Overview of support for adults

It is important that you choose the right support provider. Any good provider will be more than happy to answer any questions you have before you make your decision. You should feel totally comfortable that you have chosen the right support service. You may even be able to set up a trial period before deciding whether a support service or care home is the right one for you.

Consider these questions before you speak to any service provider and think about their answers after any discussions or visits have taken place.

• Were the staff helpful in setting out exactly what services they provide?
• Did they explain their costs and charges properly? 
• If you are going to pay for your own care, were they willing to give you a blank copy of their contract for you to look at after your visit?
• Were they confident to allow you to meet and talk to existing clients?
• How does this meet my needs? 
• Can I have this support at a time that suits me? 
• Can I choose my own staff? 

If you are considering a care home:

• Did they offer to show you their latest inspection report?
• Did they ask many questions about you - your likes and dislikes - or were they more interested in setting out their routines for each day?
• Did you get the impression that you would have to fit into their routine instead of living your life the way you choose?
• Did they seem happy to answer all your questions? 

If you are looking around a care home, think about the following:

• Can residents have personal possessions in their rooms, such as pictures, plants and furniture?
• Are you allowed to take your pet? 
• Do you have a choice of what and when to eat every day?
• Are special diets catered for?
• Can you invite your relatives and friends to come and have a meal with you, as you would do at home?
• Can you prepare food or drink yourself if you get hungry or thirsty in the middle of the night?
• Will you be free to have people visit you at any time, as they would be able to if you were living at home?
• Will you be able to have a phone in your room to make Private calls?
• If there is a shared phone, is it in a place where you can talk without being overheard?
• Will you be able to come and go as you please, for example, to the shops, to the pub or a club in the evening?

Try and talk to the people using the support service you are interested in and see what they have to say about it.

Find out more about arranging Home Care or Choosing and Paying for a Care Home