Honest answers to the questions people ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for? Just ask.
It depends on your situation. For urgent needs - like hospital discharge - we can often start within 24-48 hours. We have a dedicated rapid response team for these situations.
For planned care, we typically need about a week to do things properly: meeting you, understanding what matters to you, creating your care plan, and introducing you to your care team.
Whatever your timeline, call us and we'll be honest about what's possible. We'd rather do things right than rush and get it wrong.
Our first visit is a conversation, not an assessment. One of our care coordinators will come to your home at a time that suits you. They'll ask:
It's completely free and there's no obligation. Many people find it helpful just to talk things through, even if they're not ready for care yet. We can also include family members if you'd like - it's your choice.
No contracts, no minimum term. We ask for 4 weeks' notice if you want to end care, simply so we can plan - but there are no penalties or exit fees.
We believe if we're doing our job well, you'll want to stay. If we're not, you should be free to leave. Simple as that.
Your care plan isn't set in stone - it evolves with you. Whether you need more support after an illness, or less as you recover, we adjust accordingly.
We review your care plan regularly, but you can request changes at any time. Just call us and we'll adapt. That might mean:
Your needs come first, always.
We provide care across Lincolnshire, including Lincoln, Sleaford, Grantham, Boston, Spalding, and surrounding villages. We have local teams who know their areas well.
Check our coverage map or give us a call with your postcode and we'll let you know straight away.
We're transparent about costs. Our rates depend on the length of visit:
We'll give you a clear quote after understanding your needs - no hidden fees, no surprises. View our pricing for current rates.
Yes, you may be eligible for council funding. The process works like this:
We support many people with council funding. We're happy to help you navigate this - just ask, and we can guide you through the process.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is fully funded by the NHS for people with significant ongoing health needs. It's not means-tested - if you qualify, it's free.
Eligibility is based on the complexity, intensity, and unpredictability of your health needs. A checklist assessment is usually done in hospital or by your GP.
Many people don't know this funding exists. If you have complex health needs, it's worth asking about. We can support CHC assessments and accept CHC-funded placements.
Many of the people we support pay privately, and there are advantages: you have complete control over your care, can start immediately, and aren't limited by council budgets.
We invoice monthly in arrears. You can pay by bank transfer, direct debit, or cheque. We provide clear invoices with a full breakdown of every visit.
If costs are a concern, talk to us. We can often find ways to prioritise what matters most within your budget.
Yes! Many people miss out on benefits they're entitled to:
These benefits can help cover care costs. We're not financial advisors, but we're happy to point you in the right direction.
Yes, absolutely. We carefully match carers based on personality, interests, and the skills you need. But you have the final say.
We'll introduce you to your proposed care team before visits start. If the chemistry isn't right, we'll find someone else. No questions asked.
We aim for a small, consistent team - typically 2-4 carers who get to know you well. You won't have strangers turning up.
Tell us immediately. Relationships matter in care - if it's not working, we'll change it. There's no awkwardness, no judgement.
Sometimes it's just a personality mismatch. Sometimes preferences change. Whatever the reason, you're in control. We'll find someone who's a better fit.
Every carer goes through:
Training doesn't stop there. All carers have ongoing development, specialist training for specific conditions, and regular supervision. We're CQC registered and inspected.
We use electronic monitoring so we know exactly when carers arrive and leave. If someone is running late, we'll know before you do - and we'll call to let you know.
Missed visits are extremely rare, but if a carer can't make it (illness, emergency), we always send a replacement. You won't be left without care.
Reliability isn't a bonus - it's the bare minimum. If you're ever let down, please tell us so we can put it right.
Your care team usually includes 2-4 carers, so there's always someone familiar available. When your main carer is away, another team member will cover.
We never send complete strangers. Cover carers are properly briefed on your care plan and preferences. And we'll always let you know in advance who's coming.
With your relative's consent, we can keep you fully informed:
We understand how hard it is being far away. We'll be your eyes and ears, and we'll flag any concerns proactively.
We have an out-of-hours emergency line available 24/7. If you have concerns about your relative, call us - day or night.
Our carers are trained to recognise and respond to emergencies. They'll call emergency services if needed, stay with your relative, and contact you immediately.
For medical emergencies, always call 999 first. But know that we're here as backup support whenever you need us.
Absolutely. Many families use us for respite - giving family carers a break while ensuring their loved one is well looked after.
This might be:
Looking after someone you love is exhausting. Taking a break isn't selfish - it's essential. We're here to help.
This is one of the hardest situations families face. Resistance to care is common - it can feel like admitting defeat or losing independence.
Here are some approaches that sometimes help:
We've gently supported many people through this. Sometimes a call or visit from us helps - a friendly face can make all the difference. We're happy to try.
Yes, we support many people living with dementia, from early stages through to advanced care. Our carers receive specialist dementia training covering:
We work closely with memory clinics, GPs, and Admiral Nurses. Our approach is to focus on what the person can still do and enjoy, not what they've lost.
No experience necessary. What matters most is who you are, not what qualifications you have. We can teach skills - we can't teach kindness, patience, or a genuine desire to help.
If you've cared for a family member, supported a friend, or just feel drawn to making a difference - that counts. We provide comprehensive training including:
Many of our best carers came from completely different careers. It's never too late to start.
We offer genuine flexibility. You tell us your availability and we'll work around it:
Care visits happen from early morning to late evening, 7 days a week. There's usually a pattern that fits your life. We'll never force you into shifts you can't do.
We pay competitive rates - above the minimum wage. Exact rates depend on your role, experience, and qualifications. We're always transparent about pay.
Additional benefits include:
We know care work is undervalued nationally. We're committed to paying fairly and treating carers as the skilled professionals they are.
In most areas, yes - you'll need a car and full driving licence. Care visits are spread across communities, and public transport often doesn't work for the schedules involved.
However, in some urban areas (like Lincoln city centre), we can sometimes accommodate non-drivers with walkable rounds. Ask us about your specific area.
We pay mileage for travel between visits, calculated fairly based on actual distances.
The process is straightforward:
The whole process typically takes 3-4 weeks. We'll support you every step of the way.
Absolutely. Care isn't a dead-end job - it's a career with real progression opportunities:
We promote from within wherever possible. Many of our office team started as carers. If you're ambitious, we'll help you grow.
We're here to help. Choose the way that suits you best.