When a family member starts to struggle at home, it can be a worrying time. You want to help, but you also want them to keep their independence and stay in the place they love most. That is exactly why home care exists, and it is what we have built Care Sante around.
We have put this guide together to answer the questions we hear most often from families across the UK. What is home care? How does it work? How is it funded? And how do you find a provider you can actually trust? Whether you are just starting to explore your options or are ready to arrange care, we hope this helps.
What Is Home Care?
Home care, sometimes called domiciliary care or care at home, is professional support delivered to someone in their own home rather than in a care home or hospital setting. It allows adults of all ages to remain where they feel comfortable and safe, with a trained carer coming to them rather than the other way around.
Home care can involve a carer visiting once a day or several times throughout the day. It can mean having someone there around the clock. Or it can mean a dedicated carer moving in with the person altogether. The shape of the support depends entirely on what the individual needs.
At Care Sante, we work with adults who have physical, cognitive and mental health challenges, those living with long-term conditions like dementia or cancer, people recovering from a brain injury, and those approaching the end of life. Every single care plan we create is built around the person, not around what is easiest for us to deliver.
Worth knowing:
Domiciliary care is simply another term for home care. Both refer to professional support delivered in a person’s own home. You will see both terms used throughout this guide and across the care industry.
Who Is Home Care For?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked, and the honest answer is that home care is for anyone who needs a bit of extra support to live well at home. That could mean:
- An older adult who needs help with personal care, meals or getting around the house
- Someone who has received a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis
- A person living with a long-term condition such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or cancer
- Someone recovering at home following a stroke, a fall, or a stay in hospital
- A person with a physical disability or a mental health condition that affects day-to-day life
- A family carer who needs a short break, which is what we call respite care
- Someone approaching the end of life who wants to remain at home
Home care is not just for older people either. We support adults of working age with disabilities and complex needs who simply want to live as independently as possible. Whatever the situation, our starting point is always the same: what matters most to this person, and how do we help them achieve it.
The Different Types of Home Care
Home care is not a single service. It covers a wide range of support, and a good provider will help you work out which type fits the individual’s needs best. Here is a straightforward breakdown of what is available:
Visiting Home Care
This is the most common form of home care in the UK. A care worker visits the client at agreed times throughout the day, for anything from a 30-minute call to several visits across the day and evening. It is ideal for someone who is broadly independent but needs a helping hand at certain points, whether that is getting up and dressed in the morning, taking medication, or having a hot meal in the evening.
Our visiting care teams are local, which matters. They know the area, and they get to know the person. That familiarity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of good care.
Live-In Care
Live-in care means a professional carer moves into the client’s home to provide support around the clock. It is a genuine alternative to a care home for people who have more complex needs but want to stay at home. For couples where one partner needs intensive support, it also means they can stay together in the home they share.
We carefully match each client with a live-in carer who fits their personality, preferences and routine. This is not just about skills, it is about finding the right person.
24-Hour Care
24-hour care involves a team of carers working in shifts to ensure someone is always present in the home. Unlike live-in care, where one carer lives with the client full time, 24-hour care typically means two or more carers rotating day and night shifts.
This is the right option for people who need constant supervision, have complex medical needs, or where safety is a significant concern if they are left alone.
Respite Care
Family carers do an incredible job, but caring for a loved one is demanding and everyone needs a break sometimes. Respite care means a professional carer steps in temporarily so that the family carer can rest, travel, or attend to their own health and wellbeing.
Respite care can be arranged as visiting care or live-in care depending on what the individual needs while their usual carer is away.
Dementia Care at Home
Living well with dementia is absolutely possible, particularly when the right support is in place. Our carers who work with dementia clients receive specialist training, and they understand the importance of routine, familiar surroundings, and calm, patient communication.
Keeping someone with dementia at home, surrounded by their own belongings, memories and familiar smells, can make a significant difference to their wellbeing. It is something we feel very strongly about at Care Sante.
Reablement
Reablement is short-term, intensive support designed to help someone get back on their feet after a period of illness, a fall, or a hospital stay. Rather than doing everything for the person, our reablement carers work alongside them to rebuild their confidence and independence.
Reablement is often arranged by the local authority following hospital discharge, typically for a period of up to six weeks. The aim is to help the person regain as much independence as possible before any longer-term care is put in place.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
For those with a life-limiting diagnosis, staying at home with the people they love is often what matters most. Our palliative care teams provide compassionate, dignified support that focuses on comfort and quality of life, working closely with NHS and hospice services to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
We are privileged to be trusted by families during these times, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
What Does a Home Carer Actually Do?
We find that families often have a clearer picture of what a carer does once they have seen it in action. In practical terms, our care workers can support with:
Personal care: Help with bathing, showering, washing, dressing, oral hygiene, continence care and toileting.
Medication support: Prompting clients to take their medication or administering it where our carer is trained and authorised to do so.
Meal preparation: Planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks that reflect the client’s tastes, dietary needs and hydration requirements.
Domestic tasks: Light housework, laundry, ironing and keeping the home safe and comfortable.
Mobility support: Helping with moving around the home, transfers, and the safe use of mobility aids.
Companionship: Meaningful conversation, social interaction and emotional support. Loneliness is a real and serious concern, and a good carer makes a genuine difference here.
Getting out and about: Supporting clients to attend appointments, visit friends and family, or take part in activities they enjoy in their local community.
Specialist clinical support: Carers with additional training can assist with stoma care, catheter care, PEG feeding and other clinical tasks where needed.
How Is Home Care Funded in the UK?
Funding is often the thing that feels most confusing when families first start looking into home care. The good news is that there are several routes available, and it is worth exploring all of them before assuming everything needs to be paid for privately.
Local Authority Funding
Anyone who thinks they might need care has the right to request a needs assessment from their local council. This assessment looks at what support the person needs and whether they are eligible for council-funded care under the Care Act 2014.
If eligible, a means test will determine how much the individual is expected to contribute based on their income and savings. Those with assets above the threshold will be expected to fund some or all of their own care, but it is always worth going through the assessment process first.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for people with complex, ongoing health needs. If someone qualifies, the NHS covers the full cost of their care, including home care, and there is no means test involved.
The assessment process for CHC can feel complicated, and eligibility is not always straightforward. We would encourage families to ask their GP or hospital consultant about CHC if they feel it might apply, and to consider seeking independent advice if needed.
Direct Payments
If someone is assessed as eligible for local authority funding, they may choose to receive a Direct Payment instead of having the council arrange services on their behalf. This gives the individual and their family more control over who provides their care and how it is delivered, as long as the assessed needs are being met.
Private Funding
Many of the families we work with fund their own care privately, either because they do not qualify for local authority or NHS support, or because they prefer the flexibility that comes with choosing their own provider. We are transparent about our costs from the outset and will always give you a full breakdown before any care begins.
Our advice to families:
Always request a needs assessment from your local authority before assuming you need to fund care privately. You may well be entitled to some support, even if you have savings or own a property.
If you are unsure where to start, give us a call. We are happy to talk through your options and point you in the right direction, even if you are not yet ready to arrange care with us.
How Much Does Home Care Cost in the UK?
Home care costs vary depending on where you live, what type of support is needed, and how many hours are required. As a general guide for 2026:
- Visiting home care typically costs between £20 and £35 per hour, depending on location and complexity
- Live-in care generally ranges from £1,000 to £1,800 per week for a single client
- 24-hour care costs vary based on the number of carers and the level of support required
Rates tend to be higher in London and the South East than in other parts of the country. Some local authorities will also contribute towards or cover costs in full for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
We will always be upfront with you about what our services cost and what is included. If you have any questions about fees, just ask us.
How to Choose a Home Care Provider
Choosing a home care provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and it is not one to rush. Here are the things we think matter most:
Check their CQC rating
All home care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator for health and social care. Before you commit to anyone, look them up on the CQC website. A rating of Good or Outstanding is what you are looking for.
Ask about staff training and vetting
Find out how carers are recruited, what checks are carried out, and what training they receive. At Care Sante, all of our care workers complete recognised health and social care training and are thoroughly vetted, including enhanced DBS checks, before they work with any of our clients.
Look for consistency
Continuity of care matters enormously, particularly for people living with dementia or complex needs. Ask whether the same carers will visit regularly and what happens if a carer is unwell or on holiday. Chopping and changing carers is not good for anyone.
Expect a proper care plan
A good provider will take time to get to know the individual before any care begins. They will ask about preferences, routines, goals and what matters most to the person. The care plan should be built around the individual, not just ticked off a list.
Look for genuine transparency
You should always know what is happening with your loved one’s care. We use a digital care management system that gives families access to care notes, schedules and updates through an online Family Portal. Peace of mind should not be something you have to chase.
Pay attention to values
A provider’s culture tells you a lot about the quality of care you can expect. Ask how they look after their own staff. At Care Sante, we genuinely believe that when we look after our team well, they deliver better care to our clients. It is not a slogan, it is something we work at every day.
What Happens When You First Get in Touch With Us
We know that reaching out for the first time can feel like a big step. Here is what the process looks like with us:
- We will have a conversation with you to understand the situation and what kind of support might help.
- One of our assessors will visit the home to discuss needs and preferences in more detail.
- We will put together a personalised care plan with you, shaped around what matters most to the individual.
- We will match the client with care workers who are a good fit for their personality, routines and preferences.
- We agree a start date together. If the situation is urgent, we will do everything we can to get care in place quickly.
- Care begins, and we review it regularly to make sure it continues to meet the person’s needs as things change over time.
We want families to feel genuinely supported throughout this process, not just when the paperwork is signed. If you have questions at any stage, we are here.Home Care vs a Care Home: How Do You Decide?
It is a question we are asked regularly, and the honest answer is that it depends entirely on the individual. Both options have their place. What we would say is this: the majority of people, when asked, say they want to stay at home for as long as possible. Home care makes that possible for many more people than families often realise.
| Home Care | Care Home |
|---|---|
| Stay in familiar surroundings | Purpose-built supervised environment |
| Care built entirely around the individual | Group routines and activities |
| Greater independence and personal choice | On-site staff available at all times |
| Family can visit freely at home | Can offer a sense of community |
| Often the preferred choice for dementia | May suit those with very high dependency needs |
| Live-in care can provide constant presence | Professional oversight around the clock |
If you are unsure which option is right for your family, talk to us. We will give you an honest view, even if that means pointing you in a direction that is not us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between home care and a care home?
Home care is delivered in the person’s own home by visiting or live-in carers. A care home is a communal residential setting where people live full time and are supported by on-site staff. Most people prefer to stay at home if their needs can be safely met, and in many cases they absolutely can.
Can home care be arranged quickly?
Yes. In urgent or emergency situations, we can often get care in place within 24 to 48 hours. Please do not wait if you are worried. Give us a call and we will work as fast as we can.
Is home care only for elderly people?
Not at all. We support adults of all ages, including people of working age with disabilities, long-term health conditions, brain injuries and mental health challenges. Age is not a factor in whether someone can benefit from home care.
What qualifications do your care workers have?
All of our carers complete the Care Certificate, a set of 15 standards covering the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in health and social care. Many go on to achieve NVQ or Diploma qualifications. Those working in specialist areas such as dementia care or palliative care receive additional training on top of this.
Is home care regulated?
Yes. All home care providers in England must be registered and regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission. In Wales the regulator is Care Inspectorate Wales, in Scotland it is the Care Inspectorate, and in Northern Ireland it is the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.
A Bit More About Us
Care Sante was founded in December 2020 with a straightforward mission: to attract, nurture and develop the very best care professionals, and to make sure they feel heard, valued and recognised. Because when our people are looked after, our clients receive outstanding care. It really is that simple.
We deliver services across South Yorkshire, Humberside, the East Midlands, Central England, London and Kent through three brands: Care Sante, Valley Care and Helpers Homecare. We work with private clients, local authority-funded clients and those accessing NHS Continuing Healthcare.
We have grown quickly, but we have never lost sight of what this is really about. The people we care for, and the people who care for them.
Get in touch with us today:
If you would like to find out more about home care in your area, or to arrange a free home visit and assessment, we would love to hear from you.
Phone: 01462 896 853
Email: info@caresante.co.uk
