When someone you love needs extra support at home, choosing the right domiciliary care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
You want to know that your parent, spouse, or relative is safe, comfortable, and treated with kindness and respect. At the same time, you need peace of mind that the care team you choose is reliable, professional, and truly understands your family’s needs.
At Reedsfield Care, we support families across Surrey and Hampshire through this process every day. We know how overwhelming it can feel, and that’s why we’ve put together this guide. Below, you’ll find the key questions to ask when choosing a domiciliary care provider, along with insight into what exceptional care looks like.
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care (also known as “care at home”) is when professional care workers visit your loved one in their own home to provide support with daily living. This could include help with personal care, medication, mobility, or simply companionship.
Unlike moving into a residential home, domiciliary care allows people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, with care tailored to their individual needs. The right provider will make sure your loved one is supported with dignity, respect, and genuine kindness.
Key questions to ask when choosing a domiciliary care provider
1. Are the care workers highly trained, qualified, and experienced?
A provider’s care workers are at the heart of the service. Ask about:
- Training and professional qualifications
- Specialist experience (such as dementia or mobility support)
- Ongoing professional development
At Reedsfield Care, our staff receive comprehensive training and regular refreshers, so that families can feel confident that their loved one is in capable hands.
2. How do they ensure dignity and respect?
Care isn’t only about physical support; it’s also about emotional well-being. Ask providers how they make sure that care workers treat every person with patience, kindness, and respect.
This is central to the Reedsfield approach: we believe care should feel like companionship, not just a service.
3. What services are included?
Every family’s situation is different. Some people need help with everyday tasks (like bathing or meals), while others need specialist care for complex conditions (like dementia or Parkinson’s disease). Ask providers to explain exactly what they offer, including:
- Personal care
- Medication support
- Household help
- Companionship
- Specialist care needs
Reedsfield Care offers flexible packages, from occasional visits to live-in care, so families can adjust support as needs change.
4. Is the care plan tailored to individual needs?
No two people are the same, so neither are their care needs. A good provider should take the time to understand your loved one’s routines, preferences, and personality. Ask:
- How do you create personalised care plans?
- How often are they reviewed and updated?
- Can family members also be involved in the planning?
We work closely with families in Surrey and Hampshire to build care plans that feel natural, not intrusive.
5. How is communication handled with families?
Trust comes from good communication. Find out how providers keep families updated and involved in their loved one’s care.
At Reedsfield Care, we believe families should always feel included. Whether it’s a quick update after a visit or a full care review, communication is central to how we work.
6. Is the provider regulated and inspected?
In the UK, domiciliary care providers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Always ask:
- Are you CQC-registered?
- When was your last inspection, and what was the rating?
This helps ensure the provider meets strict safety and quality standards.
7. What do other families say about them?
Reviews, testimonials, and word of mouth can give you valuable insight. Look for comments about kindness, reliability, and professionalism.
Reedsfield Care is proud of the trust families place in us, and many come to us through recommendations.
Why professional care can bring peace of mind
Families often feel guilty when they can’t provide all the support a loved one needs. But professional care isn’t about replacing family, it’s about working alongside you.
The right domiciliary care provider will:
- Support independence at home
- Offer companionship and emotional reassurance
- Relieve pressure on family carers
- Provide consistency and reliability
- Give you confidence that your loved one is safe and cared for
Choosing a domiciliary care provider is a deeply personal decision, and it’s natural to feel cautious. Asking the right questions can help you identify a provider who truly cares about your loved one’s well-being.
For families in Surrey and Hampshire, Reedsfield Care offers not just professional support, but genuine peace of mind. With us, your loved one can remain in the comfort of their own home, while you can rest assured they are in safe and compassionate hands.
If you’d like to learn more or talk through your family’s needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to listen and guide you through every step.