Elderly care at home, from a helping hand to full-time support

What is elderly care?

Elderly care, also known as elder care or home care for the elderly, is professional support that helps older adults live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Elderly care gives you peace of mind that your loved one is receiving personalised support tailored to their daily needs.

This type of care can include:

• Help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, and toileting
• Support with mobility and medication reminders
• Light housekeeping and meal preparation
• Meaningful companionship to reduce loneliness

Unlike moving into a care home, elderly care at home allows your loved one to stay in familiar surroundings, supported by a carefully matched carer who truly understands their needs.

Who can benefit from elderly care services?

Elderly care services are ideal for older adults who are starting to struggle with daily tasks due to age-related challenges, whether that’s limited mobility, ongoing medical conditions, memory loss, or increased feelings of isolation.

Your loved one might benefit from professional care if they’re living with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, arthritis, or recovering from surgery. Even if they’re just finding it harder to manage personal care, cook meals, or safely get around the house, having a dedicated carer can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.

When is the right time to seek elderly care?

It’s not always easy to know exactly when to step in but often, small changes in your loved one’s routine can signal it’s time to consider support. You might ask yourself:

• Can they navigate the house safely without falling or getting confused?
• Can they go out alone for appointments or shopping?
• Are they able to cook their own meals regularly?
• Do they stay properly nourished and hydrated?
• Can they hear the phone or doorbell clearly?
• Is their living space clean, safe, and well-maintained?
• Are they managing personal hygiene on their own?
• Are they experiencing frequent lapses in memory or confusion?
• Do they have regular social contact, or are they becoming isolated?

If you’re noticing a pattern of “no” answers, now may be the right time to explore elderly care options. We know these conversations aren’t easy – that’s why we’ve created a helpful webinar with our top tips on how to start the conversation about home care.

How much does elderly care cost?

Cost depends on the type of care and how much support your loved one needs. Visiting care is charged by the hour, so you only pay for the time you need, while live-in care with Elder typically starts from £1,150 per week. Families with significant care needs may also be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, which can cover the cost in full.

For a full breakdown by care type, see our guide to funding your care or how much live-in care costs.

Find elderly care near you

Elder has introduced carers to families in over 500 towns and cities across Great Britain, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

See more of the areas we cover. Don't see your town? Get in touch, it's likely we cover it too.

Why families choose Elder for elderly care

Since 2015, Elder has helped families across the UK find the right carer for their older loved ones. Every carer is self-employed, so you choose who joins your home, not a rota decided for you. It's a more personal way to arrange care, built around your loved one's needs from day one.

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  You choose who comes into your home

  Browse real carer profiles, read reviews from families like yours, speak to carers before committing, and make the choice yourself. Nobody is ever assigned to you without your agreement.

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  15,000+ five-star reviews of our carers

  More than 15,000 people have reviewed our carers on the platform, helping you pick the best carer for your loved one. Read what they say – because their words matter more than ours.

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  Real peace of mind, wherever you are

  Daily updates, notes and photos from your carer through the MyElder app mean you always know what’s happening – without having to chase. Especially if you live far away.

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  The whole family, kept in the loop

  Give siblings or other relatives their own access to MyElder – so everyone stays informed, not just the person who set care up. No more relaying updates between family members.

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  A real person to call, seven days a week

  Your dedicated Family Support Specialist is there when things feel uncertain – whether you have a practical question, need reassurance, or something needs sorting quickly.

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  Rigorous vetting before introduction

  Every carer goes through identity checks, Enhanced DBS or PVG checks, right-to-work verification, and professional references – all completed before they’re introduced to a family.

How do I get started with elderly care?

Arranging care for a loved one can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through it.

Here are a few key steps to help you get started:

• Request a care needs assessment from your local council to understand the level of support required.
• Check if you’re eligible for funding to help cover the cost of care.
• Explore the type of care that best fits your loved one’s needs. Our no-obligation care profile is a helpful first step in understanding your options.

Need help? Our team is always on hand to talk you through the process.