Essential Information for Choosing Home Care

Choosing Care for a Loved One is Stressful

Unfortunately, it is.

The prospect of paying for domiciliary care is something few of us want to think about. Care services are often referred to as a “distress purchase”—something we have to buy but wish we didn’t. However, many people find that the hardest part of arranging home care is not the cost but the difficulty of finding reliable information. A 2014 survey by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found that choosing care (whether home or residential) for a loved one was more stressful than buying a house or going through a divorce. While the stress of the decision cannot be eliminated, access to clear and trustworthy information can certainly make things easier.

The challenge of finding reliable information should not be surprising. Care providers, like any other service providers, can sometimes be reluctant to openly share detailed insights. There has historically been an attitude that expertise in any field, including social care, is exclusive—something reserved for those in the profession. Fortunately, this is changing, and there are now many sources of information available to help you make informed decisions.

Where Can I Find Information?

This article primarily focuses on domiciliary (home) care but occasionally references residential care where relevant. It won’t answer every question, but it will direct you to reliable sources. The health and social care landscape can feel overwhelming, and having too much information can be just as unhelpful as having too little. The key is to focus on the information that is most relevant to your specific needs.

Here are some valuable resources:

• Homecare.co.uk – A good starting point for finding domiciliary care providers in your area. By entering your location, you can access a list of local providers along with customer reviews.
• Carehome.co.uk – The companion site to Homecare.co.uk, this resource is specifically for residential care.
• Age UK – Provides a comprehensive range of information on care options, funding, and local support services. You can search for your nearest Age UK branch via their website or call their helpline.
• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) – The regulatory body for all health and social care services in England. You can use the CQC website to look up inspection reports on any registered provider, helping you assess their quality and reliability.
• The Homecare Association (formerly UKHCA) – A professional body representing home care providers. Their website contains information on providers, though it is largely industry-focused.

Who Pays for Home Care?

Home care is typically funded in one of three ways:

1. Self-funded – You pay for care yourself.
2. Local authority-funded – Social services may cover the cost based on an assessment of your needs and financial situation.
3. Partially funded – You may receive partial support from social services but still need to contribute.
4. NHS Continuing Care – Non-means tested funding may be available through the NHS.

To qualify for social services funding, you must undergo:

• A Needs Assessment – Conducted by your local authority to determine whether you have eligible care needs.
• A Financial Assessment (Means Test) – This evaluates your income and savings to determine if you qualify for funding. Unlike residential care, your home is not included in this calculation.

If you are eligible for support, you will be allocated a personal budget, which can be managed by social services or received as a direct payment, allowing you to arrange your own care.

How Much Does Home Care Cost?

If you qualify for full local authority funding, you may not have to pay anything. If you choose to receive a direct payment or self-fund your care, costs will vary depending on location and provider rates. The Homecare Association estimates that the minimum cost of delivering one hour of home care is currently around £25 to £30, though prices may be higher depending on demand and additional services required. Remember, this is a minimum cost.

Can I Choose the Time of My Care Visits?

This is one of the most important concerns for people receiving home care. If you are paying for a service, you would expect to receive care at a time that suits you. However, demand for care at peak times (e.g., 8:00 AM for morning assistance) often exceeds the availability of carers.

If a provider has 20 carers available for 8:00 AM calls but 25 clients requesting that time, some individuals may need to accept alternative slots. If timing is a priority for you, you may need to explore multiple providers to find one that can accommodate your preferred schedule.

What Questions Should I Ask a Home Care Provider?

While not exhaustive, here are key questions to consider:

• CQC Report – Has the provider been rated by the CQC? What does their most recent inspection report say?
• Continuity of Care – Will you have the same carers regularly, or will they frequently change?
• Missed Calls – How does the provider handle situations where a carer does not arrive as scheduled?
• Carer Availability – How does the provider manage staff absences due to illness or holidays?
• Client References – Can they provide contact details for existing clients willing to share their experiences?

Accessing the Right Information

Understanding home care can feel like trying to decipher an exclusive professional language. While this guide cannot cover everything, it should give you a solid foundation. If you have any further questions, my team and I are happy to help.