Advice
Getting started with home care
Practical guidance for families starting homecare for the first time — including spotting early signs, preparing for a care assessment, and arranging support calmly.
- Spot signs that care may now be needed
- Use a practical family checklist
- Arrange support calmly and confidently
Early warning signs
Signs your loved one may need support
Families often notice subtle changes before a crisis. These signs don't mean something is wrong — they mean it's time to have a conversation.
Meals being skipped or not prepared
Medication missed or confused
Reduced mobility or confidence indoors
Social withdrawal or low mood
Unexplained falls or near-misses
Difficulty with personal hygiene
Home becoming cluttered or dirty
Family members feeling stretched or worried
If you notice several of these, it's worth requesting a free assessment — there's no commitment and it helps you understand what level of support makes sense.
How it works
Three steps to getting care in place
Most families start care within 48 hours of their first conversation with us.
Have a calm conversation
Involve your loved one in the discussion. Focus on what they want, not what you think they need. Small steps feel less daunting than a big change.
Request a free assessment
A local Horizons advisor visits to understand daily routines, preferences, and care needs. Together you build a personalised care plan — no obligation.
Care begins
A small, consistent team starts visits. We check in at 7 days and 1 month to make sure everything feels right, then every 6 months after that.
Before your assessment
Family preparation checklist
Having these details ready makes your assessment faster and helps us build the right care plan from day one.
- Daily routine and preferred visit times
- Current medication list and prescribing GP details
- Any known allergies or dietary requirements
- Access arrangements — spare keys, entry codes
- Names of close family members involved in care decisions
- Any specialist or consultant contacts if relevant
Common questions about getting started
How quickly can care start?
Typically within 24–48 hours of a free assessment. For urgent situations — for example after a hospital discharge — we can often begin the same day.
How much does home care cost?
Horizons charges £23–£33.50 per visit with no peak rates, travel charges, or complex care surcharges. We can also help you explore local authority funding, direct payments, and NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Will we always have the same carers?
Yes — we assign a small, consistent team from the start. Familiar faces reduce anxiety and help carers spot changes in wellbeing early.
What if care needs change over time?
Care plans are reviewed at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and every 6 months. They can be adjusted at any point — more visits, different times, or specialist support as needs evolve.
Ready to arrange care?
A free assessment takes about 30 minutes and gives your family a clear picture of what support looks like in practice — no commitment, no pressure.