Homecare for you

Finding the right person or company to provide care and support for yourself or a loved one can be a difficult decision. It is important to find a caring individual with the appropriate knowledge and skills, who can be relied upon and, above all else, trusted. To help with this, we have provided some key points to consider when exploring different options.

• Step 1 involves creating a list of day-to-day activities that you need help with. This includes tasks such as getting up in the morning, having a good breakfast, companionship, medication management, cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and assistance with personal hygiene and sleep.

• Step 2 involves considering how you will pay for care and support. You may be eligible for financial assistance from your local council through a community care assessment. This assessment will determine if you meet the criteria for publicly funded financial aid.

• Step 3 involves arranging care and support. This can either be done by the council or through private companies or charities. If you prefer to make your own arrangements, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has useful guidance and advice for finding suitable care services.

• Step 4 involves choosing between using a domiciliary care agency, such as Bluebird Care, or directly employing a personal assistant. There are pros and cons to each option, so it is important to weigh them up carefully before making a decision.