Choosing the right home care can feel overwhelming, whether you’re looking for support for yourself or a loved one. That’s why we’ve created this FAQ page to answer some of the most common questions about domiciliary care, home care services, funding, and the support available from MerseyCare Julie Ann.
Our aim is to provide clear, helpful information to help you make informed decisions with confidence. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our friendly team is always here to help and discuss your individual care needs.
Understanding Homecare
Domiciliary care, also known as home care, is professional support provided in the comfort of your own home. It helps people maintain their independence while receiving assistance with daily activities such as personal care, medication, meal preparation, housekeeping, companionship, and mobility support. At MerseyCare Julie Ann, our flexible domiciliary care is tailored to your individual needs, whether you require occasional visits or more regular support. Staying at home allows you to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving high-quality care that promotes dignity, wellbeing, and independence, giving both you and your loved ones peace of mind.
The main difference between home care and residential care is where the care is provided. Home care allows individuals to receive support in their own home, helping them maintain their independence and stay in familiar surroundings. Residential care involves moving into a care home where support is available 24 hours a day. Home care is often the preferred option for those who wish to remain at home while receiving flexible, personalised support tailored to their needs.
Yes, many people can continue living safely and comfortably in their own home with the right support. Home care provides personalised assistance tailored to your needs, including personal care, medication support, meal preparation, companionship, and help with daily activities. At MerseyCare Julie Ann, our flexible home care services are designed to promote independence, dignity, and wellbeing while allowing you to remain in familiar surroundings. For many individuals, home care is a practical alternative to residential care, offering professional support at home while helping them stay connected to their family, friends, and local community.
Home care can benefit anyone who needs extra support to live safely and independently at home. This includes older adults, people living with disabilities, individuals managing long-term health conditions, those recovering from illness or surgery, and people who need temporary or ongoing assistance with daily activities. At MerseyCare Julie Ann, we provide flexible home care tailored to each person’s needs, from companionship and household support to personal care, medication assistance and respite care. Home care enables individuals to remain comfortable in familiar surroundings while maintaining their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
At MerseyCare Julie Ann, we offer a wide range of home care services designed to help people live safely and independently in their own homes. Our support includes personal care, medication assistance, companionship, meal preparation, household tasks, dementia care, respite care, palliative care, overnight care, and support for individuals with learning disabilities or complex needs. We also assist with shopping, appointments, and community activities. Every care plan is tailored to the individual’s requirements, ensuring the right level of support is provided to promote independence, dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life at home.
Signs someone needs care
Watching a parent grow older can be difficult, especially when you begin to worry about their safety and wellbeing at home. While many older adults live independently for years, there often comes a point when additional support may be needed to help them remain safe, healthy, and comfortable.
The signs are not always obvious. In many cases, changes happen gradually, making it difficult for family members to know whether occasional forgetfulness or mobility challenges are becoming something more concerning.
Here are 10 signs your elderly parent may benefit from care.
Some signs someone may have difficulty living independently are:
- Poor personal hygiene or wearing the same clothes regularly
- Struggling to prepare meals or forgetting to eat
- Missing medication or appointments
- Difficulty keeping the home clean and tidy
- Unpaid bills or unopened post piling up
- Increased falls or mobility issues
- Forgetfulness or confusion with daily tasks
- Social withdrawal or feelings of loneliness
- Weight loss or decline in physical health
- Leaving appliances on or other safety concerns
- Difficulty shopping or managing household chores
- Increased reliance on family, friends, or neighbours for support
When an elderly parent refuses care, it can leave families feeling worried, frustrated and unsure how to help. If your elderly parent refuses care, understanding the reasons behind their concerns can help you approach the conversation with patience, empathy and confidence.
If an elderly parent refuses care, it’s important to avoid turning the conversation into an argument. Instead, try to focus on understanding their concerns.
Read our full guide here.
Absolutely. Many of our clients are referred to us by family members who want to ensure their loved one receives the right support while remaining independent at home.
Whether you’re arranging care for a parent, spouse, relative, or friend, our team will work with you to understand their needs and create a personalised care plan. We can provide support with personal care, medication assistance, meal preparation, companionship, household tasks, and more.
We’ll guide you through the process from the initial enquiry to the start of care, keeping both you and your loved one informed every step of the way.
Funding Homecare
As a guide, home care services in the North West of England typically cost between £25 and £35 per hour, although specialist or complex care may be charged at a higher rate.
Some people pay for their care privately, while others may be eligible for financial support from their local authority, depending on their financial circumstances and care needs.
Who pays for home care depends on an individual’s financial circumstances and care needs.
- Private Funding (Self-Funded Care): Many people pay for their own care, either independently or with support from family members.
- Local Authority Funding: If you have eligible care needs and limited financial resources, your local council may contribute towards or fully fund your care following a care needs assessment and financial assessment.
- NHS Funding: In some cases, individuals with complex or long-term health needs may qualify for NHS funding, such as NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- Direct Payments: Some people receive funding directly from their local authority, allowing them to arrange and manage their own care services.
There are several types of funding available to help cover the cost of home care, depending on your care needs, health conditions, and financial circumstances.
Funding options may include:
- Local Authority Funding – Your local council may contribute towards or fully fund your care if you meet the eligibility criteria following a care needs and financial assessment.
- Direct Payments – If you’re eligible for council funding, you may be able to receive payments directly to arrange your own care services.
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – Individuals with significant or complex healthcare needs may qualify for fully funded care from the NHS.
- NHS-funded Nursing Care – Available for some people with nursing needs who live in a care home.
- Attendance Allowance – People over State Pension age with a disability or long-term health condition may be eligible for this non-means-tested benefit.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Available to eligible people under State Pension age who need help with daily living or mobility.
- Carer’s Allowance – Financial support for those providing regular care to a loved one.
Yes, you can arrange care privately without going through your local council. Many people choose private home care to access support quickly and have greater flexibility over the type and level of care they receive.
Your local authority may help fund your care, depending on your care needs and financial circumstances. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, contact your local council for a care needs and financial assessment.
Your care team
Yes. At MerseyCare Julie Ann, all of our care professionals undergo thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, before they begin providing care.
We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality care, which is why our recruitment process also includes:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Employment history and reference checks
- Right to work verification
- Comprehensive training and induction
- Ongoing training and professional development
Yes, wherever possible, we aim to provide the same carer or a small, consistent team of carers. This helps build trust, maintain continuity of care, and ensure your support is tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
If your regular carer is unavailable, a suitably trained member of our team will step in to ensure your care continues without disruption.
If your regular carer is unavailable due to holiday, illness, or training, a member of our dedicated Response Team will provide your care.
All Response Team carers are fully trained and have access to your care plan, ensuring your support continues smoothly and with minimal disruption. We always strive to maintain consistency and provide high-quality care you can rely on.
Yes, many of our carers live and work within the communities we support across Liverpool and Widnes Their local knowledge can help them build strong relationships with clients and understand the community services and facilities available nearby.
By employing local care professionals, we can provide reliable, responsive care while helping clients remain connected to their local community.
Yes. Our carers can provide respectful and dignified support with a range of personal care tasks, helping you maintain your independence and wellbeing at home.
This may include:
- Washing, bathing, and showering
- Dressing and undressing
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Oral care
- Toileting and continence support
- Assistance with mobility and getting ready for the day
All personal care is delivered in a way that respects your privacy, preferences, and routine, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported at all times.
Yes. Our carers can provide support with medication as part of your personalised care plan, helping you take your medication safely and at the correct times.
Medication support may include:
- Medication reminders
- Prompting and encouragement
- Assistance with taking medication
- Recording medication administration
- Collecting prescriptions where required
All medication support is provided by trained carers and carried out in line with your individual needs and agreed care plan.
Find the contact information for your local branch here – Contact us – MCJA
Specialist Care Services
Yes, many people living with dementia can continue to live safely and independently at home with the right support in place.
Home care can help with daily routines, personal care, medication support, meal preparation, companionship, and maintaining a safe living environment. Having familiar surroundings and a consistent routine can often provide comfort and reassurance for people living with dementia.
At MerseyCare Julie Ann, we provide personalised dementia care tailored to each individual’s needs, helping them remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own home for as long as possible.
We understand that confusion and memory loss can be challenging for both individuals and their families. Our carers provide patient, compassionate support tailored to each person’s needs, helping them maintain their independence and confidence at home.
Support may include:
- Providing gentle reminders and reassurance
- Maintaining familiar routines and environments
- Assisting with medication and daily tasks
- Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities
- Offering companionship and emotional support
- Communicating regularly with family members where appropriate
At MerseyCare Julie Ann, we take a person-centred approach, ensuring care is delivered in a way that promotes safety, comfort, and wellbeing while respecting individual preferences and abilities.
Dementia affects everyone differently, but there may come a point when additional support is needed to help a person remain safe, comfortable, and independent.
Some common signs include:
- Forgetting to take medication or taking it incorrectly
- Difficulty managing personal care, such as washing or dressing
- Increased confusion, disorientation, or memory loss
- Leaving appliances on or other safety concerns
- Missing meals, dehydration, or weight loss
- Struggling with household tasks or managing finances
- Wandering or becoming lost
- Increased loneliness, anxiety, or changes in behaviour
- Family members feeling overwhelmed by caring responsibilities
Professional home care can provide reassurance for both the individual and their loved ones, offering tailored support while helping them remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible.
For more information click here.
Yes. Our carers receive training to help them support people living with dementia safely, compassionately, and effectively.
This training includes:
- Understanding different types of dementia
- Communicating with individuals experiencing memory loss or confusion
- Managing changes in behaviour with patience and empathy
- Supporting independence and daily routines
- Promoting safety and wellbeing at home
- Providing person-centred care tailored to individual needs
We also provide ongoing training and development to ensure our carers have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality dementia care.
Dementia is a progressive condition, and care needs can change over time. If symptoms worsen, we will work closely with the individual, their family, and any healthcare professionals involved to review and adapt the care being provided.
This may include:
- Increasing the frequency or duration of care visits
- Providing additional support with personal care and daily routines
- Offering more assistance with medication and wellbeing
- Implementing strategies to manage increased confusion or behavioural changes
- Regularly reviewing the care plan to ensure it continues to meet changing needs
Our goal is to provide flexible, person-centred support that helps people living with dementia remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home for as long as possible.
Respite care is a temporary care service designed to give family members and unpaid carers a break from their caring responsibilities, while ensuring their loved one continues to receive the support they need.
It can help with:
- Personal care and daily routines
- Medication support
- Meal preparation
- Companionship and social interaction
- Dementia care
- Assistance around the home
For more information click here.
Yes. We understand that unexpected situations can arise, which is why we can often arrange respite care at short notice, subject to availability.
Whether you need temporary support due to illness, an emergency, a holiday, or simply need a break from caring responsibilities, our team will do their best to put the right care in place as quickly as possible.
Respite care can be arranged for a few hours, regular visits, overnight support, or longer periods, depending on your circumstances.
Yes. Respite care can often be extended or transitioned into a long-term care package if ongoing support is needed.
As care needs change, we’ll work with you and your loved ones to review the support being provided and adjust the care plan accordingly. This may include increasing the frequency of visits or introducing additional services to ensure the right level of care is in place.
Our flexible approach means care can evolve with your needs, helping you or your loved one continue living safely and independently at home.
Arranging Care & Assessments
Every home care package is tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring they receive the right level of support while maintaining their independence at home.
A home care package may include:
- Personal care, such as washing, dressing, and grooming
- Medication reminders or assistance
- Meal preparation and help with eating and drinking
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Shopping and running errands
- Companionship and social support
- Assistance attending appointments
- Mobility and wellbeing support
- Dementia care and specialist support where required
- Respite care to support family carers
Following an initial assessment, we’ll create a personalised care plan based on your loved one’s needs, preferences, and daily routine. As circumstances change, care can be adjusted to ensure the right support is always in place.
If you’d like to discuss your care needs, contact our friendly team today for a free, no-obligation consultation here.
The time it takes to arrange care depends on the level of support required, but in many cases, care can be put in place within a few days. For urgent situations, we may be able to start care much sooner.
A care assessment is a friendly conversation designed to help us understand your needs, preferences, and the type of support that would help you live safely and independently at home.
During the assessment, we’ll discuss:
- Your daily routine and lifestyle
- Any support needed with personal care, medication, or mobility
- Health conditions and wellbeing needs
- Household tasks you may require assistance with
- Your goals, preferences, and interests
- Any concerns raised by family members or loved ones
This assessment allows us to create a personalised care plan tailored to your individual needs. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the support available.
Arranging a care assessment is simple. Just contact our friendly team by phone, email, or through our website, and we’ll arrange a convenient time to discuss your needs.
Our assessments are free, with no obligation, and can often be arranged at a time that suits you and your family.
You may wish to ask:
- What types of care and support do you provide?
- How will my care plan be tailored to my needs?
- Can my care package be adjusted if my needs change?
- Will I have the same care professionals visiting me?
- What happens if my regular carer is unavailable?
- How are care visits monitored and reviewed?
- What are the costs involved?
- How quickly can care begin?
- How will my family be kept informed, if required?
Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and explain the care process in detail, helping you make an informed decision with confidence.
Speak To Our Team
Contact our team to talk through your needs and options.
Receive a free at home assessment
Our home care specialist will provide a free consultation to create your personally tailored care plan.
Get the care you need
Your personal care plan will be delivered by our care specialists
About MerseyCare Julie Ann
At MerseyCare Julie Ann, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred home care that helps people live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes. Our experienced and compassionate care team provides tailored support based on each individual’s needs, preferences, and routines. We offer a wide range of services, including personal care, companionship, dementia care, medication support, and complex care. With a focus on dignity, respect, and continuity of care, we work closely with clients and their families to provide reliable support and peace of mind. Our goal is to help every person we support enjoy the best possible quality of life at home.
We have been supporting the local community for an incredible 25 years.
We cover Aigburth, Widnes, Wavertree, Kensington, Park Road, Toxteth, Granby, City Centre, Speke, Hale, Anfield, Vauxhall, Everton, Kirkdale, Woolton, Garston and Allerton
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