What do we mean by ‘professional care at home'?
Professional carers have a variety of skills – some have nursing and first aid qualifications and others are home helps or personal assistants. Examples of tasks they might help with include:
- personal care like washing, dressing and using the toilet
- medical care like giving injections or changing a catheter
- collecting pensions, shopping and preparing food
- doing laundry and cleaning.
Personal assistants
Whether you just want someone to tidy up occasionally and do the shopping, or you need help getting dressed, or dedicated nursing 7 days per week, qualified, training and vetted professionals are available to help you:
Homecare agencies
Although independent providers are generally the least expensive option, home care agencies are often easier to use. Agencies find and place providers, handle payroll and usually provide substitutes for sick or absent carers. If there are problems, they will also have a complaints procedure you can follow.
Independent homecare providers
If you would prefer to use an independent provider, you can search the list by area or by their current rating.
Voluntary carers
Charities such as the Red Cross can offer you temporary support at home after a hospital stay or illness. All volunteers have basic training in social care and first aid. This service is only available on a short-term basis and is available free of charge – but you need to be referred by a GP, primary care trust, hospital or social worker.
East Sussex County Council