OFFICE

OFFICE is a home care agency based in Colchester, in the Essex 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 Colchester 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. It is run by Golden Hands Home Care. The agency has been registered since February 2017.

At its latest inspection, published August 2023, the CQC rated OFFICE Inadequate, which means the CQC found the service performing badly and has taken enforcement action. Ratings can change after a new inspection, so read the CQC report before you decide.

OFFICE has not published its rates and we are still collecting figures for Essex. 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 448 registered home care agencies in Essex. Others working the same area include The Octagon, ECare Community and Helping Hands Colchester. A self-employed carer found through PrimeCarers charges £18 to £25 an hour, and live-in care from about £1,120 a week.