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Home care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you to stay independent in your own home for longer.
Home care near you
Use our directory to find local home care agencies anywhere across the UK.
Find home care agencies
Carers & caring
Learn about the benefits, support and rights you have as a carer to help you through this difficult time.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Financing care
Learn about funding options for home care, home adaptations and care homes, together with Attendance Allowance, gifting assets and Power of Attorney.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Housing options
Consider your options and learn about sheltered housing, retirement villages and care homes.
Care homes and support at home near you
Use our directory to find local care homes, home care agencies and carer support services across the UK.
Find care services
End of life
Guidance to help you through the emotional and practical steps of losing a loved one, from coping with bereavement to arranging a funeral.
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From writing your will, to setting up your Power of Attorney, Which? is here to help you make important decisions for your future.
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Care services directory

Organising home care

Many older people live independently with the help of family, friends and professional carers. Explore the different types of home care and how to arrange it.

Domiciliary care options

5 min read

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?

2 min read

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

2 min read

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

3 min read

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

3 min read

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

4 min read

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

4 min read

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

4 min read

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

4 min read

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.

How to employ private carers

6 min read

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

6 min read

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.
Real-life stories
Hall's story
70 | STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Read Hall’s story about arranging home care for his mother, Doris, to allow her to remain living independently in her own home.
David's story
NORTH LONDON
Read David’s story about arranging live-in care for his aunt, and how the family ensured she received the best support, particularly when carers changed.
See more real-life stories
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Care costs in your area
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost in England and what financial support is available.

Further reading

Paying for home care

We explain the options for paying for care at home, from local authority support to paying for it yourself, known as ...

Domiciliary care fees

Find out about home care fees and how they can vary according to where you live in the UK, as well as the type of care ...

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