How to choose and arrange home care services

Home care can provide an excellent, cost-effective alternative to care homes that is helpful for those looking for additional support with everything from personal care to medical care, so if you are currently looking into the home care options available to you in the UK, you’re in the right place. 

At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global home care network, supporting over 100,000 seniors with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about arranging home care services, we can help. 

As a rough estimate, according to research in 2022 from the Nuffield Trust, in the UK: 

The above figures are estimates, however there is thought to be a disparity in the cost of care for those self-funding it versus those being funded by their local authority. The government has discussed plans to require councils to pay providers higher fees for care according to the Fair Cost of Care Policy. This is in the process of being implemented, and should make the cost of care more equal for all. 

The above options may be helpful for you depending on your specific needs and medical requirements. There are a number of different people and organisations who can provide this care for you, including:

• Family: Sometimes families may provide care services to an elderly individual on either a part-time or full-time basis, and may be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance from the government which can benefit them financially, while allowing them to spend more time with their loved one. 

Many people prefer to be looked after by a loved one as they feel more comfortable with them. On the other hand, some prefer to keep their care needs and family separate, so their family does not become overwhelmed with the responsibility, or have to give up their jobs or interests. Family members may also lack the qualifications or experience to provide specialised care needs such as medication. 

• Private carers: Hiring a private carer can be helpful. They may also be referred to as a self-employed carer or personal care assistant. This could offer more control over what care you need and want, and possibly more control over your budget. 

However, keep in mind that hiring a private carer means you effectively become an employer, which comes with financial and legal responsibilities. This also means, should your private carer take time off, you must source a replacement yourself rather than having an agency do this for you. You must also check the private carer’s qualifications and experience – private carers are not usually monitored by care regulators in the UK, so you may need to look into their background yourself.

• Agency carers: There are many agencies in the UK offering paid-for home care options, and these organisations provide a flexible alternative to entering a care home – you can read more about the benefits of home care vs care homes here. Whether you need full-time, live-in care, someone to pop in a few hours a week to help with everyday tasks, or something in between, an agency can listen to your specific needs, and will involve you in the discussion about the exact level of care and schedule that works for you. 

Agency care – like the service we provide at Home Instead – can offer the likes of companionship, home help, personal care, night care, respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, cancer support, palliative care, postoperative and recovery care, arthritis and mobility care, vital signs monitoring, diabetes monitoring, and much more. Whatever your needs, they can usually provide a flexible, person-centred care package to suit you.

The home care service may ask questions such as: 

• What care needs do you believe you have? 
• What equipment, if any, do you currently use?
• Do you have any medical conditions, history, or take any medications that are relevant to your care? 
• What dietary requirements or preferences do you have? 
• Do you have any religious or cultural needs they should be aware of?
• Do you have other carers or family members who are involved in supporting your needs at home? 
• Who has authority to make decisions on your behalf? Do they have a Power of Attorney?
  

You may want to ask questions too, and you should be encouraged to do so. If you are unsure what to ask, here are some that could be useful: 

• How often will people be in your home? And will it always be the same home care worker each time?
• What happens if a carer takes time off or is off sick for any reason?
• What would happen in a medical emergency?
• How are carers recruited to the organisation? How do they check their qualifications and experience? How extensive are their background checks?
• Is there a contract to sign?
• How do they match clients and carers? If you do not get along with a carer, can you request a change? 
• When it comes to finances, how much will the service cost? How will this be charged? Are there any hidden costs to know about, such as VAT?
• How do I contact the agency? Are there specific opening hours? 
• Is there a trial period before the service officially starts?
• As your needs change, can the service adapt easily? 
• What if there is something you are not comfortable with the care worker doing? 
• Who has access to your medical and care records?

You may wish to arrange visits with several home care organisations in order to find the best fit for you. Remember, you should feel comfortable asking as many questions as you like, and never be pressured into continuing with a service that you are not happy with. Research ahead of time with a trusted friend or family member who can advocate for you, and don’t be afraid to make your needs and preferences clear. 

For many home care providers – including the service we provide at Home Instead – bespoke and personalised care is the priority, so your needs and desires should always be taken into consideration. By voicing what is on your mind, your home care service can ensure you get exactly the care that works best for you. 

At Home Instead, we understand there’s no place like home, so our home care offering aims to help elderly individuals retain independence and stay in familiar surroundings. We offer a number of bespoke services which can be tailored to your needs, and our Care Professionals are highly trained to deliver the individualised service you need. Reach out to the team at Home Instead to learn more.

We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.