1. Do they show evidence?
The simplest thing you can ask of anyone offering home care is a report from a job they have already done. If they can't show you an anonymised real report, what you will be given is undefined.
If they start explaining when you ask for a report, there probably isn't one. Ask to see it.
2. How do they choose their staff?
Is a criminal record check obtained for the person entering your home, are they a payroll employee or day labour, are they tracked by staff number? A different person on every visit means responsibility is diluted.
The real distinguishing question is this: do they tell you in writing that the check was done? Saying “we run criminal record checks” is easy; sending the client the name, staff number and check confirmation before every visit is something else entirely. Ask the same question about any tradesperson called in — is a check obtained for the plumber who will enter your home?
The right answer: a fixed team, registered employees, identity and staff number shared with you, and certificates produced for third parties too.
3. Are they insured, and what does it cover?
"We're insured" means nothing on its own. Ask the type of policy (professional indemnity / third-party liability), its limit and its exclusions. If they hesitate to share the policy number, there is a reason.
4. What is the key protocol?
Where is the key kept, does it have the address on it, who can access it, is a handover record signed, how is it returned when the service ends? If you can't get a ready, clear answer to all of these, assume your key is sitting in a drawer.
5. Is the visit recorded?
A camera recording of the visit is in both your interest and the employee's. When a damage dispute arises, a recording is more reliable than anyone's memory. If recording is done, how long it is kept and who can access it should also be in writing.
6. Do they give the price up front?
An operation that never publishes its prices and always says "let us send you a quote" is one where the price is set according to the customer. Packages and scope should be in writing; anything that will change after the survey should be stated in advance.
Our approach: package prices published on the site, a calculator that gives an estimated range, a firm price settled after the free survey, and no surprises afterwards.