Homecare
Helping individuals to maintain an independent life at home.
Our Homecare offers a variety of services to provide complete support for daily living. If you or a loved one need regular help at home, we are here for you. Our approach is personalised, flexible, and comprehensive.
Homecare can also be referred to as… home help, home assistance, home health care, domiciliary care, in-home care, care at home, support at home and domestic care.
What is homecare?
Homecare involves a professional carer visiting someone at home to assist with daily tasks like washing, dressing, taking medication, preparing meals, or providing companionship.
This flexible service is tailored to the needs of the individual and can occur daily or multiple times a day, supporting various aspects of care to help you live well at home.
Who can benefit from homecare?
Anyone from the age of 18, needing help to live independently at home because of age, illness, disability, or recovery from surgery may qualify. This includes those with long-term health issues, or individuals recovering from a hospital stay, physical and mental health conditions and older adults.
It also covers carers who need support with their loved ones; they can arrange homecare to assist in daily routines and provide respite.
Ready for homecare?
Book a free support assessment with our dedicated team and discover how we can help. We're here to guide you every step of the way!
What does a homecare support worker do?
A homecare support worker provides a range of services tailored to meet the needs of individuals in their own homes. These services can include:
Personal Care: Assisting with daily activities such as washing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to promote personal hygiene and dignity.
Companionship: Offering emotional support and companionship to combat loneliness and improve overall well-being.
Household Tasks: Helping with light cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and grocery shopping to maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.
Medication Support: Aiding with medication management, including reminders for taking medications and support with the pick up or ordering of, medication from pharmacies.
Mobility Assistance: Supporting individuals with mobility and equipment, whether through helping them move around their home or accompanying them on outings.
Health Monitoring: Observing and reporting changes in condition to healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing health and safety.
Respite Care: Providing short-term relief for family caregivers, allowing them time to rest and recharge while ensuring their loved ones are well cared for.
Specialised Care: Offering support for individuals with specific conditions, such as dementia care or support for physical disabilities, ensuring they receive the tailored assistance they require.
A homecare support worker is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those they support, promoting independence while ensuring safety and comfort.
What makes our homecare support different?
We carefully select kind and compassionate people to provide support for those who need care… that feels like family.
Not only that, they are…
trained professionals who specialise in meeting the unique care needs of each client.
person-centred, to prioritise individual needs and preferences of those being cared for.
peace of mind - we solve problems if/when they arise, enabling you to relax.
enhanced DBS checked to ensure safety and trust.
We also have trained specialists (we call them champions) in specific areas of care, that we can call upon to offer the best help and guidance for
safeguarding and infection control
medication, nutrition & hydration
moving and positioning
care culture
dementia
How much does homecare cost?
We charge from £35.30 per hour* but funding is available in some cases.
The local authority may provide financial support for homecare services, but require an assessment to establish the needs of the person being cared for and a means test. We can help you navigate this process and take the stress away.
Ultimately, the aim is to ensure that both those with care needs and their carers are supported in a way that suits their individual circumstances and helps maintain their wellbeing.
*Our minimum homecare service is 30 minutes as it allows us to build a stronger relationship with the people being supported.
What homecare means to people we help.
Frequently asked questions about Homecare…
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Carers in Hertfordshire - a carer charity based in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire Citizen’s Advice - can both offer advice around carers allowance and other in-kind benefits.
Hertfordshire County Council - Advice on paying for long term care.
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Crossroads Homecare can be provided from once a week to several times a day, depending on the individual’s needs. We can also offer overnight care upon request.
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We run from 7 am to 10 pm and can be flexible upon discussion and create a package of care around you.
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Yes.
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Not really. We try to meet personal requests, but we have a team of support workers who specialise in each client's care needs. This helps us provide the best care and cover things like holidays and sickness.
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Yes. Crossroads support workers are trained in personal care, safeguarding, and health & safety as well as care specific training centred around different diagnosis and care needs. Agencies in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
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If you no longer feel like you can support your loved one at home, please speak to your social worker – 0300 1234 042 to have a conversation about next steps including respite and care homes
There is also the Hertfordshire care choices website where you can look at private care homes Care in Hertfordshire | Care Choices
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You may be entitled to support with the cost of care from social services depending on the level of care needs.
Please be aware this will require means testing.
To find out whether you qualify, please contact Social Services on 0300 123042.
Useful links & further reading…
There are plenty of places where you can get additional support…
General help & advice
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Hertfordshire County Council offer a range of support and advice for Adult social services.
This includes:
Social care help
Equipment, homecare, and housing
Arranging and paying for care
Support for unpaid carers
Dementia, autism, and mental health support
Blue Badge applications
hertfordshire.gov.uk/adult-social-service
Factsheets are available on the website covering a range of topics such as Advocacy, Financial support and advice, Assistive Technology and Tips for unpaid carers.
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Herts Help is a countywide service that offers advice and practical support to people across Hertfordshire. They can listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information to help you get the most out of life, including:
Support in a crisis (help with finding specialist services)
Help to manage at home
Finding the right care and support
Advice on funding your care
Advocacy to help you explain a problem/ have your say
Help finding community support to maintain independence
Winter Health
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Information and advice services for older people.
Telephone (Herts): 0300 345 3446
General advice line: 0800 678 1602
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Provides clear, free and impartial advice on issues that matter, care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
Support groups
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Carers in Hertfordshire provides information, advice, workshops and support free to carers on a range of matters related to their caring role and wellbeing, including finances, legal planning, the Mental Capacity Act and making or altering a Lasting Power of Attorney.
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We’re here for unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support, and also campaign to make life better for carers. Alongside this there are opportunities to connect with other unpaid Carers through online forums and training for unpaid carers.
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A weekly drop-in session for anyone living with Dementia or who is worried about their memory to come along with a family member or their carer in a safe and relaxed environment.
Runs every Thursday from 10:00 – 12:00
Ernest Gardiner Treatment Centre, Pearsall Close, Letchworth, SG6 1QZ
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Facilitated by Garden House Hospice, Wellbeing Hubs offer opportunities for people to come together for information, to socialise and promote wellbeing and engage in activities.
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Memory support groups are facilitated by Memory Support Hertfordshire and Alzheimer’s Society. Chat to people with dementia, their carers, family and friends at our friendly and relaxed dementia café. At each session you can ask questions, share your experiences and get the help, advice and information you need in an informal and sociable setting. Groups are available across Hertfordshire.
Financial support
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To support with the cost of living, Hertfordshire County Council has been provided with funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people in need with things like the cost of energy and food.
Hertfordshire County Council is working with a range of partners across the county to make sure they can get the right help to those who need it, at the right time.
Residents are not able to apply directly for the Household Support Fund, however, if you need help or support you can call Herts Help on 0300 123 4044 who may be able to help. If support is available, it will be based on your current situation, and you may be asked about your finances.
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Provides free confidential and independent advice, including finances and benefits.
03444 111 444 or 0800 144 8848 (Freephone)
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Age UK Hertfordshire gives information, guidance and emotional support for carers living in Hertfordshire where they or the person they care for is over age 50.
How do I arrange homecare?
Everyone’s needs are different, and our team is dedicated to drawing up a personalised homecare plan centred around the individual.
Reach out today, and let’s make your well-being a priority.
3 simple steps to homecare
1 - Reach out - to us. Call or fill in the form and we will contact you within 2 working days to arrange an assessment date that suits you.
2 - We assess - your needs though an informal chat at the home of whomever needs support, or over the phone… whatever works best for you.
3 - We help - by selecting the most suitable support worker for your needs and arrange a time to start.
If your need is urgent please give us a call.