Arranging care for a parent brings pressure. Decisions affect health, safety, and finances.
This guide walks you through each step in the UK system. You move from concern to action with clarity.
Step 1: Recognise When Care Is Needed
Care usually starts after changes appear.
Common signs
- Missed medication
- Poor hygiene
- Falls or mobility issues
- Memory loss
- Isolation or low mood
- Difficulty cooking or cleaning
If these signs appear often, care support becomes necessary.
Ask yourself
- Is your parent safe alone each day
- Do daily tasks cause strain
- Does health decline between visits
Step 2: Talk to Your Parent About Care
Start the conversation early.
Choose a calm time.
Listen more than you speak.
Focus points
- Safety at home
- Independence preservation
- Support rather than control
Use clear language.
Avoid pressure.
Reassure dignity and choice.
If resistance appears, pause.
Revisit later.
Progress matters more than speed.
Step 3: Request a Care Needs Assessment
A care needs assessment comes first in the UK process.
Local councils provide this service free.
What the assessment covers
- Daily living tasks
- Mobility and health needs
- Mental wellbeing
- Home environment
- Family support availability
Request through your local council website.
Use this tool to find the council
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Step 4: Complete a Financial Assessment
After care needs approval, the council carries out a means test.
In England, thresholds apply
- Savings below £14,250
- Savings between £14,250 and £23,250
- Savings above £23,250
Results decide funding support level.
Full guidance
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/paying-for-your-own-care/
Step 5: Understand Care Options
Choose care based on needs and lifestyle.
Domiciliary Care
- Carer visits at set times
- Personal care and daily tasks
- Suitable for moderate support needs
Read more
What Is Domiciliary Care and How Does It Work in the UK
Live-In Care
- Carer lives in the home
- Continuous support
- Suitable for complex needs
Comparison guide
Live-In Care vs Domiciliary Care in the UK
Residential Care
- Full-time support outside the home
- Suitable when home support no longer fits
Step 6: Explore Funding and Benefits
Several funding routes exist.
Local authority funding
- Based on assessment results
NHS Continuing Healthcare
- Covers full care cost for complex medical needs
- Eligibility assessed by NHS
Details
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-continuing-healthcare/
Benefits to check
- Attendance Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance - Personal Independence Payment
https://www.gov.uk/pip - Carer’s Allowance
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance
Step 7: Choose a Care Provider
Only use regulated providers.
Check registration
Care Quality Commission
https://www.cqc.org.uk
Review
- Inspection rating
- Staff training
- Continuity of carers
- Emergency cover
Step 8: Create a Care Plan
A care plan sets expectations.
It includes
- Visit times
- Tasks
- Preferences
- Health notes
- Emergency actions
Review plans often.
Adjust as needs change.
Step 9: Start Care Gradually
Begin with fewer hours if possible.
Observe comfort and quality.
Gather feedback from your parent.
Trial periods reduce stress.
Step 10: Monitor and Review
Stay involved.
Communicate with the care coordinator.
Address issues early.
Review care
- After hospital discharge
- After health changes
- At least once per year
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying assessments
- Ignoring funding support
- Choosing providers without CQC checks
- Skipping written contracts
- Avoiding family discussions