FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Live-In Care

What is Live-in care and who is it for?
Live-in care is a full-time care at home service for any individual who wishes to remain in their own home with one to one support from a live-in carer.
How does live-in care work?
Our live-in carers will work with you to meet your personal needs and wishes. Your care plan will be designed following an assessment by one of our care managers with you and your family / friends.
How does live-in care compare to residential care? (Care homes)
Live in care is similar to residential care however it allows the Service User to remain in the comfort of their own home.
Do I get any choice in the selection of my live-in carer?
Yes, Pulse8 will review our available live in carers and select a carer best suited to your needs and personality.
I need live-in support, but I have a family living at home too.
Pulse8 are happy to work alongside a Service Users family and friends in order to provide the best care and support possible.

Visiting Care

What is visiting care?
Visiting care is an hourly visiting care service for individuals who require just a small amount of help with day to day living.
Will my visiting carer help around the house?
Yes, our carers can provide duties such as shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, and many other light domestic duties.
What type of support will my visiting carer be able to provide?
Our trained carers provide a range of services such as personal care, companionship, support with medication, shopping, collecting prescriptions, accompanying an individual on trips and many more.
Will my carer be able to support me in looking after my pets?
Yes, Pulse8 carers are often more than happy to aid looking after Service User’s pets.
How often will my visiting carer visit me and how long will my visits last?
Call times range from 30 minutes to 24 hours a day live in care and can be provided as often as you would like.
Will I always have the same carer?
Pulse8 tries to keep the consistency of carers as best as we can, however, carers do take holidays and unfortunately do fall ill. If your regular carer is not available, we will try to ensure a carer you are familiar with takes their place until your preferred carer returns to work.

Costs and Funding

Do I pay the carer directly?
No, Invoices are issued on a monthly basis. Any payments (cheques) should be sent via post to direct to the office. The ability to make BACS payments is also available.
How much does hourly visiting care and live-in care cost?
Costs vary depending of the type and duration of care required. Care costs are provided before the commencement of care.
Is there any funding available to meet some of the costs of care?
You may be entitled to financial support towards your care. Your local council will make an assessment and will decide if you are eligible for any financial support. You can find contact details for your local council / authority and social services in the phone book or give us a call on 01527 870 879 and we will more than happy to assist you.
Are there any hidden costs to your live-in care service?
No, all costs are included in the hourly rate provided.

General

What happens when the office is closed?
The Pulse8 office is open Monday – Friday 09:00 to 17:00. We also operate an out of hours emergency on call service. The emergency on call number will be provided during commencement of care.
What conditions do you support? (Stroke, Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons)
We support many types of conditions, medical conditions including Stoke, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Heart failure and Palliative/End of Life Care. We also support individuals with Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues. This is not an exhaustive list.
Why should I choose Pulse8+ Care?
Pulse8+ Care provide high quality live-in care and visiting care to both young and old across Worcestershire and the Midlands. We have a strong team of highly trained care workers who are dedicated to providing effective, sensitive care which is sympathetic and flexible to meet the needs and circumstances of the individual.
Do you provide care through the night?
Yes, Pulse8 can provide both Sleeping and Waking nights.
What locations do you operate in?
Pulse8 provides care throughout Worcestershire and Surrounding areas.
What locations do you operate in?
Our trained carers provide a range of services such as personal care, companionship, support with medication, shopping, collecting prescriptions, accompanying an individual on trips and many more.
Does Pulse8+ Care support young people requiring care as well as the elderly?
Yes, Pulse8 provides care and support to anyone over the age of 18.
Does Pulse8+ Care provide respite care?
Yes, Pulse8+ do provide respite care.
I’m not sure how much help I’ll need. Will I retain my independence?
If you are not sure how much help you need, give a member of the pulse8 team a call on 01527 870 879.
What if I’m unhappy with the care I’m receiving?
If you have a complaint or concern, you can write to;

Pulse8+ Ltd
Priory Road
Alcester
B49 5DZ

Pulse8 will acknowledge your complaint within 72hrs and respond to it within 28 days

How do I contact Pulse8+ Care?
For information on how you can contact pulse8, please click the “Contact Us” tab at the top of this page.
I’m interested in becoming a Carer. How do I find out about vacancies at Pulse8+ Care?
Any job Vacancies that are currently available can be found on our jobs page. Alternately you can contact us via email at info@pulse8care.co.uk or phone us on 01527 870 879.
Do I have to be an experienced carer to work for Pulse8+ Care?
No, Pulse8 provides free training and support to both new and existing care staff.
What training have your carers received?
All Pulse8 Care Staff complete a 3-day mandatory in house training course prior to working as a care assistant. During their 3-day course trainees receive the necessary skills and knowledge to complete tasks they may face on a day to day basis when delivering care to service users. Training such as Health and safety, Fire safety, Palliative Care, Medication and Manual Handling are just some of the various training topics covered. Additional training such as PEG training is supplied when required. All care staff have the opportunity to advance their knowledge by completing NVQs in Health and Social Care.
How do Pulse8+ Care ensure the standard of care is consistent and high quality?
On regular occasions, spot checks, supervisions and assessments are performed on care staff to ensure the highest quality of care is provided.
I want my loved one to retain his/her dignity and independence. Can this be achieved?
Pulse8+ Care will always maintain your loved one’s dignity; our care is tailored to ensure they will be cared for with this as a crucial factor in our care planning. We always endeavour to carry out the care on the person’s wishes, as much as it is practicable. We always encourage those in our care to do as much for themselves as they are able, retaining as much independence as possible.
I’ve been receiving visiting care but I want to change to live-in care. Is this possible?
Yes, any amendments you would like to be made to your package of care can be made over the phone or by emailing info@pulse8care.co.uk.
I’m not sure if I need a carer or not. Is there someone I can talk to?
Yes, a member of the pulse8 team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 01527 870 879 or email info@pulse8care.co.uk for further information.
Is care all year round? Are they any days when I won’t get a visit from my Carer?
Pulse8 provides care 365 days a year, 24hours a day.
Are your carers medically trained?
No, our care staff are not medically trained.
What happens if my Carer is unwell or takes a holiday?
Unfortunately, Pulse8 carers do fall ill and can take annual leave. However, if your regular carer is not available, we will try to ensure a carer you are familiar or is best suited to yourself takes their place until your preferred carer returns to work.