My loved one's care agency has tried to bully me into paying more

When my family member (fm) first employed the care agency he paid three days in advance. The manager said that this would come off the 28 days notice. Recently I gave notice to end the contract and I emailed to ask the manager to clarify that my fm would only need to give 25 days notice. The reply said that if I didn’t pay the full 28 days she would add extra on for the times that the carers have stayed past their allotted time. Nevertheless, I stood my ground and showed a screenshot of the email where she said the advance payment would come off the notice. She didn’t like that I had it and she had to agree that it was right. Today I paid the final payment and I deducted the money my fm paid in advance. The 25 days will end on Tuesday 03/02. I received an email saying the matter is now with her accountant and is in review. I was thinking of all the times that the carers have not stayed the full time and how the documentation on the app is only updated sporadically. Also, my fm was poorly recently and I was talked into her sending two carers to him which put the price up. Thankfully, I haven’t yet signed a contract for the new care plan.

Is she allowed to add money on for the times when the carers didn’t finish their tasks in the allotted time? I can’t wait to get rid of them. For a private care company they have been a nightmare!

Thank you in advance.

Hi @Evil_Edna (shades of Kenneth Williams!), and welcome to the forum. Tbh I can’t see that they have a leg to stand on, but I’m not a lawyer. You really need to talk to Citizens’ Advice first, but they may tell you that you need to speak to a solicitor.

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I have dealt with a number of care companies, all have an urgent need for further training when it comes to things like accounts and contract law. I’ve studied both as part of my degree and I juggled caring with running a business for many years. Social workers are just as useless.
I would contact CQC who regulate care companies. They need to know how this company operates.

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I suggest seeking legal advice. Try the law society website, you can get free legal advice. If the agency continues to bully you, complain to an ombudsman about their poor attitude towards you. Start with gov.uk or lgo.org.uk. Hope this helps.

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