Good Afternoon Sheila,
I am a Domiciliary Care provider who has recently registered with the CQC. I am finding it very difficult to find clients, I have been in contact with my local council but wanted to see if you had any further suggestions on how to find new clients? Thank you – Sarah

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Sarah,

It is always difficult for a new provider to get started.

It is essential that all providers remember that at least 40% of all Adult Social Care will be purchased direct by the service user, although, perhaps less than that for people under pension age.

Knowing that so much care is purchased directly by the service user or their family should make you think about how you market your services.

Of course marketing to the local authority and some time the local CCG is important but there are other customers too.

Have a look in your local paper to see if providers advertise there.

Consider having a leaflet published and then deliver them in the locality.

Have a look in your local telephone directory (yellow pages, Thomson’s etc.) and see if they have a page for domiciliary care providers and consider taking an advert there.

Ask your local GP surgeries if you can leave some leaflets there.

What I am trying to suggest that you find a way to make sure as many local people as possible are aware of your service so when that need to arrange a service they think of you.

With best wishes.

Sheila