Question 1

How do I start arranging care?

Accepted Answer

Call us, or send an enquiry through the website. We will listen to the situation, explain the realistic options and then arrange a free home assessment at a time that suits you. Nothing is agreed until you have a written plan and quote in front of you.

Question 2

Does the person needing care have to be involved?

Accepted Answer

Wherever possible, yes, because it is their life and their preferences that matter most. If they are reluctant, tell us. We are used to gentle first conversations and we will go at their pace.

Question 3

How quickly can care start?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the level of care and carer availability in your area. Tell us your timescale when you call, especially if a hospital discharge is involved, and we will be honest about what we can arrange.

Question 4

Do you only cover Cambridge?

Accepted Answer

We cover Cambridge city, Sawston and the villages of South Cambridgeshire. If you are just outside that area, ask anyway, because the answer is often still yes.

Question 5

How do you choose which carer comes to me?

Accepted Answer

We match on personality, language, interests and experience as well as skills and availability, and we introduce carers before their first working visit wherever possible. If a match does not feel right, we will change it.

Question 6

What checks do your carers go through?

Accepted Answer

Every carer is interviewed in person, referenced and enhanced DBS checked before they visit anyone, then completes induction training and shadow shifts before working unsupervised.

Question 7

Will carers wear a uniform and carry identification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our carers wear the Cambridge Care Services uniform so you always know who is at the door.

Question 8

What happens if my carer is ill or on holiday?

Accepted Answer

Cover comes from within your small regular team wherever possible, so it is still a familiar face, and we tell you in advance whenever we can.

Question 9

What is in a care plan?

Accepted Answer

Exactly what each visit covers, your routines and preferences, important contacts, and anything a carer should never assume. It is written with you, kept in your home and updated whenever things change.

Question 10

How often is the plan reviewed?

Accepted Answer

On a regular agreed schedule, and immediately whenever needs change. Reviews happen with you, not about you.

Question 11

Can family members see the care records?

Accepted Answer

With the appropriate consent in place, yes. We believe families should know what actually happened at visits, including on the difficult days.

Question 12

Can I combine different types of care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people combine daytime visits with overnight support or companionship, and packages can change shape as needs change.

Question 13

How much does home care cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the visits, hours and level of support involved, so we provide a written, itemised quote after your free assessment rather than a misleading headline rate. The assessment costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

Question 14

Is there help with paying for care?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Local authority funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare, direct payments and benefits such as Attendance Allowance all exist, and eligibility is assessed individually. Our funding page explains each route in plain English.

Question 15

Are there hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

No. Your quote is written and itemised, and it does not change without a conversation and your agreement first.

Question 16

Do I have to sign a long contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Care can start small, change shape or stop as your circumstances change. We will explain notice arrangements clearly before anything begins.

Question 17

Can I change my visit times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tell your coordinator and we will adjust the schedule. We plan rounds locally, so we can usually be flexible.

Question 18

What if I need to cancel a visit?

Accepted Answer

Let the office know as soon as you can. We will explain the notice arrangements for cancellations clearly when care is set up, before you commit to anything.

Question 19

Can care increase or decrease over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in either direction. Care that adapts is the point of a home care package, and reviews exist so the plan tracks reality.

Question 20

What happens if I go into hospital?

Accepted Answer

Tell us, and we will pause or adjust the package. When discharge approaches we can help plan the return home, including short term extra support while confidence returns.

Question 21

Who regulates Cambridge Care Services?

Accepted Answer

The Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Our registration began on 17 March 2022 and our record is public on the CQC website.

Question 22

How do you keep people safe at home?

Accepted Answer

Through trained and checked carers, clear care plans with risk assessments, accurate visit records, unannounced spot checks and prompt escalation to families and professionals when something changes.

Question 23

What should I do if I have a concern?

Accepted Answer

Contact the office straight away and we will act on it. You can also contact Cambridgeshire County Council's adult safeguarding team or the CQC directly at any time, and doing so will never affect the care someone receives.

Question 24

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we hold the insurance required to deliver regulated home care. Details are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started

Our carers

Care plans and reviews

Costs and funding

Changes and cancellations

Safety and safeguarding

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