When you or a loved one rely on home care in North Norfolk, consistency and reliability aren’t just nice to have – they’re essential. A missed or late visit isn’t just inconvenient; it can be unsafe. If your carer hasn’t turned up on time, or perhaps not at all, it’s important to know this: you do not have to put up with poor care.

Whether your care is arranged privately or through Norfolk County Council, you have the right to speak up and expect better.

 

What to Do If Your Carer Doesn’t Turn Up, Is Late Or You Have Any Other Concerns

 

Raise Your Concerns Directly

Start by speaking with your care provider. Every home care company in North Walsham and the wider North Norfolk area should have a complaints process in place. The office team may not be aware of ongoing issues until they are reported. A simple phone call or email explaining the problem (missed visits, late arrivals, rushed care) can be the first step to improvement.

Keep a Record of Problems

Write down the details whenever a carer is late or doesn’t show up. Note the date, time, and what happened. Having evidence makes it easier to highlight patterns of poor service if the problem continues.

What If Your Care Is Council-Funded?

If your care package is arranged by Norfolk County Council, you should report problems to your social worker or the adult care team.

Even if you’ve been allocated a provider under the council’s new home care model, you are not stuck with whoever you’ve been given. You have the right to choose and change provider if you are unhappy. Councils have a duty to ensure you receive safe, reliable care – but they need to hear from you if things aren’t right. Speaking up is the only way issues can be addressed.

How to Raise a Safeguarding Concern in Norfolk

If poor care is putting you (or someone you know) at risk of harm – for example, being left without essential medication, meals, or personal care – you should raise a safeguarding concern.

• Call Norfolk County Council Safeguarding on 0344 800 8020.
• If you feel someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.
• You can also raise safeguarding issues with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who regulate home care providers. Their number is 03000 616161.

Safeguarding isn’t about “getting someone into trouble” – it’s about protecting people and making sure care providers in Norfolk are meeting safe standards.

If you’re unsure how to raise a complaint or what to say, Support Me at Home can help guide you through the process so your voice is heard.

Check Your Care Provider’s CQC Report

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all home care providers in England, including those in North Norfolk. They set the standards that every company must meet. You can look up your provider’s latest inspection report on the CQC website to see how they’ve been rated.

If you’re concerned that your provider is failing to meet these standards, you can raise your concerns directly with the CQC on 03000 616161.

Remember: You Deserve Better Care in North Norfolk

It’s easy to feel like you don’t have a choice – especially if your care is funded through Norfolk County Council – but that isn’t true. You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and reliability. Care should make your life easier, not add stress. If you aren’t getting the standard of care you need, speaking up isn’t complaining – it’s protecting your wellbeing.

Final Thought

Good care exists, and you deserve it. If your provider is falling short, take action. Speak to them, involve the council if needed, and don’t be afraid to insist on better. Everyone has the right to safe, reliable, and compassionate care in their own home.

At Support Me at Home, based in North Walsham, we believe in care that puts people first – reliable, compassionate, and tailored to your needs. If you’re unhappy with your care provider and don’t know where to start, we can help you raise complaints, guide you through the process, and ensure your concerns are heard.

 

👉 Looking for a trusted home care provider in North Walsham and North Norfolk? Contact Support Me at Home Ltd today to find out how we can support you or your loved one.