Call now on 01993 708703 our phone lines are open 24/7
Call now on 01993 708703 our phone lines are open 24/7
We understand that seeking domiciliary care can feel overwhelming. At A Caring Hand, we've streamlined the process to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to getting started:
This is your first step towards personalised care. Reach out to us via phone, email, or our website's contact form.
A friendly member of our team will listen to your initial needs and answer any questions you may have. We’ll gather some basic information to understand your situation and schedule an in-depth assessment.
One of our experienced care assessors will visit you at your home to conduct a thorough evaluation.
We’ll discuss your health, lifestyle, preferences, and any specific care requirements you may have. This assessment is crucial for developing a personalised care plan. We will also perform a risk assessment of the property.
Following the assessment, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your care plan.
We’ll explain all fees clearly and transparently, and discuss any available financial options, including potential funding sources. We can also help you understand any relevant local authority support and paying for care.
Based on the assessment, we’ll create a personalised care plan outlining the specific services and support you’ll receive.
This plan will detail your daily routines, medication management, personal care, and any other specific requirements. You’ll have the opportunity to review and approve the plan, ensuring it meets your expectations.
We’ll carefully select a team of home carers whose skills, experience, and personality align with your needs and preferences.
We strive to create positive and trusting relationships between our clients and carers. We’ll introduce your care team and ensure you feel comfortable and confident with them.
Once you’re happy with your care plan and team, we’ll schedule your first care visit.
Your care team will arrive at your home and begin providing the agreed-upon services. We’ll maintain regular communication to ensure your care plan remains effective and responsive to your needs.
The thought of paying for care can be daunting, but it's important to know that you're not alone, and there are options available. Many people find they are eligible for financial assistance from the local authority.
During your initial in-depth assessment, we'll discuss your financial situation and explain the potential for local authority funding and paying for care.
We'll answer any questions you have about eligibility, potential contributions, and the overall funding process.
Many local authorities now require applications for funding to be completed online. We understand that this can be a daunting task for some.
We can come to your home and help you complete the forms in a comfortable and familiar setting.
We understand that meeting with social workers can be intimidating. We're here to provide support and advocacy throughout this process.
We'll work collaboratively with the social worker to ensure your care needs and financial circumstances are fully understood.
We'll help you understand the local authority's financial assessment process, which typically involves:
Our support doesn't end once the funding is secured. We'll continue to provide ongoing support and advocacy, ensuring your care plan remains effective and responsive to your needs.
We'll maintain regular communication with you and the local authority, ensuring any changes in your circumstances are addressed promptly.
Social care funding provided by local authorities is typically means-tested, meaning your eligibility and the amount of financial assistance you receive will depend on your individual financial circumstances. This assessment aims to determine your ability to contribute towards the cost of your care.
What are Direct Payments?
Direct payments are financial allowances provided by your local authority to individuals who have been assessed as needing social care support. These payments empower you to take control of your care by:
We are happy to work with individuals who receive direct payments. We can provide a range of domiciliary care services tailored to your specific needs, giving you the flexibility and control you desire. We can also help you understand the process of managing your direct payments and ensure you're getting the most out of your care budget.