FAQs

Home care you can trust

At Nightingale Services, we understand that choosing the right home care can feel overwhelming, but we are here to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.

What is home care for the elderly?

Home care is designed to deliver professional support within the comfort of an elderly person’s own home. It covers a wide range of assistance, including personal care tasks such as washing and dressing, help with taking medication, meal preparation, companionship, and light housekeeping. The goal is to support individuals in maintaining their independence and quality of life at home.

What types of home care services are available?

We offer a tailored package of home care to meet the needs of the individual. Personal care services include assistance with washing, dressing, grooming and toileting. For those seeking emotional support and social interactions, our companionship service can greatly reduce feelings of loneliness. We also offer live-in care, where a carer stays full-time in the home, as well as nursing care for any medical needs.

Families needing temporary relief can benefit from our respite care services. Additionally, we offer specialist dementia care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, with focus on maintaining a familiar and supportive environment.

How is home care arranged in the UK?

Home care can be arranged privately by contacting a home care provider, such as Nightingale Services. Alternatively, you can go through your local council, where a care needs assessment will be carried out to determine the level of support required.

We are always happy to guide you through these options.

How much does home care cost?

The cost of home care can vary depending on your location and the type of support needed. Typically, hourly care ranges from £20 to £35 per hour, while live-in care services generally cost between £900 and £1,500 per week.

It’s important to note that financial support may be available, depending on a means-tested assessment.

Is financial support available?

Yes, several financial support options exist to help with the cost of home care. Local authority funding may be available following a financial assessment, and individuals might qualify for benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

For those with complex health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of care. Some clients also choose Direct Payments, allowing them to manage their own care budgets.

How do I know if home care is needed?

There are a number of signs that home care may be beneficial. These include difficulty managing daily tasks, noticeable memory issues or confusion, poor personal hygiene or inadequate diet, increased risk of falls or accidents, and feelings of loneliness or lack of support.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to request a care needs assessment from your local authority. Nightingale Services can assist you in navigating this process.

Will I have the opportunity to meet the carers who will be supporting me?

Absolutely!

At Nightingale Services, we believe that feeling comfortable and confident with your carers is vital. Each client is assigned a dedicated team of carers, including a lead carer who acts as your primary point of contact. Before care begins, we will arrange for you to meet your lead carer.

If you are opting for live-in care, we take great care in matching you with a carer whose skills, experience and personality best align with your needs and preferences. You will have the opportunity to meet your live-in or respite carer beforehand, allowing you to ask any questions and alleviate any concerns from the outset. This is a key part of our commitment to delivering person-centred care and ensuring peace of mind for both you and your family.

Are home carers trained and regulated?

Yes, all Nightingale Services carers receive comprehensive training and operate in line with national regulations. Our training covers Emergency First Aid (including Basic and Intermediate Life Support), Safe Patient Handling and Movement, Dementia Awareness, Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, and Medication Administration. In addition, we provide specialised training in supporting individuals with learning disabilities, PEG feed management, stoma care, and advanced dementia care strategies.

Home care agencies in England, including Nightingale Services, are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

What is the difference between home care and domiciliary care?

There is no difference — these terms are interchangeable. Both refer to professional care provided in an individual’s home to support daily living needs.

Can home care support people with dementia?

Yes, home care can be extremely beneficial for individuals living with dementia. Many of our carers have specialist training in dementia care, helping clients manage daily life, whilst remaining safely and comfortably in their own familiar environment.

Our aim is always to promote dignity, independence and quality of life.

How do I choose a home care provider?

Choosing the right home care provider is an important decision. We recommend checking the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection reports and reading client reviews. It’s essential to ask about the training and background checks that carers undergo, and to discuss flexibility, availability, and emergency support procedures.

At Nightingale Services, we encourage potential clients to request an introductory visit or trial period, as this is a great way to ensure that the care we provide is the right fit for you or your loved one.