Question 1

What exactly is Calibre Quality Care?

Accepted Answer

We are a local, family-run introductory care service based in Buckinghamshire. Rather than employing carers on a rota, we hand-select and introduce self-employed Personal Assistants (PAs) to individuals who need support at home. You choose your PA, and we support the arrangement throughout.

Question 2

How is this different from a traditional care agency?

Accepted Answer

With a traditional domiciliary agency you are usually given whoever is available, often in short, rushed 15 or 30 minute visits with different faces each week. We introduce you to one Personal Assistant you have chosen yourself, with unhurried visits and genuine continuity of care.

Question 3

What does "self-employed Personal Assistant" mean?

Accepted Answer

Your Personal Assistant works for themselves rather than for us. They set their own hourly rate, manage their own tax and insurance, and agree their working pattern directly with you. We handle the vetting, matching and introduction, and remain on hand for support.

Question 4

Are you regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)?

Accepted Answer

Introductory services of this kind are not required to register with the CQC because the care is delivered by independent self-employed professionals rather than by us directly. We hold ourselves to the same high standards of vetting, training and safeguarding, and are always happy to talk through exactly how we work.

Question 5

How do I arrange care?

Accepted Answer

Call us on 01296 255 255 or send an enquiry through our contact page. We will arrange a free, no-obligation conversation to understand what support you need, then send you profiles of suitable Personal Assistants for you to choose from.

Question 6

How long does it take to get started?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your requirements and location, but in most cases we can introduce suitable Personal Assistants within a few days. Urgent situations such as a hospital discharge are prioritised wherever possible.

Question 7

Do I have to accept the first Personal Assistant you suggest?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You review profiles, meet the Personal Assistants you like the sound of, and only proceed with someone you feel completely comfortable with. If it is not the right fit, simply tell us and we will find someone else.

Question 8

Is there a minimum number of hours?

Accepted Answer

We are flexible. Support can range from a short weekly welfare check through to several visits a day. Because Personal Assistants set their own availability, we will discuss what is practical for your area during your first conversation.

Question 9

Do you provide overnight or live-in support?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to Personal Assistant availability in your area. Please contact us to discuss overnight, waking night or live-in arrangements.

Question 10

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no extra cost. The only thing you pay is the hourly rate of your Personal Assistant, which is agreed with you before support begins. There are no hidden fees or additional agency charges.

Question 11

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

All payments go to Calibre Quality Care. Your Personal Assistant will give you a weekly invoice for the hours completed, and you simply pay that invoice to us.

Question 12

Do I have to pay mileage?

Accepted Answer

Mileage is paid for any activities done with your Personal Assistant, such as trips to the shops or appointments. The rate is set by your Personal Assistant and is typically 45p per mile. Miles to and from your Personal Assistant’s home to yours are not usually charged, although some Personal Assistants may ask for this to be included.

Question 13

Can I use a Direct Payment or Personal Budget?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our clients fund their support through Direct Payments, Personal Health Budgets or private funds. We are happy to work alongside your support broker or social worker.

Question 14

Are your Personal Assistants DBS checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Personal Assistant we introduce holds an enhanced DBS check, provides references, and carries their own public liability insurance. We verify all of this before anyone is added to our register.

Question 15

What training do Personal Assistants have?

Accepted Answer

We only introduce experienced professionals, and check that they hold relevant, up-to-date training such as manual handling, safeguarding, first aid and medication administration. Many hold additional specialist experience, for example dementia, Parkinson’s or stroke recovery.

Question 16

What happens if my Personal Assistant is ill or on holiday?

Accepted Answer

Let us know as soon as you can and we will help arrange cover from another Personal Assistant on our register, so you are not left without support.

Question 17

What if I am not happy with the support I receive?

Accepted Answer

Please tell us. We stay in regular contact with our clients and will step in to resolve any concerns, including arranging a different Personal Assistant if that is what you would prefer.

Question 18

What sort of tasks can a Personal Assistant help with?

Accepted Answer

Personal care, light domestic help, meal preparation, medication prompting, companionship and social outings, appointments and shopping, welfare checks, respite for family carers, hospital discharge support and light gardening.

Question 19

Do you offer trade services such as plumbing or electrics?

Accepted Answer

No. Our light domestic help is exactly that — everyday household tasks. We are not a trade service and cannot carry out repairs, installations, electrical or plumbing work, or heavy garden and building work.

Question 20

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Buckingham and Leighton Buzzard along with their surrounding villages. See our Where We Cover pages for full village listings, or call us if your village is not listed.

Frequently asked questions

About our service

Getting started

Costs and payment

Safety and standards

What we can and cannot do

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