What is home care and who is it for?

Home care, sometimes called domiciliary care, means paid carers visit you in your own home to help with everyday tasks. It can help people stay independent at home for longer.

What home care can help with

• Getting up, washing and dressing
• Going to the toilet and continence care
• Preparing meals and drinks
• Reminders to take medicines, or help taking them
• Light housework and shopping
• Company and getting out and about

Visits can be short, at set times of day, or longer. Some services offer live-in care.

Who it suits

Home care can suit someone who:

• Wants to stay in their own home
• Needs help at particular times of day
• Is safe on their own between visits

If someone needs help at many times of the day and night, or is not safe alone, a care home may be a better fit. See home care or a care home.

How to arrange it

• Through the council. Ask for a care needs assessment. If the person is eligible, the council may arrange or fund home care, after a financial assessment.
• Privately. You can contact home care agencies directly.

Check the agency

Home care agencies in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Check the agency’s rating and read its latest report on the CQC website.

Home care from Cedar House

Christian Care Homes runs a home care service, Cedar House - The Annex, registered with the CQC at Cedar House in Stanford-le-Hope. The CQC rated it Good overall. Read about home care from Cedar House - The Annex, or call 07710 089858.