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Finding Care

Finding the right care can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already caring for someone. This section brings together information, guidance, and local signposting to help you understand the care options available and how to access support that meets your needs and the needs of the person you care for.​

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Jump to:

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  • Types of care

  • Funding care

  • Emergency cover - If you need emergency cover for someone who needs assistance to pay for care, please contact LB Sutton on 020 8770 5000 following the relevant menu options.

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For more information on respite, click here.

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Ask us to:
•    Talk you through care options
•    Help you prepare for assessments
•    Signpost to local services and organisations
•    Provide emotional and practical support while you navigate decisions
 

​​​​If you have problems accessing or find any of the information requires updating, please contact us.

Types of Care
 

There are many different types of care and support available.  The right option will depend on the needs of the person you care for, your caring role, and what feels manageable for you both.


Home (Domiciliary) Care
Support provided in the person’s own home.

  • Help with personal care, meals, medication, or daily tasks

  • Can range from short visits to longer support periods

  • May be occasional or regular

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Live‑In Care
A care worker lives in the home to provide ongoing support.

  • Offers continuity and familiarity

  • May suit people who prefer to remain at home

  • Can be an alternative to residential care

 

Day Services and Community Support
Care and support provided outside the home during the day.

  • Structured activities, social interaction, and practical support

  • Gives carers regular breaks

  • Can support independence and wellbeing

 

Residential Care
Care provided in a residential or nursing home.

  • Includes personal care, meals, and accommodation

  • Nursing homes offer additional medical support

  • May be short‑term (respite) or long‑term

 

Respite Care
Short‑term care designed to give carers a break.

  • Can take place at home, in residential settings, or day services

  • Planned or emergency support

  • Helps Carers rest, recover, or manage other responsibilities

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Informal and Family Support
Care may also include support from friends, family members, or community networks.

  • Can complement paid care

  • May need coordination to avoid Carers becoming overwhelmed


Choosing the Right Care
Choosing care can feel daunting.  Things to consider include:

  • The level of support needed now and in the future

  • The wishes and preferences of the person being cared for

  • Cost, funding, and sustainability

  • Location, flexibility, and continuity of care

 

There is no single 'right' choice - what works best is individual and may change over time.

Funding care 

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Paying for care can be one of the most worrying and confusing parts of arranging support. How care is funded depends on the needs and circumstances of the person you care for, as well as their financial situation.

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Local Authority Funding

Some people may be eligible for support from their local authority following a Care Act assessment. This looks at care needs and how they impact daily life.

If someone is assessed as having eligible needs, the council may:

  • Arrange care directly

  • Provide a personal budget

  • Offer direct payments so care can be arranged independently

A financial assessment is usually carried out to determine whether the person needs to contribute towards the cost of their care.

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Self‑Funding Care

If the person you care for is not eligible for local authority funding, or chooses not to go through an assessment, they may pay for care themselves. This is often referred to as self‑funding.

Self‑funders still have the right to:

  • Information and advice

  • A care needs assessment

  • Help understanding care options and quality

Planning ahead and understanding long‑term costs can help avoid future difficulties.

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Benefits and Financial Support

Some people may be entitled to benefits that can help towards care costs, including:

  • Attendance Allowance

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • Carer’s Allowance

  • Pension Credit

 

Understanding what you or the person you support is entitled to can make a significant difference.

 

If you are â€‹unsure or concerned about costs, you can get a Financial Assessment through the local authority following a care needs assessment being carried out.

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You can view information and watch a video on LB Sutton financial assessments here.

Jump to another Information page:

Bereavement & life after caring

...on support, counselling and moving on from a caring role.

Carer ID and discount cards, travel, trips out

...including transport discounts.

Finding care

...on assessments, finding home-based or residential care and paying for care.

Planning for an emergency

...on planning, being prepared and knowing your options.

Cancer

...on support for you or the person you care for living with Cancer.

Deputyships, LPA & being an Appointee

...explanations and resources on when and how to apply.

Looking after yourself, looking after you back

... on looking after yourself and resources to assist you and the person you care for.

Wellbeing

...on looking after your body and mind.

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