Who can get home care in the UK?

Home care allows people to receive professional support in the comfort of their home. This guide explains who qualifies for home care in the UK and how to arrange care at home. Whether you need occasional help with daily tasks or 24-hour assistance, care can be adapted to suit a variety of needs, ages and circumstances.

At a glance

• Care at home is available to adults of all ages who need support to live safely and independently at home.
• It can help older people, individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, dementia, mental health needs or those recovering from illness or surgery.
• Anyone can arrange and pay for care privately, while council funding depends on a care needs assessment and financial means test.
• In some cases, the NHS may fully fund home care for people with complex, ongoing health needs.

What is home care?

Home care (also known as domiciliary care) provides practical, personal and emotional support to people in their own homes.

Regular or occasional support can be provided depending on individual needs.

Eligibility for funding depends on your care needs and financial situation but arranging care privately is always an option.

Care at home services may include:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, toileting, brushing teeth).
• Medication support.
• Meal preparation.
• Companionship.
• Help with mobility.
• Household tasks.
• Specialist care for complex conditions.

Who can get home care?

Care at home is available to any adult who needs support to live safely and independently at home.

This includes any adult who needs support with daily living due to older age, disability, a long-term health condition, dementia, a mental health need or those recovering from illness.

Home care can be arranged privately through your local council. It may be possible to get home care services via NHS funding in some circumstances.

1. Older People

As we age, everyday tasks can become more difficult due to:

• Reduced mobility.
• Frailty.
• Memory problems.
• Long-term health conditions.

Older people who need support but want to remain living independently at home rather than move into residential care often choose home care as a flexible alternative.

2. Adults with physical disabilities

Adults living with physical disabilities may need help with:

• Moving safely around the home.
• Personal care.
• Managing medication.
• Accessing the community.

3. People with long-term health conditions

Individuals with ongoing health conditions may qualify for care and support. Examples include:

• Parkinson’s disease.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Stroke recovery.

Care can help manage symptoms, support rehabilitation, and improve quality of life.

4. People living with dementia

Support at home is commonly arranged for individuals living with:

• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Vascular dementia.

Specialist dementia carers can provide structured routines, medication reminders, companionship and safety monitoring within familiar surroundings, which can reduce confusion and distress.

5. People recovering from illness or surgery

Care at home isn’t only for long-term needs. It can also be arranged short-term after:

• A hospital stay.
• Surgery.
• A fall or injury.
• Serious illness.

This is often called reablement care or intermediate care, and it helps individuals regain independence.

6. Adults with learning disabilities or autism

Adults with learning disabilities or autism may receive home care to support:

• Daily living skills.
• Communication.
• Social inclusion.
• Employment or education goals.

Support is personalised to encourage independence while ensuring safety and wellbeing.

7. People requiring palliative or end-of-life care

Care at home can provide compassionate support for individuals with terminal illnesses who wish to remain at home. Carers work alongside district nurses and palliative care teams to ensure comfort and dignity.

Can you get care at home for mental health needs?

Yes. Individuals living with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may be eligible if their condition impacts their ability to manage daily life.

This care may include:

• Medication prompts.
• Emotional support.
• Routine building.
• Help attending appointments.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for home care.

It is available to:

• Young adults (18+).
• Working-age adults.
• Older people.

Children’s care services are arranged separately through social services.

Can someone with mild needs get care at home?

Yes. Care can start with as little as one hour per week.

Can care at home be temporary?

Absolutely. It can be short-term (e.g., after surgery) or long-term.

Can couples receive care together?

Yes. Each person is assessed individually but care can be delivered in the same household.

Eligibility for receiving care is separate from funding it.

Can I arrange care at home privately?

Anyone can arrange and pay for home care directly through a care provider, regardless of income or savings.

Can I get council funding?

Your local authority will carry out:

• A Care Needs Assessment to determine if your needs meet the national eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014. A Financial Assessment (Means Test) to determine how much you must contribute.
• If your savings and assets are above the upper capital threshold in England (£23,250), you’ll usually need to self-fund your care. Thresholds vary in Wales (£24,000), Scotland (personal and nursing care is free regardless of income and savings) and Northern Ireland (Health and Social Care Trusts determine threshold. You can read about the how to pay for care here.

Can the NHS fund home care?

• In some cases, the NHS can fund your home care.
• People with complex, ongoing health needs may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is fully funded by the NHS and is not means-tested.
• Eligibility is based on medical need rather than diagnosis alone. An assessment is carried out by NHS professionals.

Do you need a referral for care?

Not if arranging care privately. Council-funded care requires an assessment but not necessarily a GP referral.

How do I arrange home care?

If you think you or a loved one may benefit from care:

• Contact your local council and request a care needs assessment.
• Speak to your GP if medical needs are involved.
• Explore private care providers if you prefer to arrange support directly.
• To ensure quality and safety, compare local, regulated care providers on homecare.co.uk.

If you’re considering home care, you can explore trusted home care providers in your area.

FAQs