Head First

Head First is a home care agency based in Cranbrook, in the Kent council area, 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 Cranbrook office, which is our estimate rather than something the agency has told us. It is registered to care for older people, younger adults and people with a physical disability. It is run by Head First (ARCM). The agency has been registered since June 2021.

At its latest inspection, published January 2020, the CQC rated Head First 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.

Head First has not published its rates and we are still collecting figures for Kent. 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 383 registered home care agencies in Kent. Others working the same area include Kent SCP (Bowles Lodge) and Independent Care Solutions T/A Agacia Care Ltd. A self-employed carer found through PrimeCarers charges £18 to £25 an hour, and live-in care from about £1,120 a week.