If you’re looking into care, you’ve probably got a thousand questions and just as many worries about how you’ll know you’ve chosen the right care provider. The Guide to Care is here to help! You’ll discover more about how care and support at home work and how you can find the right care provider for you or your loved one.
You can also download a PDF copy of the guide here to share with others or keep it for reference.
What is care at home?
Home care is when you get care and support in your own home instead of moving into a care home. A carer comes to assist with things an individual might find hard to do by themselves. This can range from bathing and dressing to cooking and cleaning, going out, or even just having someone to chat with.
One big reason home care is so valuable is that people feel most comfortable in their own homes. Home is where all their favourite belongings are and where they have their own routine and memories.
So, instead of going somewhere unfamiliar, you can stay where you are happiest and still get the support you need. Home care allows couples and families to stay together. Home care will enable you to get the care you need and remain close to your loved ones.
How much does care at home cost, and what are my funding options?
Cost is understandably a major consideration when looking into care and support.
A good starting point is to contact your local authority’s Adult Social Care Team to ask for an assessment and to talk to them about both funding and care providers in the area. They can help establish whether you would qualify for local authority support and whether they would provide any funding for your care and support.
Financially, there is a threshold above which the local authority would not provide funding. This is based on the savings and assets of the person receiving care. The threshold in England and Northern Ireland is currently £23,250 (thresholds differ in Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland). If you have savings and assets above this level, you will be responsible for funding your own care and support.
How can I control the costs of care?
It’s also very important that you clearly understand what your support will cost so that there are no surprises. You will receive a tailored quote that details all the visits and shows a clear weekly cost. This allows you to make an informed decision.
If you are looking at funding yourself, remember that you are in control of the support you select. A good care provider should always be able to work with you to create a support plan that considers both your needs and your financial position.
A good care provider will always be more than happy to work alongside family or friends who provide care so that you can benefit from additional support while keeping costs under control.
How to choose the right care provider – 10 key questions to ask
- How many carers will be supporting us?
- How long will carers spend with us on each visit?
- What training do your carers get?
- Will be be tied into a contract?
- Can I decrease or increase the levels of support as needed?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What happens if I/the person receiving support goes into hospital or on holiday?
- Will the carer visit us in a specific time slot?
- How will it work alongside the care we currently have in place?
- What services are charged as extras?
What are the steps in arranging home care and support?
Before you make any decision, you need to make sure you have all the information you need and the confidence of knowing there won’t be any surprises.
A good care provider will work at your pace so that, when you’re ready, you make the decision that is right for you and your family.
-
- Initial phone call: During the call, the care provider will discuss your loved one’s needs and options to better understand the support required. Don’t worry if you don’t know what is needed. A good care provider will discuss your options, and the following steps will ensure that the support is fully tailored to your specific situation.
- Home visit:The care provider will arrange to visit you and your loved one at their home for a chat about your needs, the variety of services available and how the company works. A good care provider will be flexible and able to work alongside family and friends to ensure you or your loved one is getting the care you want in the way that is best for you within your local community.
- Receive a bespoke plan with clear costs: You will then receive a detailed support proposal, including a schedule of visits, clear costs to help you plan your personal budget, and available start dates, all fully personalised to you or your loved one’s needs.
- Care visits begin: Once you’ve agreed on a plan, the care and support visits will being. A good care provider will keep in touch with you and your loved one regularly during this initial period in particular to ensure everything is going smoothly and you or your loved one feels happy and confident with the support provided.
Download a copy of the guide below. We’re also here to chat through your options, so feel free to give us a call, drop us an email, or book a callback, and we can help guide you through.
