Care at home

Many people facing end of life illness and increasing frailty choose to be cared for at home. Jessica Tomlin describes the options.

Local Authority Community Care

Your local authority social services department has a responsibility to provide services to help residents to stay at home  in old age.

This includes assistance with washing and dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, getting in and out of bed and shopping.

It is also known as Community Care as its purpose is for people to remain at home within the community they are familiar with.

The NHS is responsible for providing help with health care services such as chiropody, physiotherapy and medical equipment.

Your GP will organise an assessment to determine your needs.

Private care

There are many private care agencies that charge to help with day-to-day tasks such as shopping, cooking and cleaning, as well as providing someone to visit to keep their client company.

Your local authority social services should be able to provide a list of local private care agencies.

The UK Homecare Association produces a leaflet Choosing Care in Your Home, giving useful advice for selecting the right type of home care.

Voluntary care

There are various charities and voluntary organisations around the UK that provide services such as meals-on-wheels, visitors and helpers to do general household tasks.

Your local social services department will have a list of voluntary care organisations that provide help within the area. The local library will also have a list of voluntary care organisations.

Contact the organisations directly for their procedure for applying for help. Some may need a referral from your local council's social services. Two organisations to consider are WRVS and Crossroads.

Live-in carers

Another option for help with everyday tasks is a live-in carer.

Choices range from a permanent live-in carer to a carer who will help for just a few days.

Live-in carers can also provide valuable respite care for family members who are caring for an elderly, incapable or chronically sick loved one.

Organisations to consider are Consultus; Able Community Care; and Helping Hands. See also Friends and Family Care.

The cost of care at home

If you are not entitled to NHS funded care, rates for carers vary depending on the type and the amount of care you are receiving.

A typical live-in carer can cost £150-£500 per week depending on the level of service provided.

If you choose to have privately arranged care, you will have to pay the full cost of your services. There are a number of companies that have financial products to assist in the planning and payment of care.

My Last Song is an appointed introducer to St James Place Partnership that can give advice on planning for end of life care costs. See Financial Planning for Older People.