Who will actually visit?
Ask whether the person you meet is the person who will come each time, or whether visits are covered by a rota. Continuity matters when someone is anxious, isolated, or easily unsettled by new faces.
Questions to Ask a Private Carer
A practical checklist for families in Surrey who are comparing private visiting care, local independent carers, and larger agencies.
What care is included and excluded?
A good arrangement should be clear about companionship, meals, prompts, errands, respite, personal boundaries, clinical tasks, overnight care, and what would need a different provider.
How are safety concerns recorded?
Ask how missed medication prompts, falls, food concerns, changes in mood, safeguarding worries, and family updates are written down and followed up.
What happens if needs change?
Care needs can change quickly. Ask how the carer will raise concerns, review the plan, involve family, and explain when a larger or more specialist provider is needed.
Safety and trust
- Are you DBS checked, insured, and able to show the documents?
- What training and care experience do you have?
- How do you handle safeguarding concerns or urgent health worries?
- How do you keep care notes and personal information private?
Day-to-day care
- Will it usually be the same person visiting?
- What can happen during a normal visit?
- Can you help with meals, medication prompts, errands, or appointments?
- How will family members know how the visit went?
Costs and availability
- What is the hourly rate and minimum visit length?
- Are there extra charges for mileage, shopping, or appointments?
- How much notice is needed to change or cancel a visit?
- What happens if you are ill, away, or already fully booked?
Ask Anna directly before deciding
Local Village Care is designed for one-to-one companionship and practical home support around Send, Ripley, the Horsleys, Ockham and nearby Surrey villages. Anna will be clear about what she can safely provide and when a different service is needed.