How to Prepare for Enquiring About Care

When the time comes to arrange care for a loved one, the process can feel overwhelming. Many families reach out to care providers without knowing exactly what to ask, which can make decision-making more stressful. Being prepared for the conversation ensures you get the right support and helps create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Before making that first enquiry, here are key factors to consider.

Understanding the type of care needed

Care needs can vary based on personal circumstances, health conditions and lifestyle. Here are the main types of care available:

• Live-in care – A dedicated carer lives in the home, providing 24/7 support with personal care, companionship and household tasks.
• Visiting care – A carer visits at scheduled times to assist with daily activities, medication or companionship.
• Personal care – Help with bathing, dressing and other essential daily routines.
• Companion care – Emotional support, social interaction and light household assistance.
• Respite care – Short-term care to give family carers a break.
• Specialist care – Tailored support for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or post-stroke recovery.

Understanding these options helps in choosing the right care for your loved one’s needs.

Assessing the level of support required

Before arranging care, it’s important to evaluate your loved one’s needs to ensure they receive the right level of support. Start by considering their daily routine and identifying any tasks they struggle with. Some key areas to assess include:

• Personal care needs: Can they wash, dress and use the bathroom independently, or do they need daily assistance?
• Mobility and safety: Do they have difficulty moving around the home, navigating stairs or managing balance? Are they at risk of falls?
• Medical requirements: Do they need help managing medications, monitoring health conditions or receiving specialist care for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s or mobility limitations?
• Household tasks: Are they able to cook meals, do laundry and keep their home clean, or do they need help with daily chores?
• Social and emotional well-being: Would they benefit from companionship, outings or someone to engage them in hobbies and conversations?

Understanding these factors can help determine whether they require occasional visiting care, a few hours each day, or full-time live-in care. A professional care provider will conduct a full assessment, but having a clear idea beforehand will help guide discussions and ensure you choose the best care option for their needs.

Considering financial aspects

Care costs vary depending on the level of support required. In the UK, funding may be available through:

• Local authority support – An assessment from social services may determine eligibility for financial aid.
• NHS Continuing Healthcare – For those with complex medical needs, full funding may be available.
• Self-funding – Many families pay privately, but options like equity release or Attendance Allowance can help.

Discussing your budget with care providers ensures you receive tailored advice on funding options.

Read our guide filled with everything you need to know to understand the funding options available for care at home.

Involving your loved one in the decision

When arranging care, it’s important to include your loved one in discussions whenever possible. Feeling heard and respected can make the transition smoother and help maintain their sense of independence. Consider the following:

• Personal preferences: Does your loved one have specific requests, such as caregiver gender, cultural understanding or language preferences?
• Care setting: Do they feel more comfortable receiving care at home, or would they prefer a residential facility?
• Emotional response: Do they feel hesitant or resistant to care? Involving them in decisions, offering reassurance to them and giving them time to adjust can help.
• Daily routines and habits: How much structure do they need in their day-to-day life?
• Level of independence: Do they want a caregiver who encourages independence or someone more hands-on?
• Social needs: Would they like companionship or prefer privacy?
• Medical considerations: Are there specific health concerns that require specialised care?
• Future planning: Would they be open to increasing support over time if needed?

To ensure your loved one feels comfortable and respected when discussing care, open and honest communication is key. Acknowledge their feelings, listen to their concerns, and offer reassurance that their preferences matter. Some may initially resist care, so approaching the conversation with empathy and patience is essential.

For a detailed guide on how to navigate these discussions, check out our helpful guide: How to Talk with an Ageing Parent About Long-Term Care.

Practical considerations for home care

If your loved one wishes to remain at home, it’s important to ensure their environment is safe and comfortable for receiving care. Consider the following:

• Accessibility: Are there stairs, narrow hallways or uneven flooring that may pose challenges? Would ramps, widened doorways or stairlifts help?
• Safety Features: Could installing grab rails in bathrooms, non-slip mats or personal alarm systems help reduce their fall risk?
• Space for Live-in Care: If opting for a live-in carer, is there a private and comfortable room available for them?
• Home Adaptations: Could assistive devices such as hoists or adjustable beds improve daily living?

Many care providers offer home assessments to identify potential adjustments that enhance safety and ease of care. Planning ahead ensures a smoother transition and greater peace of mind for the whole family.

Key questions to ask a care provider

Before making a decision, asking the right questions can help ensure your loved one gets the quality care they deserve. Some key areas to cover include:

• Care plan and supervision – Will a personalised care plan be created? How is care monitored and adjusted over time?
• Caregiver qualifications – What training do carers have, particularly for specialist conditions?
• Continuity of care – Will the same carer be assigned consistently?
• Supervision and support – How does the provider ensure quality and address concerns? What is their CQC rating?
• Emergency preparedness – What happens in emergency situations? Are carers trained in first aid and CPR?
• Contract terms – What are the payment structures, cancellation policies and backup plans if a carer is unavailable?
• Trial period – Is there an opportunity to assess if the care is the right fit?

Understanding CQC ratings & researching providers

When choosing a care provider, it can be helpful to check their Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating. The CQC inspects and regulates care services in England, assessing them in five key areas: safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership. Ratings range from Outstanding to Inadequate, helping families make informed choices.

Before calling a provider, research their CQC rating by visiting the CQC website and searching their name. Also, check reviews, testimonials and any industry accreditations to ensure they meet high care standards. This preparation will help you feel confident in your decision.

Taking the next step

Choosing the right care for your loved one is an important decision, and Trinity Homecare is here to support you every step of the way. Our expert team provides compassionate, nationwide live-in care and visiting care tailored to your family’s needs.

Trinity Homecare is a fully managed care agency with an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, placing Trinity amongst the top 4% of all nationwide care companies in England. With this in mind, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive the highest standard of care and specialist support.

Our expert, UK-based team is always available to provide impartial support and guidance on your care options. Call us and we would be happy to discuss your care needs.