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Guides for families
Plain-English answers to the questions families ask when care is first on the table. Written by our founder, checked against official guidance, and dated so you know they're current.
Paying for care
Will we have to sell the house to pay for care?How the council treats your home for care at home and in a care home, and what a deferred payment is.6 min readHow to pay for live-in carePaying privately, council funding, NHS Continuing Healthcare and Attendance Allowance, in plain English.8 min readLive-in care vs a care homeWhat each costs in our counties, what the price doesn't show, and when a care home is the better choice.7 min read
Deciding
How to talk to a parent about getting careStarting the conversation, what to say when they push back, and how to keep them in charge of the decision.6 min readSigns a parent needs more help at homeWhat families notice first, whether it's a pattern, and what to do next.6 min readCaring for a parent from a distanceThe paperwork to sort, who to have nearby, your rights at work, and when to get more help.7 min readIntroductory or managed agency: what’s the difference?Who employs the carer, who sets the routine, CQC registration and cost.6 min readLive-in care for couples: staying together at homeWhat one carer can manage, what it costs, and how care at home compares with two care home places.5 min read
Getting ready
How to choose a live-in carerWhat to look for, the checks that matter, and the questions to ask when you meet carers.7 min readWhat does a live-in carer do all day?A typical day, breaks, nights, food and what a live-in carer doesn't do.6 min read
Paying for care in your area
Paying for care in West SussexCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in West Sussex.6 min readPaying for care in East SussexCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in East Sussex.6 min readPaying for care in SurreyCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in Surrey.6 min readPaying for care in KentCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in Kent.6 min readPaying for care in BerkshireCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in Berkshire.6 min readPaying for care in HampshireCouncil contacts, local costs, the means test and support for carers in Hampshire.6 min read
Rather talk it through?
Still researching?
Live-in Care: A Guide for Families
Costs and funding, the questions to ask carers and agencies, and checklists to get the home ready.
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