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Why Is Home Care Expensive in Guernsey? At Sarnia Carers CI Ltd, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional care that prioritises the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of our clients. However, providing this level of care comes with significant costs. Many people wonder why home care services in Guernsey are expensive, and we want to be transparent about what goes into running a well-led, compliant, and compassionate care agency.
Guernsey Press statement - Guernsey’s care sector is currently facing significant challenges, including rising costs and increasing demand for long-term care services. The Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS) has proposed measures to address these issues, which could lead to higher expenses for residents receiving care.
Why We Founded Sarnia Carers
Sarnia Carers was established in 2015 by Sue and Kathy, a mother-and-daughter team with over 60 years of combined experience in the care sector. We founded this agency because we believed care could be done differently—and more ethically—than what was being offered at the time. Our goal was to create a company that puts the client and the carers at the centre of everything, ensuring care is delivered with compassion, understanding, and adaptability.
Unlike many organisations, there isn’t a millionaire sitting behind the scenes counting their money. Instead, we are a small team who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure that we provide the very best service possible. Every penny we earn is reinvested into the business—whether it’s through staff education, cutting-edge technology, uniforms, compliance systems, or the tools and resources needed to deliver exceptional care.
The True Costs of Quality Care
Running a home care agency is about much more than arranging visits. It’s about ensuring that every aspect of care is seamless, professional, and tailored to the individual. Here are some of the key expenses that underpin our services:
1. Cutting-edge technology
We use the Birdie Homecare System, which allows doctors, carers, and family members to monitor care in real time. This technology enhances transparency, efficiency, and peace of mind for everyone involved.
2. Training and lifelong learning
Training for our staff is mandatory and ongoing. Every member of the team is trained in first aid, manual handling, and the Care Certificate, supported by ISO-certified courses. We also offer NVQs and Diplomas to further enhance their skills. At Sarnia Carers, we embrace the ethos of lifelong learning, ensuring our team is continually growing, improving, and staying up to date with best practices to deliver the highest standard of care.
3. Shadowing and mentoring
Shadowing shifts are an integral part of our training process. Junior carers work alongside senior carers, learning the ropes through hands-on experience. This mentoring approach ensures that new team members gain practical skills, confidence, and an understanding of our client-centred approach, all while maintaining the highest standards of care.
4. Flexible and tailored care plans
We provide flexible care plans that adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. This level of personalisation requires time, effort, and expertise to ensure that every care plan meets the unique preferences and requirements of each individual.
5. Compliance and quality systems
We use the QCS Compliance System to ensure we are always up to date with the latest policies and procedures. This is rare among agencies in Guernsey but vital for maintaining the highest standards of care, again, it comes at a cost.
6. 24/7 rota management
Managing a live rota 24/7 is crucial to ensure continuity of care. It allows us to adapt to changing circumstances at a moment’s notice, making sure there is always someone available, 365 days of the year to to take calls and arrange care for our clients, no matter the time or day.
7. Mobility aids and equipment storage
We provide mobility aids and hospital beds to support our clients, which requires dedicated storage facilities. This is an additional cost we incur to ensure our clients have access to the equipment they need.
8. Advertising and community engagement
Reaching those in need of care requires significant investment in advertising, from newspaper ads to social media campaigns. We also actively participate in community initiatives, such as fundraising for Les Bourgs Hospice and other local causes, to give back to the community we serve.
9. Administrative and operational costs
Behind every carer is a dedicated team managing insurance, transportation, office supplies, computer systems, and communication tools to ensure clear and effective coordination.
10. Emotional and holistic care management
Being a care manager is not just a job—it’s a way of life. It’s a holistic role that considers the needs of every member of the service, from clients to staff. We devote ourselves fully to this role, balancing professionalism with compassion, learning to manage emotions while ensuring the highest standards of care. This dedication requires constant growth, learning, and improvement.
Balancing Quality and Affordability
We are not the most expensive agency in Guernsey, but we are not the cheapest either. We aim to be as economical as possible while maintaining a high level of professionalism and care, which cannot be achieved on a shoestring budget.
The Difference Between Quality Care and Cutting Corners
Over the past decade, we have seen many care agencies come and go. While we respect the effort they brought to the sector, some were unable to maintain their services because they didn’t fully understand the complexities of running a care agency. whilst we are not suggesting we are perfect, we survived by leasing with compassion, understanding and adaptability. Managing a care agency requires more than good intentions—it demands a deep understanding of compliance, governance, and the emotional and logistical challenges of care, all of which take time, dedication and funding.
At Sarnia Carers, we refuse to cut corners. Our commitment to compliance, training, and technology ensures our clients receive the best possible care. We provide continuity of care, clear communication, and a compassionate approach that sets us apart.
Why Choose Sarnia Carers?
When you choose Sarnia Carers, you’re choosing a team that values transparency, builds trust, and goes the extra mile. Home care is not just about sending someone to your house—it’s about providing a comprehensive, professional service that you can rely on 24/7, 365 days a year. We are proud to be 'Bringing Care, Community and Compassion Together.'
A Final Thought
In this industry, you truly do get what you pay for. We encourage everyone to carefully research their care provider before agreeing to receive care. Transparency and accountability are at the heart of what we do. We’re not here to trap anyone into a contract—we are here to provide care, compassion, understanding, adaptability, and safety. At Sarnia Carers, we are dedicated to being a company you can trust, one that puts the needs of clients and their families above all else.
If you have ideas on how we can keep the costs of care down, please let us know. We want to hear from you! Please email us at info@sarniacarersci.com to share your ideas and thoughts with us.
