Easy Read · Care at home
Support in your own home.
Care at home means someone supports you where you live. Another name for this is domiciliary care.
What is care at home?
You keep living in the home you know. We talk with you about the help that may be right for you.
Care and support we may provide
Care at home is different for each person. We need to meet you before we can say what support is suitable and available.
Dementia care
We may be able to support a person living with dementia at home. We can help with familiar routines, personal care, meals, medicine, reassurance and company.
Frailty and older people’s care
We may be able to help an older or frail person stay safe and comfortable while doing as much as possible for themselves.
Hospital discharge and recovery support
We may be able to help someone settle back at home after hospital. We need to assess the person and check that suitable support is available.
Waking night care
With waking night care, a care worker stays awake and is available during the agreed hours.
Overnight or sleep-in support
Sleep-in support is for someone who may need a care worker during the night but does not usually need the worker to stay awake all night.
Companionship and sitting services
A care worker may be able to spend time with a person for company, conversation, reassurance and activities they enjoy.
Respite and family carer support
Planned care at home may give a family carer time away from caring while the person has support at home.
Personal care
We may be able to help with washing, dressing, using the toilet and other personal routines. We respect privacy, choice and independence.
Medication support
Trained care workers may help with medicine when this is written in the person’s assessment and care plan. This is not medical treatment.
Meal preparation and nutrition
We may be able to help prepare food and drinks and support a person to eat and drink well.
Palliative and end-of-life support
Where it is suitable and within our service, we may support a person approaching the end of life. We focus on dignity, comfort and the person’s wishes.
Learning disability support at home
We support adults with learning disabilities. Support can be shaped around communication, abilities, routines, choices and goals.
Physical disability and mobility support
We may be able to support someone with a physical disability or reduced mobility to manage everyday life at home.
Cleaning and domestic support
Light cleaning or laundry may be included as part of an agreed care package. We do not say that cleaning can be bought as a separate service.
Shopping, appointments and community support
A care plan may include help with shopping, appointments, going out and keeping important activities and relationships.
I am not sure what care is needed
You do not need to know the name of the care you need. Tell us what is happening and what is difficult. We can listen and talk about the options.
Your choices matter
Tell us what a good day looks like. You can ask family, a supporter or an advocate to be involved if you want.
How care may start
You contact us. We listen and learn about you. We talk about whether we may be able to help. If the service is suitable and available, we agree a plan and introduce the team. We review support when life changes.
Keeping you safe
We talk about safety, risks and what support may be suitable before a plan is agreed. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Where we may work
We consider enquiries in Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Havering, Barking, Ilford, east London and Essex. You need to ask us if care is available in your area.
For families and professionals
Families and professionals can contact us for a first conversation. If you are not sure which service is right, use the care quiz or call us.
People communicate in different ways.
We will not assume how you communicate. We will ask you what works best for you.
Pictures and signs can help.
You might use pictures, symbols or a communication board or book. You might use PECS, which is a specific system for exchanging pictures. You might use Makaton signs and symbols with speech.
There are many ways to communicate.
You might use speech, gestures, pointing or eye pointing. You might use AAC. AAC means tools or devices that help you communicate.
You can ask for communication support.
You might use Easy Read or BSL, which means British Sign Language. You can ask for an interpreter or advocate. Family or a supporter can be involved if you want.
How do you like us to communicate with you?
We will ask you. We will listen to your answer. You can say no. You can change your mind.
How we remember your choice
- Ask: we ask what works for you.
- Record: we write down your choice in the right place.
- Flag: we make it easy for the team to see.
- Share: we share it with people who need to know.
- Act: we use your preferred way to communicate.
- Review: we check with you again because your needs can change.
You can ask us anything.
There is no pressure to make a decision. We will listen and help you find the next step.