Considering Care at Home for the First Time
Discover how Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe supports families exploring home care for the first time, practical tips for creating a safe, caring home enviroment
Understanding Home Care
Home care (sometimes called domiciliary care) is a flexible way to receive support while staying in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
Visits can be as little as four hours a week or as much as full 24-hour assistance, including waking or sleeping nights — always planned around your family’s routine.
Because every person and family is different, we take time to understand your situation and build a care plan that feels right. Our visits are never rushed, always at least one hour long, giving our Care Professionals time to provide thoughtful, unhurried support.
We can help with:
- Meal preparation
- Medication prompts and mobility support
- Companionship, conversation and everyday reassurance
- Shopping, appointments, and trips to favourite places
- Personal care, bathing and dressing with dignity and respect
- Support around the home — light cleaning, laundry, and home organisation
Each client has a dedicated Client Lead as their personal contact, and families can view digital daily care
Specialist Home Care
Our experienced Care Professionals are trained in supporting people living with:
- Dementia and memory loss
- Stroke recovery
- Cancer care
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- and many other complex or life-limiting conditions.
We know these conditions affect every person differently, so our approach is always individualised. We work closely with GPs, District Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Macmillan and Speech & Language specialists, ensuring joined-up, compassionate care that adapts as needs change.
When a Little More Help Is Needed
Sometimes, after an illness, fall, or hospital stay, a short period of extra care is required. Our respite live-in care packages offer a perfect bridge, whether for recovery, while permanent arrangements are being made, or to give a family carer time to rest.
A live-in Care Professional stays in your home, providing one-to-one care and companionship throughout the day and night. Many families find this offers reassurance, continuity, and a genuine alternative to a care home.
Live-in care is also ideal for end-of-life support, allowing your loved one to stay where they feel safe and comfortable, surrounded by family and familiar memories. We work in close partnership with community nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure comfort, dignity, and peace at every stage.
The Time to Care
One of the things families value most about Home Instead is that we truly have the time to care.
Because our visits are never rushed, we can build real relationships — learning how each client likes their breakfast, when they prefer to get up, or how they like to spend their afternoons. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a trip to the garden centre, or simply sharing stories over a cup of tea, we take time to make every moment meaningful.
Real Stories, Real Support
When Bernard was recovering after surgery, his family wanted him home as soon as possible. Within 24 hours, our team had coordinated his discharge, arranged daily visits, and supported his wife with household tasks. Over time, his care reduced as his strength returned and now, he and his wife enjoy the familiar routine of home life once more.
For Roger, hourly visits gave him the independence to stay at home. His Care Professional helps him start his day, prepare meals, and keeps him company on short walks and Sunday trips to church. It’s not just care — it’s companionship and continuity.
Every story is different, but the goal is always the same: helping people live well, their way, at home.
Creating a Caring Environment at Home
When someone you love needs extra support, safety becomes just as important as care. A few simple changes can make a big difference in confidence and independence. For example, clear pathways in living spaces, good lighting, and non-slip mats in the bathroom can help prevent falls — one of the most common home hazards for older adults.
You could also consider a toilet seat riser, a toilet frame, grab rails near the shower, or a stool for resting.
In the kitchen, store everyday items at waist height to avoid stretching or bending. Adding under-cabinet lighting improves visibility when preparing meals. My Gran used to have a sturdy chair for resting during longer tasks in the kitchen — in her later days, she would sit and direct us from it!
Think of it as creating a home that feels welcoming and secure. Motion-activated lights in hallways and easy-to-reach storage aren’t just practical; they give peace of mind to everyone. These thoughtful touches mean your loved one can move around safely while still enjoying the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Understanding Funding
We know that arranging care can feel complicated, especially when it comes to funding. Whether you’re a self-funder (private pay) or you qualify for financial assistance from the Council, we can help guide and signpost you.
If you’ve needed help or supervision for six months or more because of your condition and receive the State Pension, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance — currently £73.90 per week at the lower rate. Your income or savings don’t affect your eligibility.
If your savings are below £23,250, you may qualify for Direct Payments or a Personal Budget from your local Council. These can be used to arrange care directly through providers like Home Instead. If your savings are above this amount, you may still be entitled to partial support.
You may also be eligible for other benefits, such as:
- Council Tax discounts for people living with dementia
- Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Permit)
- Free or discounted public transport
- Free TV licence (for those aged 75 and over)
There are many other forms of support you could be entitled to. Organisations such as Age UK provide easy-to-use benefits calculators and up-to-date information to help you check what’s available.
Next Steps
If you’re exploring care at home for the first time, please know you don’t have to work it out alone. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand the options — from a few hours a week to live-in or end-of-life care.
📞 Call us for a friendly chat: 0161 870 1136
📍 Visit us: The Parflo Building, Huxley Street, Altrincham WA14 5EL (behind B&Q)
Together, we can help you stay safe, supported, and independent in the home you love.
Areas We Serve
Wythenshawe, Woodhouse Park, Benchill, Sharston, Northenden, Moss Nook, Peel Hall, Baguley
Brooklands, Sale, Ashton upon Mersey, Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Broadheath, Timperley
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