“My Family Helping Your Family”
Let’s Talk About Care
When someone you love starts needing extra support, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? Who do you talk to? What should you expect?
This guide is here to make that journey easier — to help you understand your options both practically and emotionally.
Care isn’t about losing independence. It’s about living safely, confidently, and with dignity.
“We don’t provide care to people — we walk with them.”
1. What Is Care — and When Might It Be Needed?
Care isn’t only for older adults or those at the end of life. It’s for anyone who needs help to live well and stay independent.
You might consider care when:
- Everyday tasks like washing, dressing, or cooking become difficult
- Family carers feel exhausted or need a break
- There’s been a fall, hospital stay, or health change
- Someone feels lonely or unsafe at home
Types of Care
- Home (Domiciliary) Care: Support visits in your own home for help with daily activities.
- Live-in Care: A carer lives in the home to provide 24-hour support and companionship.
- Respite Care: Short-term care to relieve family carers.
- Supported Living: For people who want independence with some daily help.
- Palliative / End-of-Life Care: Focused on comfort, dignity, and emotional support.
Key Point: Even a few hours of care a week can make a significant difference to wellbeing and independence.
2. Understanding Care Funding
Money worries often delay families from seeking help — but there are options.
Main Funding Routes in England
| Type of Funding |
Who Qualifies |
What It Covers |
| Local Authority Funding |
Savings below £23,250 |
Part or full payment after a care and financial assessment. Some councils offer Direct Payments so you can choose your provider. |
| NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) |
Significant health-based needs |
All care costs covered by the NHS. Not means-tested but requires assessment. |
| Private / Self-Funded |
Savings above £23,250 |
You pay directly but retain full control over your chosen care provider and package. |
You may still qualify for additional help:
- Attendance Allowance (for people over 65 who need regular help)
- Carer’s Allowance (for unpaid family carers)
- Disability Living Allowance or PIP
- Council Tax reduction
Helpful Links and Resources
If you’re unsure where to start, these trusted sources can guide you through assessments and funding:
Every person is entitled to a free care needs assessment from their local council.
3. Choosing the Right Care Provider
Choosing the right provider is about trust, quality, and consistency — not just cost.
Questions to Ask:
- Are they CQC-registered and rated Good or Outstanding?
- How do they recruit, train, and supervise their carers?
- Will they involve you in designing the care plan?
- Can the service adapt as needs change?
- Will the same carers visit regularly?
“You’re not just paying for time — you’re investing in peace of mind.”
Key Point: Ask for a trial visit or meeting. Comfort and connection matter just as much as experience.
4. The Emotional Side of Care
Care is both practical and deeply emotional. It involves adjustment for everyone involved.
For Families:
It’s normal to feel uncertain or guilty — you’re still caring, just differently.
For Your Loved One:
Involve them in every decision. Participation helps maintain dignity and confidence.
For Carers:
Consistency and open communication build trust. Often, kindness and patience matter more than any checklist.
“Care doesn’t take independence away — it restores confidence.”
5. Your Rights and Your Voice
Everyone receiving care has the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Choose their own provider
- Have regular reviews and updates
- Raise concerns without fear
- Access advocacy if communication is difficult
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up early.
Good providers listen and act quickly.
For independent advice:
6. Family Tools and Checklists
Top 10 Questions to Ask a Care Provider
- Are you CQC-registered and what is your rating?
- How do you recruit and train your carers?
- Who supervises daily quality?
- Can care be adjusted if needs change?
- What emergency cover is in place?
- How will my family be kept informed?
- Can we meet carers before care begins?
- What’s included in your pricing?
- How are complaints handled?
- Can you provide references or testimonials?
Before Your Care Assessment — Prepare the Following:
- Medication and medical condition list
- GP and hospital contact details
- Daily routines and preferences
- Mobility or safety concerns
- Cultural or religious needs
- Financial details for assessment
Preparation saves time and ensures your loved one’s needs are clearly understood.
7. Final Thoughts: Care Is Love in Action
Choosing care is one of the most personal and emotional decisions a family will ever make — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Take time to explore your options.
Ask questions.
Seek support.
Care delivered with compassion transforms lives — not just for those receiving it, but for the families who can finally rest, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.
“Great care isn’t just what we do — it’s how we make people feel.”
