The steps you need to take to arrange care fast for your elderly loved one
It’s sadly often the case that a elderly loved one needs care support to be arranged swiftly to manage a time sensitive situation. This can be an incredibly stressful and daunting task. We have created the small checklist of steps below you’re likely to encounter to help you stay on track and gain the care they need fast.
We have deliberately broken it down into the core steps required when you only have a matter of days / one week to find the right care. There are also a few additional / ideal steps (though nonessential) added at the end if you have a few weeks to one month timescale to find a care solution.
Step 1: Contact your GP or social services
Discuss your situation and needs fully. They may well be able to specify an exact idea of what your loved one will need in the coming days, weeks and months ahead, the more information you have to work with, the better.
Step 2: Contact your Local Authority for funding support
Once you know your loved ones health situation and on-going needs you’ll be able to find out if they are entitled any support or benefits that will help alleviate some of the cost, your local authority will be able to tell you this.
Step 3: Confirm your funding status
Based on what support you may or may not be entitled to, you’ll know and be able to define yourself as either a self funder or (if you’re able to receive help) authority funded, with regards to the care costs.
Step 4: Search for local care providers
Use Care Sourcer’s free searchable directory of local care agencies for care providers who have availability and get in contact with them by email or telephone.
To help these conversations, before making the final decision on which to choose, take a look at our article 10 questions you should ask when meeting with potential care providers.
Step 5: Keep your loved one in the loop
Make sure you keep your loved one updated when you’re finding care on their behalf, so they feel in control of their own situation and changes.
Additional steps to include if the timescale you’re working within allows:
- Spend a few days if possible researching providers and aligning them with your loved ones needs.
- If you require a care home, we recommend viewing each home that makes your shortlist, and meeting the managers before confirming your loved ones residency. Same with in-home care - it's good to meet the mangers and the carers that will be visiting.
- Speak to people in your life that have had similar experiences of needing care, if for only support and the key things they learnt themselves.