Not sure where to start arranging care for a parent? This guide covers who to contact, how much home care costs, which benefits can help, and what to do this week.
Help for the elderly at home comes from three main places: the council, the NHS, and private care agencies. Start with a free care needs assessment from your local Adult Social Services team, then look at paid home care if your parent needs more support.
What kind of help for the elderly at home is available?
Councils offer help through Adult Social Services, based on a care needs assessment under the Care Act 2014.
The NHS offers free support for health needs, such as district nurses or equipment loans.
Charities like Age UK and Carers UK offer advice, befriending, and local support groups.
Private home care agencies provide paid help with washing, dressing, meals, and company.
And don’t forget informal help. Neighbours, community groups, and local churches often fill in the gaps.
How do I get a care needs assessment?
Call your parent’s local council and ask for Adult Social Services. Say you’d like to request a care needs assessment.
A social worker will ask about daily tasks: washing, dressing, cooking, mobility, and memory.
They’ll assess in person or by phone, usually within a few weeks. In urgent cases, it can happen faster.
Be honest and specific. Describe a bad day, not a good one, so the assessment reflects real need.
Our guide to arranging home care in England walks through this process step by step.
What’s free and what you’ll likely pay for?
NHS help is free. This includes district nursing, equipment, and NHS Continuing Healthcare for people with serious health needs.
Council help is means-tested. If your parent has savings over £23,250, they’ll likely pay in full.
Below that threshold, the council may contribute, based on income and assets.
Private care, arranged without the council, is paid for entirely by the family or the person needing care.
How much does home care cost per week?
Costs vary by region and type of care. Here’s a rough guide for England.
| Type of care | What it covers | Typical weekly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting care (1-2 visits a day) | Help with meals, medication, personal care | £450–£700 |
| Visiting care (3-4 visits a day) | More frequent support for higher needs | £700–£1,100 |
| Live-in care | Full-time carer in the home | £900–£1,600 |
| Council-funded care (means-tested) | Varies by local authority rates | £0–£300 (contribution) |
See our full breakdown in In-Home Care for Elderly: A Complete Guide to Domiciliary Care Services.
What benefits and funding can help cover costs?
Attendance Allowance is paid to people over State Pension age who need help with personal care. It’s not means-tested.
NHS Continuing Healthcare covers full care costs for people with complex health needs. Ask the NHS for an assessment if your parent has serious ongoing conditions.
A Disabled Facilities Grant from the council can pay for home adaptations, like a stairlift or wet room.
Local authority support, once assessed, can also cover part of the weekly care bill.
What questions should I ask before choosing a home care provider?
Check the provider’s CQC (Care Quality Commission) rating before you call. Look for “Good” or “Outstanding.”
- What’s your CQC rating, and can I read the last report?
- Will the same carer visit each time?
- What training do carers get, and is it ongoing?
- What happens if a carer is sick or on holiday?
- What’s included in the price, and what costs extra?
- Is there a minimum contract length, and how do I end it?
Our guide on what an in-home caregiver does helps you match tasks to the right level of care.
Rising Star Care Solutions is happy to answer these questions directly if you’re comparing providers.
What to do this week
Three steps get things moving fast.
- Call the council and request a care needs assessment for your parent.
- While you wait, list your parent’s daily struggles, so you’re ready for the call.
- Contact a CQC-rated home care agency, like Rising Star Care Solutions, to ask about costs and availability.
If your parent needs a short break rather than ongoing care, read our guide to respite care in England.
And if you’re feeling guilty about bringing in help, this piece on bringing in a home caregiver may bring some comfort.
Common questions
Who do I contact first if my parent needs help at home?Call the council and ask for Adult Social Services. They’ll arrange a free care needs assessment.
Is a council care needs assessment free?Yes. The assessment is always free under the Care Act 2014, even if the care itself is means-tested.
How much does home care cost per week in England?Visiting care runs £450 to £700 a week. Live-in care costs £900 to £1,600 a week.
Can Attendance Allowance help pay for a carer?Yes. It’s not means-tested and can go straight towards care costs.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?Free NHS-funded care for people with serious ongoing health needs. Ask for an assessment if your parent qualifies.
What should I ask a home care agency before choosing them?Ask about their CQC rating, staff continuity, training, and what’s included in the price.
Key points
- Contact your council’s Adult Social Services team for a free care needs assessment.
- Council-funded help is means-tested; NHS help is free but has strict criteria.
- Home care costs roughly £20 to £30 an hour, or £900 to £1,600 a week for live-in care.
- Attendance Allowance and Disabled Facilities Grants can help cover costs without a means test on income.
- Always check a provider’s CQC rating and ask about staff continuity before signing a contract.
- This week: call the council, request an assessment, and shortlist a CQC-rated agency.
Filed under