Care Guide

Educational content that helps families understand options, costs, funding and next steps.

Care Guides for Families, Carers and Professionals

Care Guides provides practical, plain-English guidance that helps families understand care options, costs, funding, assessment and safe next steps.

How to Choose Home Care

Choosing home care can feel overwhelming, especially when support is needed quickly. This guide helps families understand the different types of care available, what questions to ask and how to identify safe, suitable support.
Topics include:

  • Types of home care services
  • Care assessments and planning
  • Questions to ask providers
  • Safety, regulation and reviews
  • Understanding next steps

Home Care Costs and Funding

Understanding care costs can help families make informed and sustainable decisions. This guide explains common funding routes, what may affect pricing and where financial support may be available.
Topics include:

  • Private care costs
  • Local authority funding
  • NHS funding pathways
  • Financial assessments
  • Planning long-term support

NHS Continuing Healthcare Guide

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding can help cover care costs for people with ongoing and complex health needs. This guide explains how CHC works and what families can expect during assessment.

CHC eligibility

Assessment process

Clinical needs criteria

Funding decisions

Appeals and reviews

Dementia Care at Home Guide

This guide helps families understand how dementia care can be safely provided within the home while supporting comfort, familiarity and independence.
Topics include:

  • Daily support needs
  • Managing routines and safety
  • Communication and wellbeing
  • Family involvement
  • Long-term care planning

Live-in Care Guide

Live-in care provides ongoing support while allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings. This guide explains how live-in care works and when it may be appropriate.
Topics include:

  • What live-in care includes
  • Suitability and assessments
  • Costs and care planning
  • Independence and companionship
  • Transitioning to live-in support

Supported Living Guide

Supported living helps individuals maintain independence while receiving tailored support within the community. This guide explains available support models and what families can expect.

Funding considerations

Daily living assistance

Independent living support

Community participation

Care planning and reviews

Children’s Continuing Care Guide

This guide explains how continuing care support can help children and young people with complex health or care needs receive safe and coordinated support at home.
Topics include:

  • Continuing care eligibility
  • Family-centred support
  • Clinical and specialist care
  • Care coordination
  • Funding and assessments

Hospital Discharge Care Guide

Leaving hospital can be stressful without the right support in place. This guide helps families understand discharge planning, short-term care and safe recovery at home.
Topics include:

  • Discharge planning process
  • Reablement and recovery support
  • Medication and personal care
  • Home readiness
  • Ongoing community support