Your safety checklist before choosing support
Choosing care is an important decision. This guide explains practical steps clients and families can take before contacting, choosing or paying a provider or individual care professional.
Check Registration Where Relevant
If a provider offers regulated activities such as personal care in England, check the relevant regulator's register. For children's social care and childcare services, other regulatory routes may apply.
Ask About Safeguarding
Ask how concerns are reported, who the safeguarding lead is, how staff are trained, and how the provider responds to allegations, incidents or complaints.
Confirm Insurance and Terms
Ask for information about public liability, professional indemnity, cancellation terms, payment arrangements and what happens if a visit is missed.
Understand Assessments and Care Planning
Good providers should understand the person's needs before confirming support. Ask how the provider assesses needs, creates care plans and reviews changes.
Keep Records
Keep copies of emails, agreements, invoices, care plans and important messages. Clear records help if questions or disputes arise later.
Know the Emergency Routes
Find Carers is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For safeguarding concerns, contact your local authority safeguarding team.
Find Carers helps people explore care and support options. We do not replace professional assessment, regulated care advice or emergency services. Where a person may be at risk of harm, urgent concerns should be reported to the appropriate emergency or safeguarding service.
Use this guide before making a care decision
Our team is here to help you navigate your options safely.