What if the Care Provider you use proves ineffective, unreliable or even worse, fails to provide the level of care you were promised?
If you – or a loved - feel the level of care you are receiving is not to the standard you require then it can be daunting to speak out against this. Especially if you are unaware of policies and procedures that should be in place to ensure a high standard of care. However, an important thing to remember is you are not alone and there are actions you can take to guarantee you receive a high standard of care.
Look For The Best Fit, Then Don’t Be Afraid To Complain
When first searching for care, you need to vet your care provider carefully. Do their services and ethos match your expectations? Do they have good reports online and from people you know? Can they provide testimonials? Make sure they are a good fit in every way.
If you then find you have problems with your care, act quickly and decisively. Don’t ever hesitate about speaking to the provider about your concerns. Don’t wait in the hope that things will get better or worry about being a nuisance. If you need care, then you have every right to demand the highest possible standards.
How To Complain About Adult Care
If the organisation providing your care still doesn’t provide the right services or standards, you can change providers of course. But you can also make a complaint to ensure the problems don’t affect anyone else.
If the care you or your loved one receives is supported and funded by the NHS, then that organisation has a thorough complaints procedure. If the help and funding come from your local authority, contact them.
There are also health and local government Ombudsman services – these investigate complaints that couldn’t be resolved by direct contact.
Care Quality Commission
You also have the right to flag up your complaint to an organisation called the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC monitors all adult social care and regularly inspects providers. It produces reports that are available to read when you are choosing home care services. The CQC can demand changes if providers fall short of the standards set, and can even stop organisations from providing care services if they consistently fail.
It’s important to note that the CQC will note your concerns, but they can’t act on your behalf or investigate individual problems.
Your Right To Quality Care
Your right to complain about adult care doesn’t just apply to services provided to you, your relative or friend. If you know someone who is not receiving the help and support they need, to the standard required, don’t hesitate to speak up.