can be improved.
The government are now looking at ways in which to reduce the number of hospitalisations of elderly people which could be reduced by providing care at home
1st Focus Homecare already provides a hospital-to-home service where they can take an elderly person from the hospital and make sure they are settled back into their home environment after a stay.
Conclusion
We started this story by talking about the experience of David Seal and how he was treated unprofessionally by the care company he engaged. If you take one thing from reading this important article, then make sure to do thorough research, not only on the care company you engage with but also on the carer who you will be working with.
Choosing the wrong care company could literally cost you or your loved one’s life.
Ask Us Your Questions
1st Focus Homecare is always available to answer questions about how a home care package works and what can be included. Feel free to give us a call at 0131-510-7878.
FAQ’s
Can I trust the ratings and reports on the Care Inspectorate website?
Yes, the Care Inspectorate is a government organisation. They have no commercial interest in giving low or high ratings to care companies as they are totally impartial. This is why you should always search for care companies on their website before making a final decision on your provider.
How do I report a bad care company or service?
There are a number of avenues open to you and your family. You can start this process by visiting the Care Information Scotland website.
Can I receive Hospital at Home services?
The process for referral to the Hospital at Home care involves 5 key steps:
- GP/Health Care Professional (HCP) Referral – A GP/HCP will assess your condition and decide if you are a suitable candidate for a Hospital at Home package.
- Current Health Check – You will first undergo a full assessment of your personal needs. This will evaluate if Hospital at Home care is a feasible option for you.
- Care Plan Development – A care plan is built, outlining any specific treatments, monitoring protocols, and health care you will receive at home. The plan is developed with a multidisciplinary team of medical doctors and nurses who know your medical history.
- Starting Your Plan – Once your plan is finalised, the HAH service will be live. This includes arranging medical equipment, an agreed home visit plan and set up of remote health monitoring systems.
- Ongoing Care – Healthcare professionals will provide various treatments, emotional and physical support, and adjustments to the care plan made if needed.
What is the cost of home help care in Edinburgh?
This will vary depending on the experience and longevity of the care company. For good quality care, you should expect to be paying between £28 – £40 per hour depending on which level of service you take For 24-hour live-in care with a registered care company you should expect to pay between £1500 to £2250 per week for a full care service.
