Home Care Services
Professional care and support delivered in the comfort of your own home, helping you maintain independence while receiving the assistance you need.
What is Home Care?
Home care, also known as domiciliary care, is professional care and support provided in your own home by trained care workers. It enables people to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving assistance with daily tasks, personal care, and medical needs.
Home care services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, ensuring all providers meet strict quality and safety standards. Care workers visit your home at agreed times, providing everything from brief check-in visits to comprehensive support throughout the day and night.
This type of care is ideal for those who want to maintain their independence and stay connected to their community, neighbours, and local area. It offers flexibility that residential care cannot match, allowing care to be tailored precisely to individual needs and preferences.
Home care can be arranged privately, funded by your local council following a care needs assessment, or in some cases, funded by the NHS through Continuing Healthcare for those with complex medical needs.
Personal Care
Assistance with washing, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene
Maintain Independence
Stay in your own home while receiving professional support
Flexible Scheduling
Care visits arranged around your routine and preferences
Family Peace of Mind
Regular updates and professional oversight for loved ones
Who is Home Care suitable for?
- Adults recovering from illness or surgery
- Elderly people needing help with daily activities
- Those with long-term health conditions
- People with physical disabilities
- Those living with dementia (early to moderate stages)
- Anyone preferring to stay at home rather than move to residential care
Services Typically Included
Home Care providers offer a comprehensive range of support services tailored to individual needs.
Personal Care
Help with washing, bathing, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene
Medication Support
Reminders and assistance with taking prescribed medications safely
Meal Preparation
Planning, shopping, cooking, and ensuring proper nutrition
Companionship
Social interaction, conversation, and emotional support
Light Housekeeping
Cleaning, laundry, tidying, and maintaining a safe home environment
Shopping & Errands
Grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, and running errands
Mobility Assistance
Help moving around the home safely, including transfers
Night Care
Overnight support for those who need assistance during the night
Respite Support
Temporary care to give family carers a well-deserved break
Specialist Care
Support for specific conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, or stroke recovery
Benefits of Home Care
Understanding the advantages can help you decide if home care is the right choice.
Stay at Home
Remain in familiar surroundings with your belongings, pets, and memories
Personalised Care
Care plans tailored specifically to your individual needs and preferences
Maintain Routines
Keep your daily schedule, hobbies, and social connections
One-to-One Attention
Dedicated focus from your carer during each visit
Family Involvement
Loved ones can remain closely involved in your care
Cost Effective
Often more affordable than residential care, especially for lower care needs
How to Get Started
A step-by-step guide to arranging home care for yourself or a loved one.
Assess Your Needs
Consider what help you need—personal care, medication support, companionship, or household tasks. Your GP or local council can help with a formal care needs assessment.
Search & Compare Providers
Use our directory to find CQC-registered home care providers in your area. Check ratings, read reviews, and compare services offered.
Contact Providers
Reach out to shortlisted providers to discuss your needs, ask questions, and request detailed information about their services and costs.
Care Assessment Visit
A care manager will visit your home to understand your needs, preferences, and create a personalised care plan.
Meet Your Carers
Where possible, meet the care workers who will be supporting you to ensure compatibility and build rapport.
Start Receiving Care
Begin your care package with regular reviews to ensure the support continues to meet your changing needs.
Costs & Funding Options
Understanding the costs involved and how home care can be funded.
Typical Costs
* Costs vary by location, provider, and level of care required. Contact providers for accurate quotes.
Funding Options
- Self-funding (private payment)
- Local council funding (following care needs assessment)
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (for complex medical needs)
- Attendance Allowance (benefit for those over State Pension age)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Direct Payments (council funding you manage yourself)
How to Choose the Right Provider
Key considerations to help you find a quality home care provider.
- •What is your CQC rating and when was your last inspection?
- •How do you match carers to clients?
- •What training do your care workers receive?
- •How do you handle emergencies or missed visits?
- •Can I meet my carers before care starts?
- •What happens if my regular carer is unwell?
- •How do you communicate with families?
- •What are your exact costs and what's included?
- CQC rating of 'Good' or 'Outstanding'
- Clear and transparent pricing
- Consistent care workers rather than rotating staff
- Comprehensive carer training programmes
- Good communication systems for families
- Flexibility to adjust care as needs change
- Positive reviews from current clients
- Reluctance to share CQC rating or inspection reports
- High staff turnover or inconsistent carers
- Vague pricing or hidden fees
- Poor communication or slow response times
- Unwillingness to accommodate specific requests
- Pressure to sign contracts quickly
Featured Home Care Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home care answered by our care experts.
Related Care Types
Explore other care options that might suit your needs.
Ready to Find Home Care?
Search our directory of CQC-registered providers or speak to our care advisors for free, impartial guidance.
Free, no-obligation support available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm