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Waiting for a Health Crisis to Make a Decision
One of the most important decisions you’ll make with your loved ones as they get older is where and how they receive care. But here’s the thing. Most families don’t start thinking about this until something goes wrong. This is where many people often make mistakes when choosing home care. In fact, a study by Vida Healthcare shows that over half of families, 57%, wait until a health crisis hits before looking for care.
We understand why. Life gets busy, and the thought of planning for care can feel overwhelming. But when you’re in the middle of a stressful moment, your ability to make thoughtful choices takes a hit. That’s why starting early matters. Planning ahead gives you room to choose what’s right, not just what’s available.
Focusing Only on Cost, Not Value
Let’s talk money, because it’s a big part of the decision. One of the most common mistakes is choosing a home care provider based purely on price. We get it. When money’s tight or decisions are made in a panic, going for the cheapest option can feel like the only way forward.
But cheap doesn’t always mean good. Sometimes it means rushed, undertrained, or inconsistent. If you’re searching for affordable home care near me, make sure you’re also looking for quality. Read through reviews of care providers in East England. Check CQC ratings. Speak to people who’ve used the service.
And when you’re comparing options, look at what’s included. Do they offer help with personal care, medication, meals, or dementia support? Are they experienced in care for aging parents at home? These are the details that matter.
Overlooking Staff Qualifications and Continuity
You’re not just hiring a company. You’re trusting a person to be in your loved one’s home. That’s why it’s so important to look into who they hire and how.
Ask about DBS checks. Ask about training. Ask how long carers typically stay. High turnover can lead to constant change for your loved one, which makes it harder for them to feel safe and supported. The best compassionate elderly care services invest in their people, and that shows in the relationships they build.
Ignoring Local Care Providers
Big names can be tempting. National providers often have flashy websites and big promises. But don’t forget to look closer to home. Sometimes, local care providers in Suffolk offer a more personal, more reliable service.
At Butterfly Days, we support families in Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Loddon, and Norwich. We know the roads, the local hospital teams, the GP surgeries, and the social care networks unique to Suffolk. That local knowledge means your loved one gets care that’s not just efficient but rooted in the reality of where they live.
Being a Suffolk-based care provider also means faster response times and face-to-face communication that larger national chains often can’t offer. Families in Lowestoft and across East Suffolk regularly tell us how much they value seeing familiar faces, carers who know their routines, and managers who are always just a call away. It’s that level of continuity and trust that can only come from choosing local.
And because we’re part of the community, you can speak to other families who’ve worked with us. You don’t need to rely on a national helpline. You can just ask your neighbour.
Choosing General Care Instead of Specialised Services
When things get urgent, any care can feel like good care. But not all support is the same. If your loved one has a specific condition like dementia, Parkinson’s, or mobility limitations, then general care may not be enough.
Ask your provider if they offer care agency for dementia patients. Do they create bespoke care plans? Can they adapt as your loved one’s needs change? These are key when it comes to long-term peace of mind.
Skipping the In-Person Visit
This one’s simple, and could be one of the biggest mistakes when choosing home care. Don’t rely on what you read online. Meet the team. Visit the place. Ask your questions face to face.
You’re going to be sharing something deeply personal with them, your trust. You deserve to see who you’re working with. At Butterfly Days, we’re always happy to meet in person. You can fill in our enquiry form and we’ll give you a call to talk about next steps.
Not Asking About Flexibility or Emergency Policies
Life changes. Health conditions change. Schedules change. So before you settle on a provider, ask about flexibility.
Can they cover unexpected changes? What happens if your main carer is unavailable? Are there on-call services? How does scheduling work? When you know these answers, you’re less likely to be caught off guard later.
Leaving Out the Most Important Voice: Your Loved One
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, include the person who’s receiving the care in every part of the decision.
It sounds obvious, but it’s something families often overlook. Involving your loved one doesn’t just make them feel respected; it also helps you choose care they’ll actually want to accept.
Wondering do I need live-in care for my parents? Or considering private carers vs agency carers? These are questions worth exploring together. The right care isn’t just about what’s practical. It’s about what feels right too.
And if you’d like support as you navigate this journey, we’re here to help. Book a no-pressure consultation with the team at Butterfly Days. We’ll listen. We’ll answer your questions. And we’ll help you plan care that fits your family and your future.
