Your care plan
Annabel will be in touch by email within the next day or so with an initial plan and some practical ideas to help you.
For now, we’ve included some information on this page around care, the different types and a tool to help give an indication as to whether the person needing care may or may not be eligible for local authority funding. We’ve also emailed you a link to this page so you can share the information with your family.
And, please don’t worry. You are not alone. Navigating the care of an elderly parent or relative can be extremely difficult. Age Space will support you every step of the way.
Annabel James
How this works
This service is entirely free to you.
1
You’ve completed the form. Annabel and the team are working on an initial plan for you. We’ve emailed you a link to this page.
2
Within 24 hours Annabel will get back to you via email with some further questions about your situation
3
Together, you and Annabel will work out the best next steps for you and your family
Check your eligibility for care funding
Use our free, no-details needed, Care Funding Calculator to see whether you might be eligible for any local authority funding towards care.
Care Funding Calculator
- 12-week disregard: For the first 12 weeks in a care home, the property value is ignored entirely.
- Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA): The council can cover fees as a loan, repaid from the property at any time — including after the person passes away.
The three types of care
There are three main types of care: care at home, live-in care, and care in a care home.
If you’re at a stage where you’re looking or thinking about care, Annabel will discuss these options with you personally.
Care at home
Often called home care or domiciliary care, care at home allows people to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving care.
Home care ranges from a few hours of companionship or personal care each week to round-the-clock live-in support. Visiting care typically costs around £32 per hour, while live-in care generally starts from around £1,095 per week, rising with more complex needs.
The right arrangement depends on your relative’s needs, your preferred level of involvement, and how care is funded. Those with assets above £23,250 will usually fund their own care, while others may receive partial or full support from their local authority. The NHS may also contribute in certain circumstances.
Check the Care Quality Commission rating of each provider and ask about how carers are recruited, trained and managed.
Live-in care
Live-in care allows your relative to stay in their own home with a professional carer on hand.
A live-in carer moves into their home to provide one-to-one support – from companionship and daily routines to specialist medical or dementia care. It is often more cost-effective than a care home.
Companion care typically starts from around £900–£1,600 per week, while more complex or round-the-clock care can rise to £2,000 per week or more. Local authority funding may be available following a needs and financial assessment.
When it comes to hiring, you can employ a carer directly, use an introductory agency, or opt for a fully managed provider.
The right choice depends on your family’s needs, budget and how much day-to-day involvement you want.
Care home
Care homes come in two main types: residential homes, which provide accommodation and personal care, and nursing homes, which also have medical staff on site.
Check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for ratings and inspection reports, and seek personal recommendations from GPs, friends or social services.
If at all possible, visit in person. Notice how staff interact with residents, whether the home feels warm and welcoming, and what daily life actually looks like. Ask about activities, meals, staffing levels and how the home communicates with families.
Finally, think about costs. Private fees can reach £1,800 a week or more, though local authority funding or NHS Continuing Healthcare may be available depending on your relative’s circumstances and needs.