How Do You Find a Good Care Agency Near You? Here’s What to Look For

Finding a good local care agency has never been easier, thanks to the Internet, traditional media, social media, and the flyers we get through the post every morning. You have a wealth of resources at your fingertips to help you make the best choice.

If you’ve started looking for a care agency for yourself or someone close to you, you’ll already know it can get a bit overwhelming. There’s no shortage of names out there; we all have 4 and 5-star reviews, so many awards. But on the other hand, that’s part of the problem. Having been a carer myself and talked to service users and families, there’s so much choice, you don’t know where to start.

So, how do you go about finding a good care agency near you? One you feel comfortable with, one that shows up, and one you can trust?

Try going online

A good first step is to visit their website and have a read. If you can’t go online, ask a loved one to do this for you. Even if you can, still ask them, as a different pair of eyes can help you get a balanced view. Check their reviews, maybe scroll through their social media if they’ve got it. It’ll give you an idea of what they’re about. But don’t just stop at online research. That’s the start, not the end. Check their address and the locations where they work.

Speak to someone — a real person.

Nothing beats talking to a human being. Pick up the phone. If you can, pop in. Look them in the whites of the eyes and have a proper conversation. It tells you more than any brochure or star rating ever could, and most importantly, it gives you an idea of whether you will get along with them. This is important.

Don’t be afraid to prepare a list of questions before you call. Write down anything you’re unsure about or worried about. Then listen carefully to how they answer. Are they rushing you off the phone? Do they dodge specific questions? Or do they listen and give you straight, honest answers?

Ask: who are you actually talking to?

This might seem like a strange one, but it’s important. Are you talking to someone in an office 200 miles away who’s never met any of their carers? Or are you speaking to a local person who knows the team, pops in regularly, and would be the one sorting things out if anything ever went wrong?

It makes a big difference. You want someone who’s involved, not someone who’s just relaying messages.

Trust your gut — but balance it with what you find out

Once you’ve spoken to a few agencies, you’ll get a feel for the ones that ‘click’. Trust that. But combine it with what you’ve seen online, how they’ve handled your questions, and whether they’ve adequately listened to your concerns.

Don’t forget local word of mouth.

Ask friends, family, neighbours, or even your GP surgery if they’ve had experience with any local care providers. They might not have a glowing recommendation, but even hearing who not to use can be helpful. And even if you don’t end up going with the one they mention, you’ll still learn something from their experience.

The takeaway

Finding a good care agency isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding people you trust. People who are easy to get hold of, who take the time to understand your situation, and who will deliver on their promises.

And if you ever want to have that kind of conversation with us, please do not hesitate to give us a ring. We’re always happy to talk it through.