Question 1

Can City of London Corporation fund a home care package in London?

Accepted Answer

Yes, City of London Corporation can contribute towards home care for residents of the Square Mile who have eligible needs following a care needs assessment. A financial assessment then looks at income and savings to decide how much the person pays and how much the council covers. People living in other London boroughs should approach their own council, as each authority funds care for its own residents. Funded support can be delivered as a managed service or as a direct payment so the family chooses the agency.

Question 2

How do I arrange a care needs assessment in London?

Accepted Answer

Contact the adult social care team at the council where the person lives. For someone resident within the Square Mile that is City of London Corporation, while other Londoners should ring their own borough council. You can request an assessment by phone or through the council's website, and there is no charge regardless of income or savings. The assessor will visit, often within a few weeks, and then discuss a support plan that may include home care, equipment or day services.

Question 3

Which providers in London offer home care?

Accepted Answer

There are 1,136 home care agencies registered across London on this directory, ranging from large regional providers to small local teams. Examples include BM Homecare Limited, CLIA Care, Dignity Direct Homecare Limited, Caremark Ealing, Helping Hands Kensington and Chelsea, MiHomecare Kensington and Chelsea, and Care Outlook Hackney. Availability varies by postcode and by the times of day you need visits, so it is sensible to shortlist a handful of agencies covering your area and compare them.

Question 4

What is the difference between a home care agency and a nursing agency?

Accepted Answer

A home care agency provides personal care and support with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, meals, medication prompts and companionship, delivered by trained care workers in the person's own home. A nursing agency employs registered nurses who can carry out clinical tasks such as wound care, catheter management or complex medication administration. Many people only need a home care agency, and district nurses attached to the GP surgery cover any clinical work. Where nursing needs are ongoing and substantial, an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment is often the next step.

Question 5

What should I ask when speaking to a home care agency in London?

Accepted Answer

Ask how carers are recruited, trained and supervised, and whether the person will see the same small team rather than a rotating cast. Check the minimum visit length, how punctuality is monitored, and what happens when a regular carer is unavailable. Ask about the office's out of hours contact, how care notes are shared with family, and how concerns are handled. Request a written care plan and a clear breakdown of hourly rates, mileage charges and any weekend or bank holiday premiums.

Question 6

How far in advance should I start looking for home care in London?

Accepted Answer

For a planned start, four to six weeks gives time for a council assessment, comparing agencies and a proper introduction to the carers. If a hospital discharge is imminent, the ward's discharge team can escalate matters and short term reablement is sometimes arranged within days. For self-funders arranging privately, many London agencies can begin visits within a week or two, though availability tightens for early morning slots. Starting conversations early also gives you time to trial the arrangement before needs increase.

Home Care in London

2,433 home care in London (showing 1951–2000)