Your essential guide to the most common questions we hear from clients and their families.
Deciding to introduce care at home whether for yourself or a loved one can feel like a big step. It’s not always easy to know where to start, what to ask, or even what care might look like day-to-day.
At CI Home Care, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families make this transition. So we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide your thinking and ease some of the uncertainty.
1. What exactly is “care at home”?
Care at home – also called domiciliary or home care – is support delivered in your own home to help you live safely and independently. It can be as minimal as just a few hours a week, or as comprehensive as full-time live-in care. We tailor every care plan to the individual.
2. Who is home care suitable for?
It’s suitable for anyone who needs extra help with daily tasks – whether due to age, illness, recovery from surgery, or a long-term condition. Some clients need help with personal care and medication; others simply want companionship or assistance getting to appointments.
3. How do I know when it’s time to consider care?
If you’re concerned about safety, mobility, memory, or whether someone is eating well or keeping on top of daily routines, it might be time to explore support. Family members often notice subtle changes first – missed meals, a deterioration in levels of personal care and grooming, confusion, or isolation.
Starting early can help maintain independence, rather than waiting for a crisis.
4. Will I always have the same Carer?
We aim to keep care consistent. You’ll have one or two regular Carers wherever possible, depending on your care package. If your regular Carer is away, we’ll always ensure you meet the covering Carer beforehand where possible because familiarity and trust matter.
5. What can a Carer help with?
Carers can assist with:
- Washing, dressing and grooming
- Preparing meals and supporting nutrition
- Medication reminders or management
- Light household tasks
- Shopping, errands and transport to and from appointments
- Social outings or companionship
- More specialist care for dementia or mobility challenges
Every care plan is personalised to your needs, preferences, and routines.
6. Can I have just a few hours a week?
Yes. Our hourly care services are flexible. Some clients start with a short weekly visit, which can increase or decrease as needed.
We also offer overnight, 24/7, and live-in care for those with higher needs.
7. What is live-in care?
Live-in care means a trained Carer stays in your home with you, typically on a two-week rotation. They support you throughout the day and are on hand at night if needed. It’s ideal for those who want to stay at home, but need ongoing support.
Aside from a myriad of other benefits, Live-in care is often more cost-effective than people realise. For those eligible, it attracts the same level of Long Term Care (LTC) funding, is often on a par cost-wise with residential care and for couples can even be cheaper.
8. How is care funded?
Some clients qualify for support through Jersey’s Long Term Care (LTC) scheme. Others self-fund, either fully or partially. We’re happy to guide you through this and the LTC application process if needed.
Your first assessment with us is completely free and without obligation. Or we can simply meet for an informal chat and only proceed to a care assessment if you become interested.
9. Can care be temporary or just after hospital?
Absolutely. We often support people after hospital stays or during recovery from illness or injury. This might be live-in care for a few weeks, or increased hourly support that reduces over time.
10. What if my needs change?
We build flexibility into every care plan. Whether you need more help or less, temporarily or permanently, we can adapt quickly because life doesn’t stand still.
11. Will a stranger really understand my needs?
It’s natural to feel uncertain about having someone new in your home. That’s why we take time to get to know you first – your preferences, personality, daily routines, and what matters to you. We also carefully match Carers to clients based on experience and personality.
Our Carers are kind, respectful, and trained to the highest standards but they’re also warm human beings who love what they do.
Still have questions? We’d love to help.
Every situation is different, and no question is too small. Whether you’re exploring care for the first time or looking for a change in provider, we’re here to support you with clear information, a listening ear, and zero pressure.
📞 Call us on 01534 883886
📧 Email us at office@cihomecare.com
Or simply get in touch to book a free, informal home visit with one of our Care Managers.
Because staying in your own home should always be a realistic choice.