Can the NHS provide emergency care for the elderly?

Following 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.

What is the difference between emergency care and respite care?

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.

How quickly can emergency home care be put in place?

We can often arrange for a qualified carer to start in as little as 24 hours .

What are the main types of emergency home care you offer?

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.

How much does emergency home care cost?

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 .

How do I get started with arranging emergency care?

The quickest way to arrange care is to call us on [elder-main-phone] . Our team is available to discuss your situation, answer any questions, and begin the process of finding the right carer for you immediately.

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.

0333 920 3648

Used by 5,000+ families across the UK

More value

On average, services facilitated by Elder are 35% cheaper than traditional alternatives.

More control

Set your care hours from our custom built app. Manage and collaborate care with family.

More choice

View carer profiles, read reviews from other families, and arrange a video/phone call ahead of placement.

More support

From our family support specialist to our in-house clinical team, we’re on hand if you need us.

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? Call us now on 0333 920 3648.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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, please call us today on 0333 920 3648.

FAQs about emergency home care

Can the NHS provide emergency care for the elderly?
Following 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.
What is the difference between emergency care and respite care?
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.
How quickly can emergency home care be put in place?
We can often arrange for a qualified carer to start in as little as 24 hours.
What are the main types of emergency home care you offer?
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.
How much does emergency home care cost?
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.
How do I get started with arranging emergency care?
The quickest way to arrange care is to call us on 0333 920 3648. Our team is available to discuss your situation, answer any questions, and begin the process of finding the right carer for you immediately.