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Choosing a Home Support Service

If you need more help at home, you can: 

  • Hire a carer yourself – this could be a Personal Assistant or someone from a small local group (called a Community Enterprise).
  • Use a care agency – they can send someone to help you. 

Care services can help with: 

  • Washing and dressing (personal care)
  • Cleaning
  • Cooking
  • Shopping 

A CME is a small, local business that gives care and support at home. 

  • They are reliable and care about doing a good job.
  • They are a good choice if you want care that is personal, flexible, and regular.
  • All CMEs can help with small jobs at home.
  • Some CMEs can also give personal care, like washing and dressing. 

CMEs listed on the Leeds Directory follow a Code of Good Practice, which means they agree to work to high standards. 

Find out more about the CME Code of Good Practice. 

A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone you hire yourself to help you live your life the way you want. 

Having a PA can be helpful because: 

  • They work for you.
  • You can choose how and when they help.
  • You have more control over your care. 

Find out more about employing a PA and Direct Payments

When you speak to a care provider, they will ask you some important questions about you. This helps them make a support plan that fits your needs. 

You can also ask them questions to make sure they are right for you. 

Questions from a care provider

  • What do you need help with? 
  • Do you need help with washing, dressing, or eating? 
  • Do you want someone to go with you to activities or appointments? 
  • Do you use any special equipment, like a hoist or wheelchair? 
  • Do you need help moving around your home? 
  • Is English your first language? If not, what language do you speak best? 
  • What days and times do you want support? 

Questions for a care provider

  • What training and experience do your care workers have?
  • What happens if my care worker is off sick or on holiday?
  • What if my care worker is late or doesn’t come?
  • What if I’m not happy with the care I get? 

If the provider is regulated by the Care Quality Commission(CQC) you might also want to ask: 

  • Have you had an inspection? What was the result? 

As well as checking the Leeds Directory, you can look for an agency by visiting:

United Kingdom Home Care Association (or call 020 8661 8188)

Care Choices Directory  (or call 01223 207 770)

Care Quality Commission  (CQC) (or call 030 00 616 161)

If you want to hire someone yourself to help you at home, you can ask your social worker for support. 

If you don’t have a social worker, you can call the adult social care team on 0113 222 4401. 

Last updated: 04/09/2025
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