- How much will I have to pay in total?
- Are there any extra costs, like call-out fees or VAT?
- What will I get for my money?
- Do I need to sign a contract? How long is it for?
- Can I leave the contract if I want to change provider? Will I have to pay to leave?
- What happens if you stop the service before the contract ends?
- What if the care worker doesn’t come or is late?
- What if something breaks?
- What do I do if I’m not happy with the service?
Guide to buying services
Planning for a home visit
When you invite someone into your home, whether it’s to give a quote, do an assessment, or provide a service — it’s important to stay safe.
Before Someone Visits Your Home
- The visit should be planned.
- The person should say who they are before coming in.
- If they bring someone with them, they should tell you who that person is too
Take Your Time
It’s okay to take your time when choosing a care provider.
A good provider will be happy to answer your questions and let you think about your choice.
If someone tries to rush you or makes you feel pressured, it’s a good idea to think twice before using them.
Have someone with you
Try to have a friend or family member with you when someone visits your home. They can help you ask questions and give advice.
If no one can be with you, tell someone you trust about the visit.
Talk to them afterwards about how it went.
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Remember: You don’t have to decide anything straight away.