There are several home care options available and different levels of service to suit your needs.
Hourly Care
Carers make scheduled visits to your home at agreed times of the day for a length of call ranging from anywhere from 15minutes to a couple of hours. Agencies that offer this service are called ‘Domiciliary or Hourly Care Agencies’ and will cost anywhere between £20-£30 per hour.
Sitting Service
A Carer visits for a longer period of time (e.g.3hrs) to provide companionship and
support. This service can be used to provide respite for a full-time family. Sitting services are charged in multiples of hours and the rates will be like that of hourly care.
Waking Night / Sleeping Night Care
A Carer visits for an 8hrs period (typically) to offer support. If a waking night is scheduled the Carer will remain awake for the shift. A sleeping night infers he/she will sleep and wake if needed. Night care will cost upwards of £100 per night.
Live-in Care
A Carer lives in the person’s home providing care, companionship care, and support as and when required. Live-in care will cost anywhere between £900-£1800 per week. This is a huge range and agencies quote based on the level of support that is required and each offers a different service.
With all types of home care options mentioned above it is possible to look for and hire a Carer privately. The main reason, and therefore advantage of using a professional Live-in care agency, such as Access Care, is that of safety. Live in Care agencies have strict recruitment policies in place and amongst other criteria check references, criminal records, work history, qualifications, and experience to ensure the person is suitable to carry out and support and care needed.
Other advantages include:
On Call telephone support
Ability to provide a replacement Carer at short notice should the need arise
Advice and support
Paying for Care
Privately Funded - You can pay privately for your care.
Local Authority Funding - You can apply to your local council and request a ‘Care Needs Assessment’ to see if you are eligible for funding. Of note here if you have assets of greater than £23,250 you will ‘not’ be eligible.
NHS Continuing Healthcare - This is a care plan which includes full financing for any services that take place outside the hospital. The first step is to visit your GP who will do an initial checklist and refer to a specialist team if deemed eligible to apply.
Attendance Allowance
This ‘is not’ means tested. It is an allowance for people over 65 that need help with everyday activities and medical care. Complete the form online with the aim to receive between £60 & £80 per week.
All good care agencies will be willing offer advice and help over the phone.