Emergency home care
At Elder, we provide urgent, high-quality support that can be arranged quickly to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable in their own home.
6,000+ Carers
Select from over 6,000 qualified carers
Fast matching
Care can begin in as little as 24 hours
Across Great Britain
We have organised care in every GB postcode
Cost efficient
Costs on average 35% less than traditional services
What is emergency home care?
Emergency home care is a flexible and fast-acting care solution for sudden or unexpected situations. It is typically required in two main instances:
- A sudden change in a person’s condition: When an individual’s health deteriorates or they have an accident, they may need immediate care and support at home.
- An emergency for the primary carer: This could be due to illness, injury, or other family obligations that require the primary carer to step away at short notice.
In either scenario, our goal is to efficiently arrange a qualified carer who can step in to provide the necessary support, often in the form of short-term live-in care.
When is emergency home care needed?
Emergency care at home is for anyone who needs additional support at short notice. Circumstances can change at the drop of a hat, leaving families wondering how they will cope. Whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident, or an unexpected change with a current carer, we are here to help.
Some of the most common reasons people require our emergency home care services include:
Emergency respite care: If the primary carer needs an urgent break due to an illness or family emergency, we can step in at short notice to ensure there is no gap in care. This is especially valuable for those with complex conditions like dementia, where continuity of routine is vital.
Early hospital discharge: When a loved one is discharged from the hospital sooner than expected and needs temporary support to recover and rehabilitate, our emergency services can provide a vital bridge until longer-term arrangements are made.
Sudden health deterioration: Following an unexpected diagnosis, a fall, or a rapid decline in health, a person may need immediate support to ensure their safety and well-being at home.
Following a bereavement: If an elderly couple loses one partner, the surviving individual may suddenly need help with daily tasks and emotional support.
Need to put care in place urgently?
Since 2015, Elder has been trusted by thousands of families to provide urgent care. We are experts at rapid response and can arrange for a carer to start in as little as 24 hours.
Need to put care in place urgently? Speak to one of our care advisors.
How can emergency care at home help?
Our fully trained and compassionate carers provide comprehensive, person-centered support in the familiar surroundings of your loved one’s home. Emergency care doesn’t have to mean a lower standard of support. We’ll make sure they receive the care they need, with duties that can include:
Personal care: Providing dignified assistance with bathing, dressing, and hygiene.
Medication prompting: Ensuring medication is taken on time and as prescribed.
Mobility support: Helping your loved one safely get out of bed, move around the home, and stay active.
Meal preparation: Planning and preparing nutritious meals.
Household tasks: Light housekeeping and helping with daily errands.
Companionship: Offering emotional support and a friendly face during a difficult time.
How do I get emergency home care?
Arranging emergency home care can seem daunting, but we’ve streamlined the process to make it as simple as possible.
Share your care request
Tell us your care requirements using our request form, including the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills you need, and what daily life looks like.
Select your carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, before choosing who you like best.
Manage care
Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule and care information, and find respite cover if you need it.
How can I pay for emergency care?
The way you pay for emergency care will depend on your circumstances. Your loved one may be entitled to council funding or help from the NHS.
- NHS funding: If a loved one is discharged from the hospital sooner than planned, they may be eligible for NHS intermediate care. This can provide up to six weeks of free care to help with recovery at home.
- Self-funding: If your loved one is not eligible for council or NHS support, they will be responsible for the cost of the care.
For a free, no-obligation discussion about your options, speak to one of our care advisors.
FAQs
Still have questions?
0333 920 3648Following a hospital stay, the NHS may provide up to six weeks of free intermediate care to help people recover at home. This is often referred to as 'NHS continuing healthcare' or 'NHS-funded nursing care'. It's important to speak with the hospital discharge team to understand what support may be available. If your loved one is not eligible, or needs care beyond this period, we can provide a solution.
Emergency care is arranged urgently, often within 24 hours, to address an unexpected event like a sudden illness or a primary carer's unavailability. Respite care is usually planned in advance to give a primary carer a scheduled break, although it can be needed in an emergency situation as well. The key difference is the speed and urgency of the arrangements.
We can often arrange for a qualified carer to start in as little as 24 hours.
The most common type of emergency care we provide is short-term live-in care, where a carer moves into your loved one's home for a few days or weeks to provide round-the-clock support. We also provide urgent support for specific conditions like dementia or for those returning home from a hospital stay.
The cost of emergency care is based on the level of support needed and the length of time it is required. For a personalised quote and a clear breakdown of costs, the best way to find out is to call us directly.
The quickest way to arrange care is to call us. Our team is available to discuss your situation, answer any questions, and begin the process of finding the right carer for you immediately.
Our services
Live-in care
Long-term 24-hour support
- A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia, reduced mobility, etc.
- For long-term care needs
Respite care
Temporary 24-hour support
- A carer moves in for a few days to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable to cover for a main caregiver or for a temporary increase in care needs
- Minimum duration of 3 days
Visiting care
Flexible home visits
- Book as many hours as you need for help in the comfort of your home
- Support with everyday tasks like grooming, walks, cooking, etc.
- From as little as 1 hour per week