Choosing live-in care is an important step and one that can make a real difference for someone you love. With the right support, they can remain safe, comfortable, and cared for in the familiarity of their own home.

At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern we understand just how personal this decision is. Whether you are arranging care for yourself or a family member, we are here to support you with honesty, compassion, and expertise. A great starting point is knowing the right questions to ask your potential care provider and we are here to help guide you through them.

1. What training and support does the carer receive?

When it comes to delivering high-quality live-in care, comprehensive training, a caring nature, and ongoing supervision are key.

While previous live-in care experience can be helpful, it’s not essential. What truly matters is that your care expert:

• Is fully trained in providing care, including personal care, mobility support, and condition-specific needs.
• Has a genuine passion for caring, empathy, and the ability to build trust.
• Is supported and supervised regularly by the care provider to ensure the highest standards are consistently met.

Here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Are your care professionals fully trained? Can I see their certificates?
• What kind of induction or onboarding process do they go through?
• Do they have training in specific conditions e.g. Dementia, Parkinson’s?
• What kind of supervision and support do you provide to carers once they are placed?
• Are they insured? What does that cover?
• Can you share reviews or testimonials from other clients on the quality of your company’s care?
• How do you match carers with clients and what happens if it’s not the right fit?

At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern, we believe great care begins with great people and we ensure every carer is not only trained, but also supported with ongoing guidance, feedback, and supervision.

2. What is included in Live-in care?

Live-in care can vary depending on the provider, so it is important to be clear about what is included from the start.

Consider asking:

• Will the carer help with everyday tasks like housework, meal preparation or shopping?
• Can they accompany my loved one on walks, outings or appointments?
• What are their working hours and how are breaks managed?
• Who covers when the carer takes time off?
• Can they help with household organisation?
• Do they assist with medication reminders, routines, and wellbeing support?

It is also important to know that live-in carers are legally entitled to rest and downtime. If a provider doesn’t make this clear or doesn't have systems in place to ensure breaks are respected, that could lead to carer burnout and ultimately impact the quality of care your loved one receives.

3. How do you communicate with families?

Good communication builds trust and gives everyone peace of mind. Whether you live nearby or further away, you will want to be kept informed and involved in your loved one’s care if they are happy to share this information.

Some important questions to ask:

• How will I be updated about my loved one’s wellbeing?
• Who is my main point of contact?
• How are incidents or concerns handled?
• Can I access my loved one’s care notes?

At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern, we make sure you are never left in the dark. Our electronic care notes system means that with family access you can access your loved one’s notes as often as you like.

4. How are emergencies handled?

Life can be unpredictable, and it is important to know your provider is prepared for the unexpected.

Here are some good questions to ask:

• Are carers trained in basic first aid?
• Do you conduct safety assessments of the home?
• What happens if the live-in carer becomes unwell or unavailable?
• How are incidents documented and reported to families?

At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern we don’t just react, we plan ahead. Our care experts are trained to deal with emergencies, and our care managers are always on hand to step in when needed.

Live-in care that feels like family

Arranging care at home can feel overwhelming but you are not alone. By asking the right questions, you are taking the first step towards finding a provider who genuinely cares.

At Bluebird Care Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern, we see care as a partnership. We don’t just match you with a care expert, we build an individual package of care around you and your family. Whether you are exploring options for yourself or someone close to you, our team in Dudley, Kidderminster & Malvern is here to help.

Contact us today to find the care that is right for you because it’s good to be home.