Frequently asked questions
How do you select your carers?
We believe the most important aspect of being a care worker is the right personality for the right client. So we put great consideration into placing each client with the most suited carer.
Our first step is to interview potential care workers face to face to get to know them. We then check their career history and references, verify any qualifications and training, assess their physical and mental fitness, and make sure they have the right to work in the UK.
After we carry out a vetting procedure known as a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a CRB check).
The final stage is a training course to ensure potential care workers have the right skills and competencies. Care workers must pass this initial training course and satisfy all of the above requirements before they are able to begin training on the job accompanied by an experienced mentor.
What training do your care workers receive?
Our care workers are given training both in-house and externally. Upon completing the selection process, care workers begin a twelve week in-house training program, which covers 12 compulsory modules that focus on both knowledge and practical training.
Additionally, our care workers are signed up to take part in accredited training programmes externally, which furthers their skills and understanding of their care role. This ensures the delivery of safe, high quality care and support.
At Signet Healthcare, we actively encourage and enrol our carers onto further education/training throughout their employment. We are committed to the continuous professional development of all our employees.
What does a care worker do?
Care workers give our customers the assistance they need to keep living life as independently as possible in their own home.
Care workers can provide help with domestic tasks, including:
- cooking
- cleaning
- laundry
- shopping
- paying bills
Care workers can also help with personal care, including:
- taking medication
- washing
- cleaning teeth or dentures
- getting up and going to bed
- getting dressed
- going to the toilet
- eating and drinking
Care workers can also accompany people on social outings, be a golf buddy, take people to medical appointments or just provide companionship, a friendly face and a sympathetic ear.
Put simply, our care workers do whatever it takes to help our customers to keep living the most colourful life possible, as independently as possible, in the home they love.
How often do care workers visit?
A care worker can visit for 30 minutes, several hours or anything in between. Visits range from once per week to several times per day.
Our Care Service
Will I always have the same care workers?
Our aim is to always provide you with the same care workers. However, if your regular care workers are not available for any reason – for example, sickness or holiday – you may be visited by a care worker you have not previously met.
Do care workers work on bank holidays?
Yes. Our service is available 365 days a year – our care workers will always be there for you, even on Christmas Day. Your well-being is our priority.
Paying For Care
Will social services pay for my care?
The first step to finding out if you are eligible for state funding is to ask your local social services department to carry out an assessment of your care needs.
If your local authority then agrees you need care, they will assess your finances to see how much care will be funded by the state, and whether you need to contribute. They will then arrange for your needs to be met with the services available in your area.
If you’re not eligible for funding, there may be other help available to you, such as other state benefits and allowances. Visit www.gov.uk for the latest information on accessing state benefits.
Are there any additional charges for bank holiday & weekend?
Our care calls on the weekend are charged at the same rate as week days. Bank holiday calls however, are charged at time and a half.