Clients Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Our Clients
Are you looking for a Carer and have a question? We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions that we hope will assist you.
Q. For how long can I have a carer?
Answer:
You can have a carer for as long as you need one - from as little as 24 hours, to months on end.
Q. What can I ask the Carer to do for me?
Answer:
She will normally do the usual household tasks including cooking and shopping. She will help with any personal care as necessary and help you with your medication if you require her to. She will drive you in your own car- this must be insured for her. She will help to look after your pets and do a little light gardening if she has time. She will keep you company if you wish her to. Some clients require secretarial help, or help with computers. She may help you to entertain or visit friends and family. She will accompany you on outings or holidays if required. If your needs are more complex, she will work with your doctor or district nurse to help with your treatment.
Q. What may I not ask the carer to do for me?
Answer:
Carers may not do heavy cleaning nor anything which involves climbing ladders or on furniture. She may not be asked to undertake heavy tasks in the garden. No carer may be asked to do anything which could endanger her health or safety.
Q. What must I provide for the Carer?
Answer:
She should have her own bedroom with clean bed-linen and a television. She must be given meals which she may or may not eat with you, as you wish.
Q. What time-off must the carer be allowed?
Answer:
The carer must be allowed to take two hours off per day and one eight hour period off per week. You should arrange cover for these periods. If circumstances prevent your carer from taking this time off, a fee will be charged in lieu.
Q. Who should I approach to discuss Care?
Answer:
Barbara Bannister is the Operations Manager with special responsibility for liaising with clients. She is the person you should contact in the first instance. A Duty Manager is always available 24 hours per day and at weekends.
Q. Where do your carers come from?
Answer:
Our carers are from the UK or from the southern hemisphere English-speaking countries. As they tend to be recommended to us by word-of-mouth, most of our present carers are of British ancestry and speak good English.
Q. Will I have the same carer all the time?
Answer:
This will depend on individual requirements and your particular circumstances. Some clients prefer variety and like a regular rotation of carers. Others may prefer to have one carer for a longer period. We also have to take into account the carer’s preference and the nature of the work she will be required to do. In some instances we will insist on a frequent rotation in order to prevent the carer from becoming exhausted.
Q. Will I be able to meet the carer allocated to me before she starts to care for me?
Answer:
This is not usually possible as the carer may be on continuous assignments or because the distance for her to travel is too far. However, if the carer is nearby we may be able to arrange for her to visit you in advance.
Q. What happens if I need help in the night?
Answer:
Your carer will always get up and help you. However, she is entitled to eight hours sleep per night. If she is called out between 11 pm and 6.30 in the morning, we will charge a fee. If night calls become frequent, prolonged and take place on many nights of the week we may have to insist on extra help for the carer.
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please send an email to carers@oxleycare.co.uk and we will be happy to assist. |
