Your Top 30 Homecare Questions Answered
Clear, honest answers to the questions Cheltenham families ask most about home care.
We hear the same worries from families every week. Will Mum be safe? Can we afford it? How quickly can things start? Below are honest answers to the 30 questions families ask us most often. If yours is not here, call us on 01242 352 554 — we are happy to help.
Getting Started
How do I start arranging home care?
The first step is a phone call. Ring us on 01242 352 554 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) and tell us a little about your situation. There is no form to fill in, no waiting list to join — just a friendly conversation with our office team in Cheltenham.
What happens after I make the first call?
After our initial conversation, we arrange a care assessment at your family member’s home. This is a detailed one-to-two hour visit where we learn about their daily routine, health needs, and personal preferences. From that assessment, we put together a written care plan for your family to review and agree.
How quickly can care begin?
It depends on the situation. In urgent cases we can mobilise quickly, but most families need a proper assessment and agreed care plan before visits begin. We never rush the process because getting the care plan right matters more than speed. Call us and we will give you an honest timeline based on your circumstances.
Do I need a GP referral to arrange home care?
No. You do not need a referral from a GP, hospital, or social worker. Families can contact us directly at any time. Some families are referred to us by the NHS Cheltenham Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team, but most contact us on their own.
Can I arrange care for someone who lives alone?
Absolutely. Many of the families we support are arranging care for a parent or relative who lives independently. Our carers visit at agreed times to help with meals, medication, personal care, or simply to provide company and reassurance. We also offer key-safe access so carers can let themselves in safely.
Cost and Funding
How much does home care cost?
The cost depends on how many visits you need per day and how long each visit lasts. We provide a clear written quote after the care assessment so there are no surprises. Many families find that home care is more affordable than a residential care home, especially when only a few hours of support are needed each day.
Is financial help available to pay for care?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, funding may be available through your local council, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or benefits such as Attendance Allowance. We can point you in the right direction during our initial conversation, and our office team is always happy to explain the options.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for people with complex, ongoing health needs. Eligibility is assessed by the NHS, not by us. If your family member qualifies, the NHS covers the full cost of their home care. We can help you understand whether it is worth requesting an assessment.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over state pension age who need help with daily living. It is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. The benefit can be used towards the cost of home care. Our office team can tell you more about how to apply.
Do you offer payment plans?
We invoice on a regular cycle and accept bank transfer payments. If you have concerns about managing costs, speak to us — we will always try to find a care package that works within your budget. We are a small, local company and we understand that affordability matters.
Your Care Team
Will Mum have the same carer each time?
We do our best to keep a consistent, small team of carers for every client. Continuity matters — it builds trust and means your family member does not have to repeat themselves. You will always know who is coming, and we introduce new carers properly before they visit alone.
How are your carers vetted?
Every carer goes through an enhanced DBS check, reference checks, and a face-to-face interview before they join us. We also verify their right to work and check their employment history. Every carer is covered by our insurance, every visit, no exceptions.
What training do your carers receive?
All carers are trained to Care Certificate standards and complete supervised shadowing shifts before visiting clients independently. We provide ongoing training and development throughout their career with us, including regular refreshers in areas like moving and handling, medication, and safeguarding.
What if we do not get on with a carer?
Tell us straight away. Personality fit is important and we will never force a match that is not working. We will arrange a different carer from our team — no awkward conversations, no fuss. Your family member’s comfort comes first.
Can we meet the carer before care starts?
Yes. We always introduce carers to clients and their families before regular visits begin. This gives everyone a chance to ask questions, share preferences, and feel comfortable. It is part of how we make the transition to home care as smooth as possible.
Daily Care
What does a typical care visit look like?
Every visit follows the agreed care plan. A morning visit might include help getting up, washed, and dressed, preparing breakfast, and making sure medication is taken. An evening visit might focus on a meal, getting ready for bed, and a chat. No two care plans are the same because no two people are the same.
Can carers help with medication?
Yes. Our carers can prompt and assist with medication as part of your care plan. This includes reminding your family member to take their tablets, opening packaging, and recording what has been given. All medication support is documented and monitored by our office team.
Do carers help with bathing and dressing?
Yes. Personal care is one of the most common reasons families contact us. Our carers help with washing, bathing, showering, dressing, and grooming — always with dignity and respect. We take time to understand each person’s preferences and routines so they feel comfortable.
Can carers prepare meals?
Yes. Carers can prepare meals, snacks, and drinks during their visit. If your family member has dietary requirements or simply has favourite foods, we make a note in the care plan. Good nutrition is an important part of staying well at home.
What about housework and laundry?
Light domestic tasks such as laundry, washing up, tidying, hoovering, and changing bed linen can all be included in a care visit. These tasks help keep the home safe and comfortable. We do not provide deep cleaning or gardening services, but we can help you find local providers who do.
Specialist Care
Do you provide dementia care?
Yes. We support many families living with dementia in Cheltenham and the surrounding area. Our carers receive ongoing training and development to provide patient, compassionate support that adapts as needs change. We are a Dementia Friendly organisation and we understand how important routine and familiarity are.
What about overnight care?
We offer waking night care for people who need support during the night — for example, help getting to the bathroom, repositioning in bed, or reassurance if they become confused. A carer stays in the home throughout the night so your family member is never alone when they need help.
Can you help after a hospital discharge?
Yes. Coming home from hospital can be a vulnerable time, and having care in place from the start makes a real difference. We have a strong working relationship with the NHS Cheltenham Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team and regularly support families during recovery. Call us before discharge and we will do our best to have care ready.
Do you offer live-in care?
Yes. Live-in care means a carer moves into your family member’s home to provide round-the-clock support. It is an alternative to a care home that lets people stay in familiar surroundings with their own routines, pets, and neighbours. Call us to discuss whether live-in care would suit your situation.
What is complex care?
Complex care is for people with more intensive health needs — for example, those living with multiple conditions, recovering from a stroke, or needing end-of-life support at home. Our carers work alongside NHS professionals to make sure your family member receives consistent, coordinated care in their own home.
About SW Care
Are you CQC registered?
Yes. SW Domiciliary Care is registered with the Care Quality Commission and rated Good. The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. You can view our full inspection report on the CQC website at any time.
How long have you been operating?
We have been providing home care in Cheltenham since July 2018. In that time we have delivered over 100,000 hours of care and built a rating of 9.8 out of 10 from 121 verified family reviews on Homecare.co.uk. In 2025, we were named a Top 20 Home Care Group nationally.
What areas do you cover?
We cover Cheltenham and the surrounding towns and villages, including Montpellier, The Park, Leckhampton, Pittville, Charlton Kings, Bishops Cleeve, and other nearby areas. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call and we will let you know.
How do I make a complaint?
We take every concern seriously. You can raise a complaint by calling our office on 01242 352 554, emailing care@swcare.co.uk, or writing to us at Harley House, 29 Cambray Place, Cheltenham GL50 1JN. We follow a clear complaints procedure and will respond promptly. You can also contact the CQC directly if you prefer.
Can I read reviews from other families?
Yes. We have 121 verified reviews from families on Homecare.co.uk, with an average rating of 9.8 out of 10. You can read them on our Reviews page or directly on Homecare.co.uk. Every review is genuine and from a real family — we never edit or fabricate feedback.
Still Have Questions?
Call us on 01242 352 554 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or send us an enquiry. There is never any obligation.
The Smartest Way to Start Your Care Search Is a 10-Minute Phone Call.
Speak directly to our care team: Stacey, Kasha, Kamila or Faisal – at our Cheltenham office. No call centres. No sales pitch. Just clear answers about what care looks like, what it costs, and whether it’s the right step.
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