Care at Home: Where Do I Start?
If someone you love is finding it harder to manage at home, you may be wondering what help is available, who arranges it, who pays and how to find someone who can actually provide the care.
Start with the person’s needs
Before choosing a service, think about what has changed and what help is actually needed. Care at home can range from occasional support to several visits a day or more intensive arrangements.
Personal care
Washing, dressing, toileting, continence and getting ready for the day.
Daily living
Meals, drinks, shopping, household tasks and getting out of the home.
Medication and health
Medication support, appointments, monitoring and health-related needs.
Mobility and safety
Transfers, falls, mobility, equipment and risks around the home.
Cognition
Memory problems, confusion, supervision, communication and changes in behaviour.
Family support
What family members are doing now and what they can realistically continue doing.
The Care at Home journey
1. Understand the need
Not sure where to begin? Use the Carentis Care Navigation Check to help identify the most appropriate next step.
2. Arrange an assessment
If you think someone needs care and support, you can ask the local authority about a Care Act needs assessment.
3. Understand funding
Find out about financial assessments, self-funding, Direct Payments and NHS funding. See Paying for Home Care.
4. Find a provider
Once you know what care is required, learn how to choose a home care provider.
5. What if nobody is available?
If you have a care package but cannot find anyone to provide it, see Can’t Find a Home Care Provider?.
6. What if needs increase?
If the existing package is no longer enough, read When Home Care Isn’t Enough.
Not sure what your next step is?
Carentis brings together practical guidance and tools to help families navigate care decisions.
Start the Care Navigation Check