b'There are standards and regulations in place to makeNon-regulated servicessure that care workers employed by companies providingSome providers do not need to register with and be personal care are capable, trustworthy and reliable.inspected by a regulatory body such as the Care Personal assistants who are privately employed are notQuality Commission, as they do not offer personal care, regulated by the CQC. You can get support and advicesuch as washing and dressing. These non-regulated on employing a personal assistant (using your directproviders offer help with shopping, cleaning and payment) from Independent Lives (see page 18 forhousehold tasks, and could also accompany you when contact details), who provide this service on our behalf. you are out and about.If you are buying care privately, contact the providerNon-regulated providers do not have to employ their direct to ask about their charges. staff and often act as introductory agents, providing What should I do next? workers to carry out tasks around your home. This means that you, as the customer, may become When you have found a suitable provider of care andthe employer, and you need to understand the support at home, arrange an appointment for themresponsibilities that this involves (for example, when to visit your home. Use the checklist at the front of thispaying wages and dealing with tax and National guide to make sure you are satisfied with everything theyInsurance contributions).are offering. It may be helpful to have someone with you at the appointment, such as a relative or friend. You should ask the provider:When you choose your care provider they will give you#for evidence of the skills and experience their their customer (or service user) pack, which will includestaffhave;details of what you and they have agreed, how you can#whether they employ their staff or if they act as an make changes to the services you receive, and what tointroductory agent;do if you are not satisfied with their services. They must#if they will carry out an assessment of your needs so give you this information by law. The care provider willthat they understand the support you need (they do also need to check, at least twice a year, that you arenot have to carry out an assessment but it can set satisfied with the services you are receiving, and theyclear expectations for you and the provider); andwill review these with you. #whether Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are carried out for their staff (as their service is not Regulated services regulated, their staff do not have to have DBS checks, If a care provider is registered with the CQC, youbut as they would be supporting you in your own canexpect: home, a DBS check would offer a level of reassurance).#the provider to have suitably qualified and skilledSupported livingstaff to meet your needs;#your support to be provided at an agreed time andSupported-living providers can help people with the tasks you have arranged to be carried out to alifelong disabilities, autism or mental-health needs to high standard; live as independently as possible and to be a part of #the same person to carry out the tasks each time,their community. A wide range of support is provided, unless they are unwell, in which case the provider shouldand services are designed around your needs.arrange for someone else to carry them out; and Many young adults and working-age people with care #the provider to have a complaints procedure in place. needs choose supported living as the best care option Supporting you to live well17'