1) How much does it cost?

This depends for the most part on the level of care needed. The total cost will be between £550.00 and £700.00 a week. When you ring, we can give you an estimate.

2) How long does the care assistant stay?

This will be agreed between you and your care assistant. It varies from two weeks to eight or more. We want you to have a team of assistants who will be with you for as long as you like.

3) Are they trained?

Yes. They all come to our training centre for an intensive four day residential training course. And they have the opportunity for further training throughout their time with us. We will make sure we find the care assistants for you who can give you the help you want, whenever you want it.

4) Where do they come from?

Most of our care assistants have English as their first language. Those who do not are competent in English. We find that many come to us from South Africa, New Zealand and the British ‘expats’ in Spain.

5) How quickly can you start?

We try and fit in with what you want and need from us. Sometimes, we can start on the same day we are approached. Generally, it takes between ten days and two weeks.

6) Are your care assistants vetted?

Yes. They all are checked against the ISA list. They all have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. In addition, those care assistant who come from overseas will have a local police clearance certificate.

7) Do you ever visit me?

Yes. We very much like to, for two main reasons. The first is to get a full picture of your wishes and needs and to check the living conditions that your care assistant will enjoy. The second is to discuss with you regularly and face-to-face (if you agree) as to how you find your care assistants, to make sure our introductions are a success.

8) How do you make sure it works?

A successful live-in care partnership depends upon four elements – the choice of care assistant, the tasks you want your care assistant to do and living conditions, our commitment to reliability and our administration.

The choice of care assistant – we like to get to know our care assistants. Throughout the interview and training processes, we learn their strengths and weaknesses, which helps us to maintain a good team of carers. Once our care assistants start working, we are available to answer any questions or concerns they may have, so we can ensure their work for you is a success.

Your wishes, tasks and living conditions – our guide to your wishes is crucial to ensuring the success of the live-in care partnership. It helps us ensure that the workload sought of our care assistant is realistic.

Our commitment to reliability – our specialist expertise and experience means we will not let you down. Our dedicated team works hard to ensure that no client is ever left without a care assistant.

Our administration – as we are large and specialised, we can focus exclusively on making sure that our records, administration and support and emergency systems are up-to-date.

9) What happens if I do not like her?

In some circumstances the live-in care partnership may not work. This may be a result of your care assistant falling ill or the rare scenario of a personality clash between client and care assistant.

If this happens, we work flexibly to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. Our office is open over extended working hours and we have an answer phone service for out of hours’ problems.

10) What happens if I suddenly get worse?

If your condition gets worse, it is bound to mean more work for your care assistant. We will make sure that the care assistant we introduce is still “suitable” and that any changes in her workload do not put her or you at risk. You may want a second care assistant, for a short time or permanently.

11) Can I come and visit you?

Please do. We have a disability-friendly suite at our guesthouse and we welcome existing and potential clients – there is room for your care assistant too.