Question 1

What is home care?

Accepted Answer

Home care is support delivered to you in your own home rather than in a residential setting. It can range from a short visit for help with washing and dressing, through to companionship, help with meals, shopping and household tasks. The aim is to help you stay in familiar surroundings, keep your independence and live as comfortably as possible. At Caring Hands & More we build the support around your routines and preferences, and we agree the details with you and your family before anything begins.

Question 2

What does a home care worker do?

Accepted Answer

A home care worker helps with the everyday things that have become difficult, and offers friendly company alongside practical support. That might include help with personal care such as washing and dressing, preparing meals and drinks, reminding you about medication, light household tasks, shopping, or simply sitting and having a conversation. The exact tasks are agreed with you in advance and written into your care plan, so everyone knows what to expect from each visit.

Question 3

What is domiciliary care?

Accepted Answer

Domiciliary care is simply another name for care provided in someone's own home. You will see the term used by councils and health professionals. It covers the same kind of support as home care: help with personal care, meals, medication and daily routines. If you have been offered domiciliary care by a hospital team or social services, or you are arranging it privately yourself, we are happy to talk through what would work for your family.

Question 4

What services can a home carer provide?

Accepted Answer

Our support covers personal care such as washing, dressing and Continence support, dementia-aware support, companionship and social visits, meal preparation and drinks, medication support in line with our policies and staff training, help with shopping and errands, light household tasks, and agreed support attending hospital and GP appointments. We also provide respite visits so family carers can take a break. If something you need is not on that list, please ask, and we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

Question 5

Can I arrange home care for my elderly parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of the families we support are adult sons and daughters arranging care on behalf of a parent. We will talk to you about what you have noticed and what you are worried about, and then, with your parent's agreement, arrange to meet them. It is important that your parent feels involved in the decisions wherever possible. We will explain the options clearly and there is no obligation to go ahead after that first conversation.

Question 6

How often can a home carer visit?

Accepted Answer

Visits can be arranged as often as they are needed, from once a week through to several times a day, including morning and bedtime visits. Some families start with a single weekly visit for company and shopping, then increase it as needs change. Others need daily support from the outset. We will discuss what would genuinely help and put together a visiting pattern that fits around your family's routine rather than asking you to fit around ours.

Question 7

Can I arrange short visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Short visits are often exactly what is needed, for example a half hour in the morning to help with breakfast and getting dressed, or a brief evening visit to help with settling for the night. Short visits also work well purely for companionship, a cup of tea and a chat. Tell us what would make the biggest difference and we will suggest a visit length that suits, rather than a standard package.

Question 8

Can I have the same carer every time?

Accepted Answer

We always try to keep the same familiar support worker with you, because continuity matters enormously, particularly for people living with dementia. Familiar faces build trust and mean you do not have to explain your preferences over and over. There will be occasions when illness or holiday means someone else steps in, and we will let you know in advance wherever we can. We will always introduce a new person properly rather than have a stranger arrive unannounced.

Question 9

Can care be arranged around my family's schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Visit times are agreed with you, and we can work around things like a family member popping in at lunchtime, a regular club or church group, or a preferred bath time. If your circumstances change, for example a relative changes their working pattern, let us know and we will look at adjusting the rota. We cannot promise any particular time on any particular day, but we will always be honest about what is realistic before you commit.

Question 10

How do I arrange an initial assessment?

Accepted Answer

Simply call or message us on 07871 501211. We will ask a few gentle questions about the person needing support and what you are finding difficult, and then arrange a time to meet at home. That conversation usually takes around an hour. There is no charge for it and no obligation to go ahead. You are welcome to have a relative present, and it often helps if the person needing care is involved too.

Question 11

Can home care help someone who is living alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons families contact us. Living alone can become isolating and slightly risky, particularly after a fall, a hospital stay or a bereavement. Regular visits provide company, a check that all is well, help with meals and household tasks, and encouragement to keep doing the things someone enjoys. It is not about taking over someone's life, it is about making daily life safer and less lonely.

Question 12

Do you provide care for disabled adults as well as older people?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support adults of working age as well as older people, including adults living with physical disability, long-term health conditions or memory difficulties who want to remain independent at home. Support is planned around the individual and their own goals, whether that is help with personal care, keeping on top of the house, getting out and about, or simply having someone reliable to talk to each week.

Question 13

What is dementia-aware care?

Accepted Answer

Dementia-aware care means the person supporting you understands how dementia affects memory, communication, mood and daily life, and adapts the way they work accordingly. In practice it means keeping to familiar routines, giving clear and patient explanations, allowing plenty of time, avoiding confrontation, and reading the person's feelings rather than correcting their words. It also means noticing small changes early and feeding those back to the family so everyone can respond together.

Question 14

Can someone with dementia remain at home?

Accepted Answer

Many people living with dementia are able to remain at home for a long time with the right support, particularly in the earlier and middle stages. Familiar surroundings, familiar faces and predictable routines can be genuinely reassuring. Whether staying at home remains the right choice depends on the person's needs, their safety, how much support is available and how the condition progresses. We will always be honest with you about what we can and cannot safely provide, and we will talk with you openly as needs change.

Question 15

What support does someone with Alzheimer's need?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's affects each person differently, so the support needs to be built around them. Commonly it includes help with personal care, prompting and help with medication, preparing meals and drinks, keeping the home safe and tidy, help with shopping, and plenty of calm, familiar company. As the condition changes the support usually needs to change with it. We review this with the family rather than waiting for a crisis to force the conversation.

Question 16

Can a carer help someone with dementia get dressed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Help with dressing is one of the most common things we assist with. We do it at the person's own pace, offering choices rather than instructions, and laying clothes out in the order they are likely to be needed. We keep to the person's own preferences about what they wear and how they like their hair. We are mindful throughout of dignity and privacy, and we never rush someone who is finding the task confusing.

Question 17

Can someone help a person with dementia prepare meals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Meal preparation is a big part of what we do, and it matters for nutrition, hydration and routine. We can prepare meals and drinks according to individual preferences and any agreed dietary requirements, and sit with the person while they eat if that helps. For someone living with dementia, we also keep an eye on whether food is actually being eaten, whether the fridge is being used safely, and whether hydration is being kept up, and we will mention anything we notice to the family.

Question 18

Can carers provide companionship for someone with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and for many families this is the part that matters most. Companionship might mean looking through old photographs, listening to music from their younger years, doing a simple household task together, or just sitting and talking. We follow the person's lead rather than trying to correct them, and we focus on how the visit feels rather than on what gets remembered afterwards. A calm, familiar hour with someone kind can genuinely change the shape of a day.

Question 19

Why is routine important for someone with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia makes it harder to work out what is happening and what comes next, which can be frightening and unsettling. A predictable routine reduces that uncertainty. Meals, washing and bedtime happening at roughly the same time each day gives structure, and familiar prompts and familiar faces make tasks much easier to follow. Routine also helps the person keep some control over their day. Where we can, we keep to the routines the person has followed for years rather than replacing them with our own.

Question 20

Can the same carer visit someone with dementia?

Accepted Answer

We make every effort to keep the same support worker for exactly this reason. For someone living with dementia, a familiar face is often the difference between a calm visit and a distressing one, and it avoids the person having to work out who this new person is each time. Where a second person is needed to cover holidays or illness, we will try to use someone who has already met the person and has read their care plan.

Question 21

How can I arrange dementia support for my mum?

Accepted Answer

Give us a call on 07871 501211 and tell us what you have been noticing. It often starts with small things: repeating questions, missing appointments, leaving the hob on, or becoming withdrawn. We will listen, and then arrange to meet your mum at home with you there if that helps her feel comfortable. We can explain what support might look like, and you can decide afterwards whether to go ahead.

Question 22

What should I look for when choosing dementia support?

Accepted Answer

Look for continuity of carers, genuine understanding of dementia rather than a general care approach, patience and warmth, and honesty about what can realistically be provided. Ask how they adapt their communication, how they record and share changes with families, and how they involve the person themselves in decisions. Meet the people who will actually be visiting if you can. And trust your instinct: if a conversation feels rushed or dismissive, that is useful information.

Question 23

Can someone visit my elderly mum who lives alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide regular visits for older people living alone, ranging from a weekly companionship call to daily support with personal care and meals. Visits are a chance to check that all is well, help with the practicalities of the day and provide real company. Many families tell us the reassurance of a regular, reliable visit is worth as much as the practical help itself, particularly if they live some distance away.

Question 24

How can I arrange help for my elderly dad?

Accepted Answer

Start with a phone call to 07871 501211 and describe what you are seeing. Older people are often reluctant to ask for help, and it can help if the first conversation is framed as practical support, such as help with the garden, the shopping or a meal a couple of times a week, rather than as 'care'. We will meet your dad at home, explain what we do in plain language, and let him decide what he is comfortable with.

Question 25

Can a carer help with bathing and dressing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support with washing, bathing, showering and dressing is part of our personal care service. It is always delivered with dignity and privacy, at the person's own pace, and in the way they prefer. Some people want hands-on help, others prefer someone nearby with a towel and a reassuring word. We agree the level of help beforehand so there are no surprises, and we revisit it if circumstances change.

Question 26

Can someone prepare meals for an older person?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks according to individual preferences and any agreed dietary requirements, and we can prepare extra portions to keep in the fridge. For many older people, cooking has simply become difficult or tiring, and the result is skipped meals and poor hydration. Having a proper meal prepared and someone to eat it with can make a real difference to health, energy and mood.

Question 27

Can someone help with household chores?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our household support covers light cleaning, tidying, laundry, changing bedding, washing up and keeping the kitchen and bathroom safe and hygienic. We are not a deep-cleaning or trades service, but we can keep a home comfortable and manageable, and we will point out anything that looks like a hazard, such as a loose rug or a poorly lit hallway, so it can be dealt with.

Question 28

Can someone accompany my parent shopping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can take your parent shopping in person, which for many people is a valued outing rather than a chore, or we can shop on their behalf and put everything away afterwards. Going together gives the person choice over what they buy, keeps them involved in everyday decisions and gets them out of the house. We can also help with errands such as the post office or chemist.

Question 29

Can a carer accompany someone to appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can provide agreed support attending GP, hospital, dentist, optician and clinic appointments, including helping with transport arrangements, sitting with the person in the waiting room and listening to what is said. We can note down anything the family needs to know afterwards, with the person's permission. This is often one of the most reassuring services for relatives who cannot easily take time off work.

Question 30

Can home care help someone remain independent?

Accepted Answer

That is precisely the aim. Good home care should support what someone can still do, not take it away. If your mum can manage her own breakfast but not the shopping, we help with the shopping. If your dad can dress himself but not safely get in the bath, we help with the bath. Keeping as much independence as possible protects confidence, self-respect and mental wellbeing, and it is central to how we work.

Question 31

What happens if my parent's needs change?

Accepted Answer

We review support regularly and will always tell you if we think the arrangement needs revisiting. Needs often change gradually, for example after a fall, a period of illness or a noticeable change in memory. When that happens we will arrange to talk it through with you and suggest what might help, whether that is more visits, different tasks or, occasionally, support we cannot provide ourselves, in which case we will say so honestly and point you towards the right help.

Question 32

Can family members be involved in care planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the person's consent. We very much encourage family involvement, because relatives usually know the person best and notice changes early. We will agree with the person receiving support who may be involved and what information they should receive. If the person lacks capacity to make that decision, we will follow the appropriate processes and discuss matters sensitively with those who know them well.

Question 33

What is companionship care?

Accepted Answer

Companionship care is regular, friendly human contact. It might involve sitting and talking over a cup of tea, doing a crossword together, looking through photographs, listening to music, going for a short walk or sharing a hobby. It is not a lesser form of care, it is often the thing that makes the biggest difference to someone's wellbeing. Loneliness has a real effect on health and mood, and a familiar, friendly face each week helps counter it.

Question 34

Can someone visit just for a chat and a cup of tea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many of our visits are exactly that. Not every visit needs to involve a task. If your mum would simply like someone to sit with her for an hour, talk about the family, and make her a brew, that is a perfectly good reason to arrange a visit. Over time these visits often become something the person looks forward to all week.

Question 35

Can a carer take someone on outings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We support outings such as shopping trips, day trips, afternoon tea, bowling and other enjoyable activities, subject to the person's mobility, agreement about transport and a risk conversation beforehand. Getting out is often the highlight of the week, particularly for someone who no longer drives. We will talk through where they would like to go and what would be manageable, and never promise something we are not confident we can deliver safely.

Question 36

Can someone accompany my parent to lunch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A trip out for lunch, a visit to a favourite cafe or a Sunday carvery can be a lovely way to spend time together and something to look forward to. We can help with choosing what to order, managing money, and getting there and back. For someone who finds busy places overwhelming, we can pick a quieter time of day, which often makes the outing far more enjoyable.

Question 37

Can companionship help reduce loneliness?

Accepted Answer

Regular, genuine company is one of the most effective things we can offer someone who is lonely. Loneliness affects sleep, appetite, motivation and mental health, and it is extremely common among older people, particularly after bereavement or when family live far away. A predictable weekly visit from the same person builds a real relationship over time. We will not claim it solves everything, but families frequently tell us it visibly lifts someone's spirits.

Question 38

Can someone help my parent enjoy hobbies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take time to find out what your parent has always enjoyed, whether that is gardening, baking, knitting, birdwatching, jigsaws, music, football or reading, and we build visits around it. Reconnecting with a long-standing interest can be genuinely restorative, and it gives structure and purpose to the day. Where a hobby has become difficult because of mobility or memory, we can often find a simpler version that still brings pleasure.

Question 39

Can companionship visits be arranged regularly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Companionship works best when it is regular and predictable rather than occasional. Most families choose either a weekly or twice-weekly slot, at the same time with the same person, so it becomes a fixed part of the week. That predictability is especially valuable for someone living with dementia or for anyone who finds unexpected changes unsettling.

Question 40

Can a carer accompany someone bowling or shopping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can accompany your parent shopping, to the bowling alley, to a garden centre, to a club or to a local event, depending on what they enjoy and what is manageable for them. We will discuss mobility, transport and any other practical considerations first so the day goes smoothly. It is worth being realistic about what a person can manage comfortably, so the outing is a pleasure rather than an effort.

Question 41

I live abroad. Can you keep an eye on my parent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we support several families who live overseas or at the other end of the country. With your parent's agreement we can let you know how visits are going and raise anything we notice. We cannot offer a monitoring or alarm service, and we cannot guarantee someone's safety at all times, but a regular visitor who knows your parent well is often the most reliable early warning that something has changed.

Question 42

Can someone help with washing and dressing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Washing, bathing, showering and dressing are core parts of our personal care service, always delivered with dignity, privacy and respect for the person's own preferences. We work at the person's pace, encourage them to do whatever they can for themselves, and agree beforehand exactly how much help is wanted. If your parent is anxious about this, it often helps to start with a familiar female or male carer, and we will do what we can to accommodate that.

Question 43

Can a carer help with toileting?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Support with toileting and with continence care is part of personal care, and it is handled discreetly and respectfully. We understand this can feel undignified or embarrassing, and we do everything we can to preserve privacy and normality. We will agree the approach with the person in advance and follow any guidance from a district nurse or health professional where one is involved.

Question 44

Can someone help prepare breakfast and lunch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks according to individual preferences and any agreed dietary requirements. Breakfast and lunch visits are particularly popular because they combine a proper meal with help getting up, washed and dressed for the day. If someone is not eating well, we will mention it to the family so it can be looked into.

Question 45

Can carers provide medication support?

Accepted Answer

We can provide medication support in accordance with our policies, the training our staff have completed and applicable requirements. In practice this usually means prompting someone to take their medication, or helping with pre-packed medication. We will be clear with you from the outset about exactly what we are able to do and what we are not. We do not make clinical decisions and we never change a dose or a medicine.

Question 46

Can someone help with mobility?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within the limits of what is safe. We can provide a steady arm, support moving between rooms, help with standing up and sitting down, and assist with mobility aids such as a frame or stick. We are not a physiotherapy service, and where someone's mobility is deteriorating we will say so and suggest that a GP or community therapy team is involved. Our role is to keep the daily routine as safe and manageable as possible.

Question 47

Can someone support hospital appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can provide agreed support attending hospital and clinic appointments, including help with transport arrangements, accompanying the person, and noting down what was said so nothing is forgotten. Hospital visits can be tiring and confusing, particularly for someone living with dementia or hearing loss, and having a familiar person alongside makes a real difference. We cannot make clinical decisions or act on someone's behalf without appropriate authority.

Question 48

Can a carer help establish a daily routine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A predictable daily routine is one of the most helpful things we can build with someone, especially after a hospital stay, a bereavement or a change in health. Getting up at a regular time, eating at regular times and having something to look forward to each day gives structure and confidence. We work with the routine the person already has wherever possible, rather than imposing a new one.

Question 49

Can support be arranged for morning and evening visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Morning and evening visits are the most commonly requested pattern. The morning visit typically covers getting up, washing, dressing, breakfast and medication, and the evening visit covers a meal, settling for the night and getting ready for bed. We can also arrange a lunchtime or teatime visit in between if that would help. We will agree realistic time windows with you rather than promising an exact minute.

Question 50

What if my parent refuses help?

Accepted Answer

This is very common, and it is rarely simple stubbornness. People often feel a loss of control when care is first suggested, or they worry about the cost, or they do not want a stranger in the house. It usually helps to start small and frame the support around something the person already values, such as help with the shopping or a weekly outing. We are happy to talk this through with you and, if it would help, meet your parent socially first with no expectation of arranging anything.

Question 51

How much does private home care cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on the amount and type of support, how often visits are needed and the length of each visit. We do not publish a standard rate because a figure that suits one family would be misleading for another. We will give you a clear, written quotation after we understand your needs, before you commit to anything. There is no charge for the initial conversation, and no obligation to proceed. Please call us on 07871 501211 to discuss it.

Question 52

How do I get a home care quotation?

Accepted Answer

Call or message us on 07871 501211 and tell us roughly what kind of help you are looking for. We will ask a few questions, and usually arrange to meet at home so we can see the situation properly. After that we will send you a written quotation setting out the visits, the cost and what is included. Nothing starts until you are happy with it, and you are welcome to take your time deciding.

Question 53

Can I arrange private care for my parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many families arrange care privately rather than going through the council, which gives you more choice over who provides the support and how it is delivered. Private arrangements are paid for by the family or the person receiving care, and are not means-tested. We will be open with you about cost from the beginning so there are no surprises, and we will tell you if we think a different route might suit you better.

Question 54

Can I pay for my parent's care?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is entirely possible for an adult child or another relative to pay for a parent's care. How that is arranged practically is something we will agree with you, and we would encourage an open conversation within the family about it. We cannot advise on the financial, benefits or legal side of paying for care, so for questions about funding entitlements, attendance allowance or lasting power of attorney you should speak to the appropriate service.

Question 55

Is home care cheaper than a care home?

Accepted Answer

Often it can be, particularly where only a few hours of support a week are needed, but it very much depends on the level of care required. Somebody needing round-the-clock support at home will usually pay considerably more than a residential placement. We will not claim home care is always the cheaper option because that would not be honest. What we would say is that many people strongly prefer staying at home, and it is worth comparing properly once you know what is actually needed.

Question 56

Can I arrange care for a short period?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide support for short-term situations as well as long-term arrangements, for example recovering from an operation, a period of convalescence, or cover while a family carer takes a holiday. We also provide respite visits so a family carer can have a proper break. Short arrangements are discussed in the same way as any other, and we will be honest about what we can cover and when.

Question 57

How quickly can care be arranged?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what is needed and what we have available at the time. Urgent situations, such as a hospital discharge at short notice, can sometimes be arranged quickly, but we will never promise a start date before we have confirmed it. The honest answer is that we need to speak to you first. Call us on 07871 501211 and we will tell you straight away what is realistic.

Question 58

What happens during a care assessment?

Accepted Answer

We meet you at home, at a time that suits, and have a conversation rather than filling in a form at you. We will ask about daily routines, what is becoming difficult, what matters to the person, any health conditions and any risks around the home. We will also ask what the family would find reassuring. It usually takes about an hour. Afterwards we write it up, share it with you, and agree the plan together before anything starts.

Question 59

Can I change my care package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and you should. Care needs change, sometimes gradually and sometimes suddenly, and the support should change with them. If you want more visits, fewer visits, different times or different tasks, just tell us. We will never make you feel awkward about reducing support, and we would much rather you talked to us early than felt stuck with something that no longer fits.

Question 60

How do I contact Caring Hands & More?

Accepted Answer

The quickest way is to call or message us on 07871 501211. WhatsApp is often easiest if you are busy or would rather not talk on the phone, and you can text the same number. You can also email lisakirkbride1974@gmail.com or use the enquiry form on our contact page. However you get in touch, you will speak to a person rather than a call centre, and there is no obligation to arrange anything.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about home care

Home care services

Dementia care

Elderly care

Companionship

Personal care & daily support

Costs & arranging care

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