How to Arrange Home Care in Oxfordshire: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Arranging care at home can feel overwhelming, but with the right support in Oxfordshire you can create a safe, dignified plan that gives peace of mind.
Step 1: Recognise and Define the Need
Identify what support is needed
Think through the daily tasks your loved one struggles with: washing, dressing, using the toilet, mobility, meals, medication, light housework, companionship, mobility around the home, going out, etc.Assess how often and how intensively
Is it just a few hours a week? Or overnight/live-in care? Do the needs fluctuate (e.g. post-hospital discharge)? Are there times of emergency or decline to plan for?Get input from the person themselves (if able)
What matters to them: staying in their own home, maintaining independence, preserving routines, preserving privacy, the kind of person who comes in, etc.
Step 2: Funding, Costs and Eligibility
Everyone in Oxfordshire is entitled to a financial assessment through Oxfordshire County Council. This looks at your income, savings, and assets to determine if you qualify for support with care costs.
How it works: A council assessor reviews your finances alongside your care needs.
Eligibility: If you qualify, you can use any funding to pay for the provider of your choice.
If you don’t qualify: You can still arrange care privately, and many families choose to top up with additional services.
Costs to consider: Private care costs vary depending on type (hourly, overnight, live-in, clinical care), level of need, and provider. Make sure you understand all charges and any additional fees.
This step ensures you understand what financial help is available and have the flexibility to choose care that fits your loved one’s needs.
Step 3: Know Your Care Options
There are several types of home care available:
Visiting / Hourly Care – Carers visit at set times to help with personal care, medication, meals, home help, or companionship.
Overnight Care – A carer stays through the night to provide reassurance, support with continence, medication, or emergencies.
Live-in Care – A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support.
Companionship Care – Focused on social support, conversation, and reducing isolation.
Respite Care – Short-term cover when family carers need a break, after a hospital stay or post-op recovery
Clinical Care– Specialist support from carers trained to help with complex needs such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or palliative care.
Step 4: Choosing a Provider
Regulation & Quality
In England, home-care agencies must be registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Always check the provider is CQC-registered and see their reports. Oxfordshire has many local providers, like Home Instead. Some specialise is areas like Live-In care, Dementia care etc.Match with personal needs
Make sure carers are trained or experienced in relevant conditions (dementia, Parkinson’s, medication handling). Also consider personality matches (someone warm, patience, shared culture or language, etc.).Costs and contracts
Ask for clarity on pricing: hourly rates or live-in weekly cost, what’s included (travel, PPE, calls, standby, etc.), notice periods, pauses, extra shifts. Also check what parts the council will fund (if any) and what the family needs to pay. Ask for a assessment or consultation. Home Instead always offer free consultations.Trial period
If possible, begin with a trial or shorter term to see if the arrangement works. Assess flexibility, reliability, carers’ punctuality, communication, etc.
Step 5: Planning and Putting Care in Place
Once you’ve chosen a provider, the next step is to set up care smoothly.
Assessment & Care Plan – A detailed plan should be created covering daily tasks, medication, routines, and emergency procedures.
Contracts & Agreements – Sign a clear service agreement outlining costs, schedules, and what happens if a carer is unavailable. Ensure you’re absolutely clear on the terms of the agreement.
Introductions & Matching – Meet the carers where possible to ensure a good fit for personality and preferences.
First Visits – Begin with agreed hours or live-in support. Monitor how things are going and adjust quickly if needed.
Home Setup – Arrange any equipment, adaptations, or space needed for visiting or live-in carers.
Step 6: Monitoring, Reviewing, and Adjusting
Regular reviews
Needs can change. Perhaps care needed increases, or decreases. Request the provider reviews the care plan periodically to adjust.Open communication
Maintain communication between family, cared-for person, and care provider. Flag issues early (missed visits, quality concerns, changes in health).Back-ups/emergency plan
Ensure you’re clear on what the provider’s continuity plan is – what to do if a carer is unavailable (sickness, etc.). Also, how to respond to emergencies (falls, illness, extreme weather etc).Financial review
Keep track of costs, possible funding changes, re-assessment from council if finances or needs change.
Step 7: Staying Safe, Ensuring Quality
Check CQC reports of providers.
Safeguarding
Make sure the provider has policies in place, carers are DBS checked, trained in hygiene, handling emergencies.Respecting dignity and autonomy
Ensure the person’s preferences are respected: day-to-day routines, privacy, cultural or faith preferences, interactions.Feedback
Provide regular feedback (good or bad) to the provider. Many agencies have formal complaint or suggestion processes.
Key Points & Tips
Start early – Don’t wait for a crisis. Planning ahead ensures smoother arrangements and less stress.
Document everything – Keep records of assessments, care plans, contracts, visits, and invoices.
Focus on quality as well as cost – Cheaper isn’t always better; consistency, trust, and compatibility matter most.
Stay involved – Even if care is provided by professionals, families often play a key role in coordinating and monitoring care.
Be flexible – Care needs can change; your plan should be adaptable.
Take advantage of free, expert guidance – Home Instead offers obligation-free advice and supportto anyone starting their care journey. This includes guidance on:
Understanding care options (hourly, live-in, overnight, clinical care, respite, companionship)
Navigating financial assessments and eligibility
Creating care plans and contracts
Matching carers to personal preferences
Reviewing and adjusting care over time
Supporting families and loved ones through each step
Home Instead’s support is available to anyone exploring home care — whether you choose our services or not — helping families make informed decisions with confidence.
Home Instead offers free, obligation-free advice to anyone exploring home care. Speak to a friendly member of our team to understand your options, plan the right support, and make confident, informed decisions for your loved one’s care.
Get expert guidance today