First Option Healthcare

First Option Healthcare is a home care agency based in Croydon, registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide personal care to people in their own homes. It most likely works within about 6 miles of its Croydon office, which is our estimate rather than something the agency has told us. It is registered to care for older people, people living with dementia, younger adults, people with a physical disability, people with a learning disability or autism, people with mental health needs and people with a sensory impairment. The agency has been registered since February 2017.

At its latest inspection, published November 2022, the CQC rated First Option Healthcare Good, which means the CQC found the service performing well and meeting its expectations. Ratings can change after a new inspection, so read the CQC report before you decide.

First Option Healthcare has not published its rates and we are still collecting figures for Croydon. Across England agencies usually charge £26 to £36 an hour for visits and £1,200 to £1,750 a week for live-in care. Ask for a written price list that shows the weekend and bank holiday rates and the shortest visit they will do.

There are 138 registered home care agencies in Croydon. Others working the same area include Go Gentle Care, Lone Care Services Ltd and Pro-Staffing Locums. A self-employed carer found through PrimeCarers charges £18 to £25 an hour, and live-in care from about £1,120 a week.