A significant decision deserves a clear list of questions, not just going with the first option you find.
In short: Ask whether the same person will visit each time, what's actually included in a visit, whether there's a contract, how holiday or illness cover is handled, and how the provider vets and trains their team. A provider confident in what they offer should answer clearly and without hesitation.
"Will the same person visit each time?" Consistency matters enormously. Ask specifically how a provider handles this, and what happens if your usual visitor is on holiday or unwell.
"What does a typical visit include?" Get specifics, not generalities. "We help with various things" isn't useful; a clear list is. Also ask what's explicitly not included.
"What's the hourly rate, and is it all-inclusive?" Watch for hidden extras. "Is there a contract or minimum commitment?" Think carefully before agreeing to anything you haven't tried yet.
"How do you vet the people who visit clients' homes?" This should include DBS checks and reference checks, at minimum.
How a provider answers these questions tells you almost as much as the answers themselves. Clear, unhurried answers are a good sign. Vagueness or pressure to commit quickly is worth taking seriously as a warning sign.
No obligation, no pressure — just an honest chat about what might help your family.