FAQs

• The service is not-for-profit, and we don’t have the same overheads that other care agencies or larger companies have, so the fees paid by clients go directly to the care provider with only a small proportion going straight back into the local community.
• It gives both the client and their care provider the autonomy to choose how to work and organise their schedules. This guarantees choice and control.
• Care providers go through a thorough vetting process which is in place to ensure the safety of clients.
• We can provide support and advice on many topics and challenges that you might be facing at BS3 Community Development, from Monday to Friday.
• With trusted partners we can organise free or discounted professional development opportunities for care providers, including formal training and peer support.
• This new model of care provision in the community is one that supports both care, and money to stay local - strengthening our local economy, improving residents quality of life and independence, and building connections within the BS3 community.

Anyone who….

• Lives in the BS3 postcode area of Bristol
• Is seeking care, support or other services that will help maintain their independence and improve their wellbeing (or someone who is arranging support on behalf of the care seeker)
• Is able to pay privately or self-funds their own care and support
• Receives statutory funding for care e.g. a direct payment from Bristol City Council or personal health budget from the NHS
• Receives other financial support e.g. through a personal injury or compensation payout

• Self-employed care workers and personal assistants – after they have successfully completed our vetting process and created a profile on our online platform
• Self-employed health and care professionals with specialist expertise e.g. Chiropodists, physiotherapists, personal trainers, counselling or talking therapists, nutritionists, massage therapists
• Other home maintenance service providers e.g. gardeners, plumbers, electricians, decorators, general handypeople, etc.

Both care seekers and care providers need to start by registering on this website. Once you (or someone on your behalf) have completed the online registration form we will review it and contact you to arrange a face-to-face appointment.

If you cannot access the online registration form or internet please call us on 0117 923 1039 or visit us in person at the Southville Centre on Beauley Road.

All prospective care providers must complete the following before becoming a BS3 Community Care Approved Provider:

• Face to face interview
• Verification of identity
• Verification of relevant training and qualifications
• Enhanced DBS check and subscription to the DBS update service
• Two character, educational or professional references
• Proof of right to work in the UK
• Proof of driving licence and business insurance if necessary
• Proof of public liability insurance
• Completed adult safeguarding training

Once this process has been completed, care seekers are invited to meet their potential care providers in person, so that both parties can assess and decide if they are a good match.

• During the registration process care seekers and care providers will share their preferred availability and visit schedules, either via the online platform or in person.
• Care seekers and care providers with matching availability, care needs and skills will be able to request an introduction.
• Care seekers can have one or more care providers, depending on their care and support needs and preferences.
• Once all the introduction steps have been completed, the care seekers and their confirmed care provider will be fully in charge of their schedule of work, without any intervention from BS3 Community Care.

• Care providers share their hourly rates with potential clients via the online platform or through us.
• Care providers may have different rates for different activities (for instance one rate for personal care and another rate for other activities of daily living).
• Care providers may also have different rates for different times of the day and/or on bank holidays. Fees will be displayed on their profile page, alongside their experience and qualifications etc.
• Basic hourly rates may range from approximately £15 to £25 per hour depending on the experience and qualifications of the care provider.
• Please note that the rates of other service providers listed on our platform are likely to vary significantly, depending on the type of service and area of specialism.

In addition to the care providers hourly rate, BS3 Community Care will charge you a small introduction and support fee. This is charged at £4.20 per hour, for each hour of care provided.

Some care providers will include expenses in their hourly rate (for example, mileage if they drive their clients), or they might ask for separate payment by providing you with a receipt. You will be able to discuss this with your carer during your introduction meeting and it will subsequently be recorded in your service agreement with them.

• The recruitment and vetting of care providers.
• Induction process for the care providers and regular updates on changes to social care regulations and guidance.
• The needs assessment of the care-seeker, or of a local authority support plan
• Face-to-face support for both care providers and care recipients at BS3 Community Development (from BS3 Community care staff or by signposting to other services where relevant).
• The organisation of peer support groups and events for care providers at BS3 community, for the promotion of best practice and shared learning.
• Invoicing service to those receiving care and payment transfers to care providers
• Making referrals for Adult Social Care assessments and reviews
• Making benefits and other enquiries
• When you request it, helping to find cover if a care provider is away on leave and when more/ new care providers are required.
• Connecting you to activities in the community and to e.g. occupational therapy services
• Travel costs for home visits by BS3 Community Care staff.

We will invoice you at the frequency instructed by your care provider (either fortnightly or monthly). You can view all invoices in your account on this website, or we can print and send them to you in the post if required. The preferred method of payment is by card in your account on our website (securely through the Stripe payment gateway). We can also take card payments over the phone.

You should never pay your care provider directly.