This page has been written to guide you through finding the best home care agencies near you.

The decision to hire a home care agency significantly impacts you or your loved ones’ quality of life, so it's important to get it right.

What is a home care agency?

Home care agencies play an essential role in providing necessary services for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities, but prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes.

These agencies employ trained caregivers who can offer both medical and non-medical services, which range from personal care tasks such as bathing and dressing to more specialised care for conditions like dementia or chronic illnesses.

Home care assistance can help you avoid going into a care home

Opting for home care has numerous benefits compared to other forms of care like nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

One key advantage is the sense of independence and familiarity gained by staying at home. 

Other benefits include personalised one-on-one attention, flexibility in service provision, and often more cost-effective solutions. 

Selecting the right home care agency can amplify these benefits by providing high-quality, reliable services tailored to your loved ones' unique needs.

Researching and Comparing Local Home Care Agencies

When you start looking for home care agencies near you, here are the steps to follow:

1. See if you’re entitled to Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance to pay towards the cost of home care agency prices. 
2. Work out your budget. Our financial advice partner SOLLA is on hand for advice on paying for home care.
3. Create a comprehensive list of options using our care comparison site Autumna.
4. Read online reviews and ratings to get an idea of their credibility and reputation.
5. Pay attention to feedback from other families who have used their services, both positive and negative.
6. Review each agency's range of services carefully to make sure they can meet your or your loved one’s specific needs.
7. Check the qualifications and training of caregivers employed by the agencies on your list by asking for proof of certificates.
8. Arrange interviews with your favourite home care agencies to learn more about them.

Factors to consider when you choose an elderly care home care agency

Here are some key factors to think about:

Assess your needs - what do you want?

It's essential to identify the type of support required, which can range from in-home health services for medical needs to personal care services for daily activities. Understanding these needs will help narrow down agencies specialising in these areas.

Whether you need companionship home care services or complex diabetes care, it's still useful to jot down what you want.

Different home care workers provide different types of assistance, with some providing mostly domestic support and others providing specialist care that may cost more.

Can you find the home care you want in your area?

Filter for home care providers that meet your needs near you.

You can use the Autumna home care search portal to filter for your specific needs which may include:

• Alcohol/drug misuse
• Alzheimer's
• Cancer care
• Catheter care
• Challenging behaviour
• Dementia 
• Hearing impairment
• Learning disability and neurodiversity (e.g. Autism)
• Mental health
• Overnight care
• Palliative care
• Parkinson's disease
• PEG Feeding
• Rehabilitation post-surgery
• Sight impairment
• Speech impairment
• Stoma care
• Stroke care

What's the reputation of the home health care provider?

An agency's standing and longevity in the field often indicate its reliability and quality of care. Look for recent reviews or case studies that demonstrate their expertise.

You can view CQC regulator ratings and reports on home care profiles listed on Autumna. 

Ask for a free shortlist of in-home care services in your area

Designed with your convenience in mind, this service helps you sift through multiple options based on your unique needs, budget, location and more.  

Here's a quick look at how it works:

1. Visit Autumna's website and navigate to the shortlist service page.
2. Fill out the form with details about your specific needs and preferences.
3. Receive a list of suitable home care agencies in your area. The list is sent to your email inbox.
4. Review the information provided and make an informed decision when you’re ready.

The beauty of this service lies in its simplicity and effectiveness, saving you time and effort in researching multiple agencies individually.

It's also worth noting that this is a free service, making it accessible for everyone regardless of their financial situation. 

So why wait? 

Start using the Autumna shortlist service today and experience first-hand its benefits in streamlining your search for home care assistance near you.