Help

General Questions

Who created IntroCare and what is its purpose?

We are a small team of Registered Social Workers and Registered General Nurses who have a combined experience in care of almost 100 years!  We developed IntroCare to assist people in finding services to meet their individual needs. It aims to bring together all healthcare, social care and childcare services to make it easier for people to consider and compare those services. IntroCare is a social network which gives you your own personal profile page in which you can advertise for care or advertise your care services.  IntroCare puts YOU in control.

 

Does it cost anything to join IntroCare?

It will always be totally FREE for all individual Care Providers and everyone looking for care. There will be no need to upgrade as you will be able to benefit from ALL features of IntroCare.

Statutory Services and Charities benefit from a free Premium Profile / Listing.

Care Providers (Businesses) will be able to register a Basic Listing for free which will include name and contact details. For an annual fee of £150 + VAT a business can upgrade to a Premium Profile / Listing, which gives you complete control over your own profile page. This allows you the following benefits:

 

• Enter further specific details about your service provision
• Upload unlimited photos
• Unlimited text to describe your services
• A page to advertise your businesses news and events.
• Instant Messaging with Audio & Visual communication
• Advertise for staff

 

You have complete control over your edits, an option to advertise for jobs and  the opportunity to become a Featured Care Provider (for an extra charge).

All Services associated with Healthcare, Social Care or Childcare can register a Basic Profile / Listing for free which will include name and contact details. For an annual fee of £100 + VAT a Service can upgrade to a Premium Profile / Listing which gives you control over your own profile page. This includes unlimited photos, unlimited text to describe your services and full control over your edits.

 

What are the benefits of Registering with IntroCare?

• You have full control over you own profile
• Instant messaging with Audio & Visual communication with your own contacts
• Contact other providers or people looking for care services.
• Free registration
• Join in and contribute to various forums
• Get up to date news and views that are health related
• An easy to use social network site with no pop ups and distracting advertisements
• Policies and Procedures for you to use and adapt
• Helpful advice and guidance

 

Is IntroCare a Care Agency?

No, we do not operate as an agency. We provide a forum in which you can make your own choices regarding care, putting you in control.

 

 

Registering and Account Information

How do I Register?

You can register by clicking the relevant tab below the photographs, by clicking on 'sign up' or by logging on through your Facebook account. Whichever method you choose, you will be asked a few questions to register.  When you have Registered, you will be sent a link via email.  Clicking on this web-link will automatically activate your account.

 

Can I search without Registering?

Yes, you can search for Care Providers without registering but you cannot access all their information. You cannot, however, search for service users without registering. Registering is and always will be FREE.  Service Users can limit the information they make available.  Businesses cannot search for people who are looking for care.

 

How do we use your information?

The only essential information we require for you to register with IntroCare is your name, email address, gender and date of birth. Your first name and location will be shown on your profile and you have the option of hiding your date of birth. We never show your email address as you can be contacted through the website. It is then up to you whether you want to give further details to potential care matches.

We also ask for your service area, your location and whether you are a Care Provider, seeking care or a Statutory/Voluntary Organisation. You will be asked additional questions so that we can carefully match your requirements. Answering these questions is optional and you can change your response at any time.

 

Can I use a Username instead of using my real name?

Yes, you may prefer to use a Pseudonym.  IntroCare repects your privacy.

How do I edit my account?

Log In to your account and change the fields as required.  If you have any difficulties, please feel free to contact us and we will assist if necessary.  IntroCare wants you to feel entirely comfortable in using the site.

 

Are my details secured?

IntroCare is registered under the Data Protection Act (1998).  We have a robust data protection policy and we use advanced data protection software.  Payments are encrypted using SSL technology

 

Do you sell my details to third parties?

No, we never sell your details to any third parties.  We are Registered Social Workers and Registered General Nurses.  Our registrations are subject to strict codes of practice and this is reflected in our work ethic.  Your privacy and protection is our prime concern.

 

How do I change my password?

You can change your password by clicking on to Account Settings which is located on the left hand side of your profile page. Within Account Settings, select the Password tab and follow the instructions.

 

How do I upload my photos?

 

On the left hand side, you will see an Avatar (this is a silhouette of a person), if you left click towards the top of this, it will take you to the upload page.  Simply follow the instructions and add as many photos as you like.

 

How do I search?

You can search for Care Providers (Personal Assistants, Carers, Childminders, Nannies, Care Homes, etc) by clicking on the ‘Find Care Providers’ tab at the top of the front page. A drop down box will ask you to select either adult or child and give you a list of care providers to search. You can use a basic search for location/postcode or you can tick the boxes that are important to you for an advanced search. For example – it may be important to you that the Care Provider has more than 2 years experience, or has specific skills.

To search for Service Users requiring care you click the ‘Find jobs’ tab at the top of the front page. A drop down box will ask you to select either adult or child and will ask you what type of Care Provider you are. You can use a basic search for location/postcode or use an advanced search entering in your details. For example – if you do not have a CRB check and are unwilling to obtain one it will only search Service Users who are happy to employ a Care Provider without one.

 

Connect

 

As you are searching through the site, you will find people (both Service Providers and Care Seekers) with whom you may want to contact.  You need to click on their Profile and click the 'Connect' button.  You will be asked if you want to connect with this person and if you agree, an email will be sent automatically to that person, requesting their permission for the connection.  As soon as they agree, you will be connected and you will appear on each others profile.  Thereafter, you can communicate at will, by using instant messaging, emails, audio / visual.  PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT YOU CAN ONLY SEND AN EMAIL TO SOMEBODY YOU ARE CONNECTED TO, SO YOU HAVE TO COMPLETE THE CONNECTION PROCESS FIRST.

 

Follow

 

Allows you to 'Follow' a Business, Statutory or Voluntary orgnasisation.  If you click 'Follow' on one of these profiles, you will be able to access their information but you will also receive their news feeds and events.  These will simply appear on your Profile Page.  They don't need to agree or allow you to follow their news and events but they will be notified by email that you are doing so.  YOU CANNOT CONTACT EACH OTHER HOWEVER, UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY 'CONNECT.'  'Follow' only allows you to receive News and Events from that Business or Statutory or Voluntary organisation.

 

Favourite

 

Clicking 'Favourite' allows you to remember a profile and save it, without actually connecting or following.  Favourites are private to you.  No emails are sent to your Favourite profile, they are just kept on one side for you to consider.  You can connect if you wish, or you can remove them from your Favourite list at will.  Think of it like a memo pad, where you make a note of something you like, but don't want to follow up just yet.

 

How can I leave feedback for another user?

You need to be logged in and 'connected' to the person you want to leave feedback about.  When you click on their Profile page, you will see the option to Review which is self explanatory.  The person who has been reviewed has the option to respond.  All reviews and responses are monitored.

 

How is a dispute solved?

You will have noticed that there is a button called "Report Abuse."  This is an important feature and allows any user of IntroCare to report what they consider to be inappropriate use of the site.  In such circumstances, IntroCare will mediate and try to hep resolve the issue.

In cases of individual disputes between Service User and Service Provider, we will endeavour to direct you to appropriate mediation or advocacy.  As you may have entered into a private agreement / contract, IntroCare would not be able to intervene or act as mediator.

IntroCare provides a great deal of information for both Service Users and Providers to help avoid disputes.  We advise that Service Users / Providers read the information available on the IntroCare site, eg: Recruitment Procedures, Reference Requests, Care Quality, Support Plans, etc.  Preparation is the key to a professional relationship.

Seeking Care

How do I use my profile?

 

You can make your profile as simple or comprehensive as you like.  Obviously, the more information you give, the easier it will be for IntroCare to provide a care match.  There are a number of features within your profile which you can utilise as or when you wish. We are particularly proud of the Audio / Visual module, which allows you to see the person on screen and talk to them without typing.  You can even set up a conference call, so that more than two people take part!  You might like to use this facility before meeting or arranging a formal interview. For example, you might like to speak to a Care Provider online and include a relative so that you can all discuss your care requirements.

 

I don’t understand the implications of employing a Care Provider?

This is not as complicated as it sounds. You can view our guide How to become an Employer in our Useful Information section. If you are worried about becoming an employer however, there are many agencies who will act as a 'Broker' on your behalf.  Some Charities and Voluntary bodies are now acting as Brokers, eg: National Centre for Independant Living (NCIL).  Introcare is looking at including some reputable links on the site.

Individual Care Provider

How do I use my profile?

You can make your profile as simple or comprehensive as you like.  Obviously, the more information you give, the easier it will be for IntroCare to provide a care match.  IntroCare has made the site easy and convenient to use and has included a number of options for you to simply tick if appropriate. There are a number of features within your profile which you can utilise as or when you wish. We are particularly proud of the Audio / Visual module, which allows you to see the person on screen and talk to them without typing.

Care Provider (Business)

What is a Featured Care Provider?

A Business Premium Profile / Listing has the option to advertise their services on the IntroCare landing page. Traffic is automatically forwarded to this page before any others and is a great way to advertise your business. The charge for this feature is £10 + VAT per week or £35 + VAT per 30 days.  You can only benefit from this Feature if you have a Premium Profile.

 

How do I advertise a job vacancy?

To advertise a job vacancy you simply click ‘Job Advertisement’ in your Profile page. This will give you a list of options that will match individuals to your requirements. Your Job Vacancy will not only appear on your homepage but will also appear in the "Find jobs" section in a seperate section at the bottom of the page.  People can also look specifically for jobs advertised by Businesses and Organisations.

 

Statutory and Voluntary Organisations

How do I advertise for care on behalf of someone else?

You will see that on your Profile Page there is a facility for multiple Profiles.  This feature has been set up especially for this purpose.  Introcare is aware of the difficulties in obtaining a Personal Assistant / Carer and this was the main reason for setting up the site in the first place.  We were also aware that many organisations were trying to arrange care for their members/ patients, or service users but this tended to be on an ad hoc basis.  IntroCare hopes to formalise this process and ensure a degree of quality in service provision.

Can I advertise for care on behalf of a number of people?

You will see that on your Profile Page there is a facility for multiple Profiles.  You can list as many people here as you like.  They will be listed on your Profile page and you will be the contact for that person.  If an Individual Care Provider would like to be considered, they will contact you for further details and communication via the site.

 

 

Additional Services

What are the benefits of advertising my services on IntroCare?

Introcare is a Healthcare, Social Care and Childcare Social Network.  Advertising your services will ensure that they are targeted appropriately.  For example, advertising your mobility aids in a local paper is unlikely to target those people who would value your services.  At IntroCare, you have an appropriate audience.

Advertisements

How do I advertise on IntroCare?

Click on the Advertise tab and follow the instructions.  There are a number of methods to advertising.  At the bottom of the homepage is the Advertise tab, which will guide you easily through the process.  Towards the top of the page is the Products and Services tab.  This will give you various categories in which you can advertise products and services which may be associated to Healthcare, Social Care and Childcare.  In this section, you can select a basic profile or upgrade to a Premium Profile, with many more options available.