The realisation that you or a loved one requires support because life is becoming too challenging to manage alone, can be quite daunting. It instantly raises questions about what sort of support is required and if a care home is the solution, not to mention the potential costs involved. 

However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. For many of us, home is where the heart is and that is where we feel at our happiest, safest and most content. Instead of a care home we could be thinking about home care; this enables individuals to stay living independently at home for longer with professional carers making regular visits according to need. As an alternative to residential care in a care home, domiciliary care not only allows individuals to have greater independence and choice over the care they receive, but often at less cost. 

Assist Care Group are dedicated to supporting independent living for individuals of all age groups, whatever their level of need. With many years of award-winning experience to our name, our services include elderly care; dementia, stroke or Parkinson’s care; mental health support; learning or physical disabilities support; rehabilitation and recovery; end of life care. We provide this through daily visits, respite care or live-in care. 

Our practical and complex support may include: 

Personal Care: 

Washing/bathing 

Dressing and undressing 

Hair care 

Continence care 

Dental care 

Reminders and support with medication 

Support Around the Home: 

Housework 

Laundry/ironing 

Weekly shopping 

Meal preparation 

Daily support from a familiar, friendly face 

Pet care 

Taking the First Step: 

  • You have already done this by recognising that you or your loved one needs more support to continue living life in the way that you choose. 
  • The next step is to talk to our professional team on 01306 710 900  

or email us at: care@assisthomecare.co.uk 

What happens next? 

  • Our area co-ordinator will discuss what level of support is required with you or your loved one. 
  • We’ll carry out a free assessment to create your personal care package. 
  • Our support will begin at a time to suit you. 
  • Your personal care package will be regularly reviewed to ensure we are providing the best support possible. 

Cost of Care 

If you or your loved one has less than £23, 250 in savings, you may be eligible to qualify for local council support towards the cost of care. From October 2025, this amount will be anything less than £100, 000 in savings. Find out more here.  Exactly how much your council will pay depends on what care you need and how much you can afford. 

Firstly, your council will need to do a needs assessment which is free, and anyone can request one. Find out more about getting a needs assessment here.  

If the assessment shows that you need care, the council will then need to do a financial assessment, or means test, to work out what you will have to pay towards the cost of your care. It works out if: 

 – the council pays the maximum, with you paying a contribution, too; 

Or – the council pays a smaller proportion of the cost and you pay the rest; 

Or – you pay the full cost of the care. 

The financial assessment is free and can be arranged after the needs assessment. Find out more about the financial assessment here.  

Whatever the outcome of the assessments, if you decide to go ahead, Assist Care has vast experience in working with Direct Payments, Personal Independence Payments, and Individual Budgets. Whether services are purchased privately, funded by the NHS, or wholly or partly by your local council, we can help. Contact for more information.