Home Care in Clitheroe

Clitheroe has 3 CQC registered home care agencies. 2 are rated Good, 1 Outstanding. 2 of the 3 were last inspected more than three years ago.

Source: Care Quality Commission register, kept up to date as ratings change.

Comparing home care agencies in Clitheroe

Define the package before you compare prices

Care at home is bought visit by visit, so the shape of the week matters as much as which provider you pick. Decide how many calls a day are needed and roughly when, how long each should last, and which ones involve bathing, lifting or prompting medication. Company, help with shopping and a sitting service so a relative can get out are separate tasks with separate costs. An agency that asks searching questions at this stage is usually the one that builds a workable rota.

Reading a strong set of ratings

Castle Supported Living Limited holds an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, while Ribble Valley Crossroads Care and Ashcroft Homecare Limited are both rated Good. An Outstanding judgement reflects something inspectors found exceptional, and the report will say exactly what, which is worth knowing before you assume it makes the agency the right fit. Check the date of each inspection, what was said about staff training and supervision, and how the agency responded when people raised concerns.

Press on continuity and timekeeping

Ask how many different carers would come over a fortnight and whether a settled team can be maintained. Find out what happens when a carer is off sick, how quickly the office rings to warn that a call will be late, and who answers the telephone at weekends. Ask that your relative meets the carers before the package starts, and agree how often the care plan will be reviewed once visits are running.

Arranging care and understanding the cost

Request a care needs assessment

Anyone who appears to need support is entitled to an assessment, and it is worth having even if you expect to pay privately, because it records eligible needs in writing and frequently brings in equipment or a community alarm as well as care. Approach Lancashire County Council adult social care to request one, or ask a general practitioner or hospital team to refer. A financial assessment is carried out separately and considers income and savings.

Rates, contributions and allowances

Agencies charge hourly, with premium rates at weekends and on bank holidays, and very short calls can be poor value for the time delivered. Ask all three providers for written rates covering travel, minimum visit lengths and cancellation notice. Where the council agrees to contribute, ask about a direct payment, which lets you commission the agency yourself instead of taking an allocated one. Attendance Allowance is also worth checking, as it does not depend on the council's financial assessment.

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