YOUR CARE JOURNEY
So, you’ve realised that you or a loved one needs some extra support at home to stay safe. But where to start?
We’re here to answer your questions and clear up any myths you might have heard.
What is Community Care?
Community care — sometimes called Domiciliary Care, Care at Home, Home Care, or Adult Social Care — simply means having someone come into your home to help you in ways that fit your needs.
What type of support can I get?
You might need help with:
- Personal Care, help with washing, dressing, or toileting
- Meal preparation, or making drinks
- Medication reminders or adminisration
- Help around the home, such as shopping, cleaning, or laundry
How can I pay for my care?
One of the first questions we’re often asked is, ‘How much does it cost?’
We get it — while cost isn't the only consideration in choosing care, it's definitely a key factor. That’s why we believe in being upfront about funding options, so you can focus on what truly matters: finding the right care package.
The main question we’ll start with is: Do you have savings over £23,250?
- If you have savings above £23,250, you will need to cover the full cost of your care until your savings fall below this amount. [Click here to get a quote today.]
- If you have savings between £14,250 and £23,250, a contribution (known as a ‘tariff’) will be applied.
- If you have savings under £14,250, you’ll contribute only from your income.
Care from the Local Authority (Devon County Council)
Devon County Council can help arrange care at home for those who meet their assessment criteria. You can request an assessment for yourself, a family member, or a friend by contacting Adult Social Care at 0345 155 1007.
Alternatively, you can use their self-help tool: if you have two or more areas where you need help, you’ll be offered an online self-assessment.
As part of their assessment process, the local authority will also carry out a financial assessment to determine how much you may need to contribute. Everyone is expected to contribute toward their care based on individual circumstances.
For more information, visit Devon County Council's website.
Do I get a say in what happens?
It doesn’t matter whether you arrange your own care or if it’s organised through the local authority — you stay in control and have choices about everything you need and want.
If your care is provided through the local authority, they’ll determine what services you’re eligible for based on their assessment criteria. While they’ll specify the types of support you’ll receive, you still choose how that care is delivered. The local authority will then match you with a care organisation to provide the approved services. If you have a specific organisation in mind, let them know upfront.
Arranging care directly through a care organisation like ours gives you full control over what care you receive and when."
What now?
Finding the right help can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know where to begin. That’s where we come in.
Just call us at 01271 378842. We’re here to discuss your needs, explore how care might benefit you, and guide you on the next steps. If you'd prefer, we can arrange a no-obligation face-to-face meeting.
Let’s make sure you feel confident in finding the right support.
Speak to me
If you would like to see me to discuss anything at all, then please just call, our number is 01271 378842, our general enquiry email address is info@chaptercare.co.uk or you can email me directly at helen@chaptercare.org.uk
I will be more than happy to make a date with you to discuss all your needs.
Helen (Registered Manager)
WHAT CAN WE HELP WITH?
Personal Care
Personal care support means help with daily tasks that keep you feeling clean, comfortable, and ready for the day ahead. A community carer can provide support in a way that respects your preferences and routines.
Some examples of how our carers can help:
- Washing and Bathing: Whether it’s a full bath, shower, or simply a daily wash, your carers can be there to help however you feel most comfortable.
- Dressing: Support with getting dressed or changing clothes, ensuring you feel good and ready for the day.
- Toileting: Assistance with using the bathroom, changing incontinence products, and maintaining personal hygiene.
- Grooming: Help with brushing hair, shaving, nail care, or any part of your daily routine.
- Oral Care: Support with brushing teeth or caring for dentures, so your mouth feels fresh and healthy.
Personal care is always tailored to your needs and preferences. Carers are there to support you in a respectful, dignified way, helping you feel comfortable and confident in your daily routine.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional and hydration support ensures you’re well-fed, hydrated, and comfortable with your meals. Our carers can help in ways that suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Some of the tasks our carers can help with are:
- Meal Preparation: Carers can help prepare your favorite meals or snacks, making sure they’re tasty, nutritious, and fit your dietary requirements.
- Encouraging Hydration: Sometimes it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Carers can remind you to stay hydrated and ensure you are left with drinks as needed throughout the day.
- Assistance with Eating and Drinking: If you need a little physical help eating or drinking, carers can provide support, whether it’s cutting up food, holding a cup, or simply being there for reassurance.
- Grocery Shopping: If needed, carers can assist with buying groceries and ensuring you have everything you need at home for meals and snacks.
Nutritional support is all about helping you enjoy meals, stay healthy, and feel your best. Our carers will work with you to make sure you’re well-nourished in a way that fits your tastes and lifestyle.
Medication
Our carers can provide various levels of assistance to help you take your medications safely and on time, depending on your needs, such as:
- Reminders: Carers can remind you when it’s time to take your medication, so you don’t have to worry about missing a dose.
- Assistance with Taking Medication: If you struggle with the dexterity of taking your own medication, carers can assist with opening bottles or preparing your medication as directed, making sure it’s easy and stress-free for you.
- Monitoring: Carers can check in to make sure you’re feeling well after taking your medications and report any concerns to family or healthcare providers.
- Prescription Collection: If getting to the pharmacy is a challenge, carers can collect prescriptions for you and ensure you always have what you need on hand.
Specialist Support
Occasionally, you may require more specific care needs that require extra training or equipment. Our staff are are trained to assist with many of these tasks as standard. For example:
- Moving and Handling with Equipment: If you need assistance with your mobility, carers can safely help you transfer from one place to another, whether it’s from your bed to a chair or to the bathroom. If you use equipment like a hoist, carers are trained to use it properly and safely.
- End-of-Life Support: Our compassionate team of carers can also provide sensitive support for those nearing the end of life. This includes helping with comfort care, ensuring dignity and compassion, and assisting with daily needs in a supportive way for both you and your family. Carers work alongside healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care during this time.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: If you have diabetes, many of our carers are trained to monitor your blood sugar levels, remind you to check them, and ensure you're managing your condition properly. They are not permitted to administer insulin but can support you to manage this yourself if required.
- Stoma Care: If you have a stoma, carers can assist with the management and care of your stoma bag, ensuring it’s changed regularly and maintaining good hygiene to prevent any issues. They’ll support you with the cleaning, monitoring, and overall comfort of your stoma care routine.
