Getting Help at Home
A starting guide for people who are beginning to struggle at home and want to understand what help is available and how to access it.
Key Facts
- Anyone can request a free care needs assessment from their local council
- Help at home ranges from simple equipment to full care packages
- Many adaptations and aids are available free or at low cost
- Private home care agencies offer flexible support without council involvement
- Home care is almost always cheaper and more desired than a care home
Where to Start
If you are beginning to struggle at home — with washing, dressing, cooking, getting around, or staying safe — the first step is to understand what help is available. The good news is there is a lot, and much of it is free or subsidised.
Start by asking your GP for a referral to an occupational therapist, who can assess your home and daily activities and recommend practical solutions. At the same time, contact your local council's adult social care team and request a care needs assessment — this is free and everyone is entitled to one.
What Help Is Available
Help at home ranges from simple equipment (grab rails, bath seats, raised toilet seats) to personal care visits (help with washing, dressing and medication) to daily living support (meals, housekeeping, shopping and companionship). In more complex situations, live-in care or round-the-clock visiting care can enable even very high levels of need to be met at home.