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Independent businesses

Introduction

Buying home care services

If you need special help with personal, domestic or other care needs in your own home then you can ask Social Services to assess your needs to see what services we can arrange for you. You may have to pay a contribution towards the cost of any services agreed, but it is likely to be cheaper and easier to access care services through us than to buy the services directly yourself.

However, you may wish to purchase services other than those you may be eligible for from Social Services. If so, you may wish to enter into a contract with the organisation or person you have asked to provide the care services.

By setting out and agreeing the terms and conditions, rights, expectations and responsibilities in advance, both user and provider will benefit from knowing what to expect from each other.

The written contract between you and the provider should preferably include at least the following points:

• Legal context – names and addresses of user and provider;
• Services to be provided – to ensure your needs are met;
• Lifestyle preferences – likes, dislikes, physical and other preferences;
• Trial period – during which contract can be cancelled quickly if unsuitable;
• Fees – rate per hour/day, charges for extras, increases;
• Frequency, duration, time and punctuality of service provision;
• Staff – provision of suitably trained, skilled, experienced staff;
• Insurance – Employers and Public Liability, Malpractice, Household;
• Your responsibilities – your house and equipment in good, safe order;
• Privacy and confidentiality – and consideration of religion and culture;
• Complaints – how to get things put right;
• Ending the contract – notice required, other events ending contract;
• Signatures – of both parties.

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