How to Plan Home Care for an Ageing Parent

Your Complete Guide to Arranging Safe, Personalised Care at Home

As our loved ones grow older, many families begin to consider how best to support them in maintaining independence, safety, and comfort. For many, home care provides the ideal solution—offering personalised support while allowing older adults to remain in familiar surroundings.

Home care, domiciliary care, and care at home are terms often used interchangeably. They all refer to professional support provided in a person’s own home, ranging from a few hours of help each week to full-time live-in care.

Planning care at home for an ageing parent can feel overwhelming, but taking a clear, step-by-step approach ensures your parent receives the support they need. Whether you’re exploring domiciliary care, live-in care, or specialised dementia care in York & Rural, this guide will help you make informed decisions that prioritise your parent’s wellbeing.

1. Start with an Open Conversation

The first step in planning home care is having an open, respectful conversation with your parent. Understand their preferences, concerns, and daily challenges. Discuss their wishes around staying at home versus moving into a care setting, and reassure them that care at home is often tailored to preserve autonomy and dignity.

2. Assess Your Parent’s Care Needs

Before arranging home care services, assess the level and type of support your parent needs. This includes:

• Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
• Medication support
• Meal preparation
• Mobility assistance
• Companionship and emotional support
• Domestic assistance
• Specialist support for dementia or chronic conditions

For a thorough assessment, consider involving your parent’s GP, social worker, or a professional care provider, like Radfield Home Care York & Rural. Many domiciliary care services, including Radfield, offer free consultations to help identify care needs and ensure the best fit.

3. Understand the Types of Home Care Available

Home care is not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right type of support is essential:

• Hourly/Domiciliary Care: A Care Professional visits for set periods each day or week to assist with specific tasks. Ideal for those needing help with daily living but still largely independent.
• Live-in Care: A carer lives in your parent’s home, offering round-the-clock support. This is especially beneficial for individuals with complex needs or dementia, where continuity and safety are key.
• Respite Care: Short-term care at home when a family caregiver needs a break or is temporarily unavailable.
• Specialist Dementia Care at Home: Trained Care Professionals support those living with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, providing routines and reassurance in a familiar environment.

At Radfield Home Care, we provide tailored live-in and domiciliary care, as well as specialist care in York & Rural to ensure your loved one’s specific needs are met.

4. Choose a Reputable Home Care Provider

When selecting a home care agency in York & Rural, ensure they are:

• Regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Experienced in supporting older adults and specific health needs
• Transparent about costs and care planning
• Able to provide references or testimonials

Providers offering live-in care or dementia care should demonstrate specific training and safeguarding procedures to ensure high-quality, compassionate support.

5. Create a Personalised Care Plan

A good care provider will work with you and your parent to create a personalised care plan. This outlines:

• Daily routines and preferences
• Medical conditions and medications
• Emergency contacts
• Specific tasks and outcomes
• Review timelines and feedback opportunities

The best care at home is flexible and adapts as your parent’s needs change over time. At Radfield Home Care York & Rural, we take great care in developing personalised care plans that evolve with your parent’s circumstances, ensuring consistent and responsive support.

6. Consider Funding and Financial Support

Home care can be funded privately, or you may be eligible for local authority funding, NHS continuing healthcare, or attendance allowance. It’s advisable to:

• Request a care needs assessment from your local council
• Explore benefits such as Pension Credit or Carer’s Allowance
• Speak to a financial adviser who specialises in later-life planning

7. Support for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one is rewarding but can be emotionally and physically demanding. Accessing respite care, joining local caregiver support groups, or seeking counselling can help you stay resilient.

Many domiciliary care providers also work in partnership with families to share responsibilities, provide updates, and adjust care as needed. For additional support, organisations like the York Carers Centre offer dedicated support groups, providing a space to connect with others in similar situations and access practical advice.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

By taking a proactive approach to planning home care, you reduce stress and ensure your parent receives the compassionate, consistent support they deserve. Whether it’s a few hours of help each week or full-time live-in care, the goal is the same: to empower your parent to live safely, comfortably, and happily in their own home.

Need Help Arranging Care at Home in York?

At Radfield Home Care, we specialise in delivering expert, compassionate home care tailored to your loved one’s needs. Whether your parent requires hourly support, specialist care or live-in care in York & Rural, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure they receive the highest standard of care. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your family.