Guide
Questions to ask a carer before you choose
A short call tells you a lot. These questions help you find out about experience, approach and the practical details, so you can choose with confidence.
Before the call
- Have your list of the help needed in front of you
- Include your relative if they can join: it is their home and their care
- Use video if you can, so you both see the carer
- Ask each carer the same core questions, so you can compare
- Write down your impressions straight after each call
About their experience
- How long have you worked as a carer, and where?
- Have you supported someone with a similar condition? What did you learn?
- What personal care are you comfortable giving?
- Have you been trained to use equipment such as a hoist or a stand aid?
- What training or qualifications do you hold?
About how they work
- How would you help someone who doesn't want help today?
- How do you protect someone's dignity during personal care?
- How do you keep the family updated?
- What would you do if my relative had a fall?
- What do you enjoy doing with the people you support?
Practical questions
- Which days and times can you do?
- Do you drive, and does your car insurance cover business use?
- Are you comfortable with pets?
- Do you smoke?
- Can you cook the kind of meals my relative likes?
- Do you have any allergies we should know about?
For live-in care
- How do you like to spend your daily break?
- How long do you usually stay on a placement?
- Who covers your breaks and time off?
- What do you need in your room?
Questions to ask the agency
- What checks are done before a carer is introduced?
- Who employs the carer?
- How do payments work, and when?
- What happens if the carer is ill or can't come?
- How do I raise a concern?
With LCH Care, we check each carer's identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications before any introduction. The carer is self-employed, you pay LCH Care weekly, and LCH Care pays the carer. See how it works.
Good signs, and warning signs
- Good signs: they listen, ask about your relative as a person, and talk to your relative directly
- Good signs: they are clear about what they can and can't do
- Warning signs: they talk over your relative, or are vague about their experience
- Warning signs: they push you to decide quickly
More guides
Questions
How long should a call with a carer take?
Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough to cover experience, approach and the practical details.
Should my relative join the call?
If they can, yes. It is their home and their care, and how they get on with the carer matters most.
Can I speak to more than one carer?
Yes. With LCH Care, you get profiles of suitable, available carers and can speak to them before you choose.