What to Look for When Hiring a Home Care Agency in the UK?
Hiring a home care agency for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming — but knowing what to look for makes all the difference. Whether you’re arranging personal care, companionship, or complex support, choosing the right UK home care provider ensures your safety, dignity, and peace of mind.
At The Wardwave Group, we’ve helped hundreds of families connect with trusted, high-quality care services. Here’s our expert guide on what to look for when selecting a home care agency.
1. Is the Agency CQC Registered?
If the care involves personal tasks like bathing, medication or dressing, the agency must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This is a legal requirement for personal care providers in England.
🔍 Visit the CQC website to check the provider’s rating and inspection report. Agencies rated “Good” or “Outstanding” offer safer, higher-quality care.
Tip: If you’re in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check with the Care Inspectorate or local regulator.
2. Are Staff DBS Checked?
All carers entering your home should have passed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, ensuring they have no criminal background that would put vulnerable people at risk.
Ask the agency:
How recent is the DBS check?
Do they carry out regular re-checks?
Are staff trained and supervised regularly?
3. Do They Offer a Home Visit Before Starting?
A quality agency will carry out a free home care assessment before beginning services. This ensures:
Your exact needs are understood
You meet the carer (or at least the care coordinator)
A personalised care plan is created
Warning sign: If they’re ready to send someone without an assessment — be cautious.
4. Are They Transparent and Communicative?
Strong communication is key in care. Look for agencies that:
Respond quickly to queries
Explain services, fees and schedules clearly
Keep families updated
Are reachable by phone, email, or even WhatsApp
5. Can They Offer Consistency?
The best agencies aim to minimise carer rotation, which is crucial for:
Building trust
Supporting people with dementia or anxiety
Ensuring reliable routine care
Ask how they match carers and if they consider personality, culture or language preferences.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a Home Care Agency Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
When choosing a provider, prioritise those who are CQC registered, employ DBS-checked staff, offer home visits, and communicate openly.
At The Wardwave Group, we only work with vetted providers who meet these standards and more. We help you compare trusted agencies, book assessments, and even guide you through paperwork.
✅ Need Help Finding the Right Home Care?
We’ve got you. Whether you're arranging support for a parent, partner, or yourself, our team is here to guide you — step by step.