What it means to be a Preferred Provider

To reach this decision we firstly focus on quality. We look at the number of national minimum standards met by the home and the outcomes of our evaluation visit to the home. We also take into account feedback from care managers who are asked to comment on such things as health and safety, interaction between staff and residents, and real use of residents' and families' opinions.

Secondly, we check the price of the home against the amount we expect to pay. If both quality and price are satisfactory, the home is regarded as a Preferred Provider.

The status of Preferred Provider is changeable because it depends on a home maintaining basic service standards and remaining affordable. Kent Adult Services monitors homes that have contracts with us and change Preferred Provider ratings as appropriate. These details are kept in what is known as the 'S List'. The 'S List' is updated weekly and shows the current rating status of all homes for older people. To obtain a copy of this list, please ask your care manager.