CARE & SUPPORT
Helping Hands Home Care prides itself on being the only full-service homecare provider endorsed as a Centre of Excellence by Skills for Care for its focus on providing outstanding care. “We offer flexible occasional care with visits from our qualified carers starting from 30 minutes a week to full-time, 24-hour support from a live-in carer,” says care manager Sam Donnelly. “We seek to match your loved one’s needs, personality and interests and provide a personalised care plan.” Costs start from £31 an hour for flexible visiting care to £1,650 per week for live-in care for one or two people in one home. Expert service
What’s the cost? Homecare services are inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with ratings on its website ( cqc.org.uk ). In Cambridge, 21 agencies received a ‘good’ CQC rating for providing a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led service.
The cost of homecare services varies according to your specific requirements – the type of care needed, how often you want it and whether more than one carer is required. It’s worth remembering that a live-in carer might be a cost-effective alternative to a care home for a couple living in one house. However, the costs will need to be covered by an income or savings, unless you borrow against your property in an equity-release scheme. Depending on your relative’s needs, they might qualify for a support package for live-in care from the NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) scheme or financial support from their local authority if their assets are below £23,250. You could request a financial assessment from the local council to determine eligibility for help with care costs.
Further info
• A comprehensive care and support guide is available from Cambridgeshire Care Choices ( carechoices.co.uk ). • Care Network Cambridgeshire ( care-network.org.uk ) trains local volunteers to provide free practical and emotional support in the home through the Maintaining Independence at Home scheme.
LIFE MADE EASIER Helping Hands Home Care’s live-in carers provide round-the-clock support tailored to individual needs
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2025 65
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