Frequently Asked Questions

How do I arrange homecare for my elderly parent?

Contact your local GoodOaks Homecare branch by phone or via the website to book a free, no-obligation consultation. We will visit your loved ones home at a convenient time to assess their needs and answer your questions. After this, we create a personalised care plan and match your loved one with the ideal care professional. We handle all arrangements and provide ongoing support throughout their care journey.

Is my parent eligible for help with homecare costs?

If your parent’s assets are below £23,250 (£100,000 from October 2025), they may qualify for care funding from the local council, following a Care Needs Assessment. Those with significant health needs might qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, which covers all assessed care requirements regardless of financial means. We recommend starting with the local council to assess eligibility.

How much does homecare cost and what are the funding options?

GoodOaks Homecare offers flexible services, with costs depending on the level and frequency of support required. Fees are clear, and you only pay for what you need – whether it’s 30 minutes a week or full-time live-in care. All our care plans are tailored around your loved ones needs, preferences and wishes. Funding options may include:
Local authority support (if eligible).
NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Attendance Allowance for those over state pension age.
Private/self-funding.
We’re happy to guide you through the possible funding routes and point you to available benefits.

What type of homecare services are available and which does my parent need?

We offer a range of services tailored to individual needs, from short, visiting care (help with meals, medication, routines, companionship) to full live-in care (24/7 around-the-clock support, including personal and specialist care such as dementia care). We also offer respite, after hospital care and companionship care.During your consultation, we’ll help assess what level and type of care best supports your parent’s independence and wellbeing.

How quickly can homecare be set up?

We strive to make the process smooth and responsive. After your initial consultation and assessment, care can typically be arranged and started very quickly – often within days, depending on your needs and availability of care professionals in your area.

Can my parent have the same carer every time, and what happens if the carer is unavailable?
We know consistency matters. We endeavour to provide the same care professionals whenever possible, building trust and a strong rapport. Should a regular care professional be unavailable, we arrange a suitable replacement from our well-trained local team, always ensuring seamless care continuity.

How can I make sure the carers are trustworthy, properly trained, and CQC registered?

GoodOaks Homecare is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring high standards of safety and quality. All our care professionals undergo strict recruitment, background checks, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development. You can review our latest CQC inspection reports for additional peace of mind.

How do I get a care needs assessment for my parent?

Contact your parent’s local council to request a Care Needs Assessment. This evaluation determines both care requirements and potential eligibility for funded support. We can guide you through this process or help liaise with the local authority as needed.
What are direct payments and personal budgets, and how do they work?
If eligible for council funding, your parent can choose to receive direct payments or a personal budget. This gives them (or you, acting on their behalf) the flexibility to arrange and pay for care with a provider like GoodOaks, rather than having the council organise it. We can support you with all the required information and assist with paperwork if needed.

What should I look for or ask when choosing a homecare agency?

We know it can be a difficult choice to decide to invite a care provider into yours or your loved one’s home. When selecting a care provider we would advise to look for:
CQC regulation and inspection ratings.
Carer training and vetting processes.
Flexibility and range of services.
Transparent fees.
Local reputation and client testimonials.
At GoodOaks, our local, friendly teams provide tailored, dependable care, and we’re always open about our processes and prices. We encourage you to meet with us, ask questions, and check our credentials for complete confidence in your choice.

What is live-in care?

Live-in care is a personalised service where a professional, carefully matched carer moves into your loved one’s home to provide one-to-one support, around the clock. This allows your loved one to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving help with personal care, medication, meal preparation, companionship, and household tasks. At GoodOaks, live-in care is tailored to each individual, enabling independence and peace of mind for families, with the comfort of home always at the heart.

What is respite care?

Respite care offers temporary, short-term support for your loved one – either at home or in a residential setting, giving you, as the main carer, a much-needed break. Respite care can last from a few hours or days to a few weeks, covering holidays, emergencies, or simply offering time for you to rest and recharge. At GoodOaks, our respite care is flexible and designed around your family’s circumstances, ensuring your loved one is safe, well-cared for, and able to maintain routines, whether through live-in or visiting care. This service supports both your wellbeing and your loved one’s independence and comfort.

Care homes v Homecare

Care homes and homecare both provide essential support for elderly loved ones, but they differ significantly in setting, personalisation, flexibility, and cost.

Care homes are residential facilities where your loved one moves in to receive 24-hour support from a team of healthcare professionals. These environments tend to be more structured, with shared communal spaces and set routines for meals, activities, and care. This communal living can provide social interaction with other residents and immediate access to round-the-clock care, which is helpful if medical needs are high or constant supervision is required. However, moving into a care home means leaving the familiar surroundings of home, which can be a big adjustment emotionally and practically.

In contrast, homecare allows your loved one to remain safely in their own home, surrounded by familiar belongings, pets, and routines that help maintain their independence and comfort. Care at home is highly personalised and flexible – it can range from a few visits a week for assistance with personal care or household tasks, to full-time live-in care offering one-to-one support day and night. This personalised approach enables consistent care from familiar carers who get to know your family’s preferences and needs intimately.

Flexibility is a major benefit of homecare. It allows families to tailor the support exactly to their situation, adjusting hours or services as needs change, without the upheaval of relocation. On the other hand, care homes typically operate on fixed schedules and routines, which may suit those who prefer a more communal and regimented lifestyle but can feel restrictive to others.

Cost-wise, care homes generally charge an all-inclusive fee covering accommodation, meals, and care. This may be more economical for single residents with high care needs but can become costly for couples or those requiring less intensive support. Homecare costs vary based on hours and type of care, and can be particularly cost-effective for couples who can share a single carer. Additionally, staying at home often means the property is not considered as part of means-tested funding assessments, which can influence eligibility for financial support.

Ultimately, the choice between a care home and homecare depends on your loved one’s health needs, personal preferences, and family circumstances. Homecare from GoodOaks offers a warm, independent approach that keeps families involved and gives your loved one the dignity and comfort of their own home, while care homes provide comprehensive care in a communal setting. We’re here to help you understand these options so you can make the best decision for your family.

If you’d like further advice or to arrange a consultation, contact us at GoodOaks Homecare any time. Click here to contact your local branch.