Care guides

Plain-English guides to arranging and paying for a loved one's care, grouped by recognising the need and self-funding, from a carer of 10 years.

A younger person's arms wrapped gently around an older loved one, their hands clasped together

Paying for care

A smiling home care worker in a lilac uniform sitting and laughing with an older woman at home
Costs

How much does home care cost in the UK?

Real UK home care costs per hour, per week and for live-in care, plus what drives the price and how to budget.

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Benefits

Attendance Allowance explained

Who qualifies, the current rates, and the phone-first tip that can get your loved one paid from an earlier date.

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Means testing

Savings thresholds and means testing

The £23,250 and £14,250 limits, how the council's financial assessment works, and the home and spouse protections.

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Planning

When self-funding money runs out

What to do as care savings run down, when the council steps in, and how to plan ahead without a crisis.

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NHS funding

NHS Continuing Healthcare vs self-funding

What NHS Continuing Healthcare is, how it differs from paying yourself, and whether your loved one might qualify.

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A smiling care worker in blue scrubs sharing a warm moment with an older woman at home
Choosing care

Home support vs residential care

How to weigh care at home against a care home, the costs of each, and the questions that make it clearer.

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Recognising the need

An older woman wearing glasses looking out of a window, deep in thought
Recognising the need

Signs mum needs more help at home

The everyday signs a parent needs more support at home, and the gentle next steps to take.

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An older woman sitting smiling in an armchair at home, with a staircase behind her
Safety

Spotting fall risks around the home

A room-by-room check for fall risks, and simple, low-cost changes that help an older person stay safe.

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Difficult conversations

Talking to a parent about care

How to start the care conversation with mum or dad without a row, and move forward together.

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Not sure where to begin?

Paying for care Recognising the need