Organising home care

If you’re finding it difficult to carry out personal care routines – such as washing or dressing – domiciliary care can provide the extra support that you need.

Choosing a home care agency

2 min read

If you’re searching for care at home, use our step-by-step guide to help you decide how to get the best help for your needs.

How are home care services provided?

Home care services can be provided by a range of organisations or even private individuals. We talk you through the options.

Pros and cons of home care services

Domiciliary care services could allow you to live independently with peace of mind. Read the pros and cons to see if it’s right for you.

Getting assistance from your local authority

Many older people are eligible for help with their care needs from their local authority. Find out about the needs assessment and professional support.

Live-in care

Live-in care enables you to stay in your own home rather than move to a care home. Find out how live-in care works and if it could suit you.

Pros and cons of having live-in carers

Live-in care can be a good option if you wish to stay living in your own home, but factors such as space and compatibility need to be considered.

Questions to ask a home care agency

Here is a list of questions to ask a home care agency. Get all the answers you need and enlist the help of a family member or friend if you can.

Quality and regulation of care providers

National regulators check care providers in the UK: we explain who they are, their minimum standards and the process of care service inspections.

Home help and other support

If you’re thinking of getting home help, find out about the different home help services available and how to choose the right one to suit your needs.

Introductory care agencies and service brokers

Introduction agencies introduce carers to older people. Training and background checks are provided, but you employ the carer directly.

How to employ private carers

We offer guidance on choosing and interviewing potential personal care assistants, with information about the legal issues and financial matters.

Meeting and interviewing potential private carers

2 min read

We give you a list of questions to ask when hiring a personal care assistant or home help to provide care in later life.

Occupational therapy

If you have had an accident or illness, an occupational therapist can help you to regain your confidence. We explain how occupational therapy works.

Physiotherapy

5 min read

Older people may suffer from many conditions that physiotherapists can help with. Learn how a physio could help you and how to find one.

LGBT: making the best home care decisions for you

We explore how to find a home care service that works for you if you’re lesbian, gay, bi and/or trans. And if you’re worried about being treated differently, know that the law is on your side.

Finding home care for someone who doesn't speak English

Finding the right home care for a non-English speaker can be a challenge – here are our tips on overcoming it.

Making home care decisions that reflect your faith