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Arranging Care Quickly
How to arrange home care at short notice when something unexpected happens — hospital discharge, sudden deterioration or a family carer falling ill.
Key Facts
- Private home care agencies can often start within 24–48 hours
- Council-arranged care typically takes longer — ask for emergency assessment
- Have a list of the person's needs ready before calling agencies
- Care can often begin the same day in genuine emergencies
- Ekvarta operates a rapid response pathway — call or WhatsApp us
What to Do Right Now
If you need care arranged urgently: (1) Call your local council's adult social care emergency line — available 24/7. (2) Contact private home care agencies directly — explain the situation is urgent. (3) Contact the person's GP to document the need. (4) If they are in hospital, speak to the hospital social worker immediately.