Domiciliary and community care providers offer a variety of services. It is important to find one that will meet any requirements.

• Examine the range of services that community care agencies provide

  Read More Don’t assume that all domiciliary care agencies work the same way. Some may not be equipped to provide for complex care needs like Tracheostomy care for instance. Others may only offer specialised services which are geared towards a specific group of people. Also, individual needs change; especially if the person is elderly or has a debilitating illness. In such situations, it makes more sense to work with a community care agency that provides a broad range of services and will be able to meet changing requirements such as hospital discharge and post-operative or live-in care.

• Review inspection reports

  Read More Determine how long the domiciliary care agency has been in business and examine their track record carefully. Especially examine the inspection reports. You want to ensure that they are in compliance with government regulations and that your loved one will get proper care. These reports can be downloaded from The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority website, simply search for the Service Provider by name.

• Ensure the home health care provider is registered with RQIA

  Read More The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) monitor and control care providers such as NW Care. An agency that is registered with them demonstrates that their staff has the right training and that the agency meets the required standards.

• Meet with a few domiciliary care agencies

  Read More This will help you determine which one is the right fit for you. Ask about the training that their staff receives, the screening process for their caregivers and for references that attest to the quality of service. A reputable provider will have no problem giving you this information.