Support that changes with them
Start with the visits your loved one needs now and adjust the hours as their needs change. If a routine stops working or they need a bit more help in the evenings, you can change it.
Visiting care
Find compassionate, hourly visiting care with Elder. Get tailored support from just one hour a week, so your loved one can live independently at home.
Find a carer0333 920 3648
What is visiting care?
Visiting care, also called hourly care or home visit care, gives your loved one professional support at home, with a carer visiting at times you agree together. Unlike live-in care, the carer doesn't live in the home. It's a flexible option for people who want a little extra help with daily tasks, without needing round-the-clock support.
Visiting care with Elder can include help with a wide range of tasks, from bathing and dressing to medication reminders, light housekeeping and preparing meals. It's also about companionship and emotional support, which can make a real difference to your loved one's wellbeing.
What are the benefits of visiting care?
Visiting care means your loved one gets help with the parts of the day they find harder, while keeping the routines and home life they value. It's also a flexible way for families to start care without a big commitment.
No lock-in contracts
Visiting care arranged through Elder comes with no lock-in contracts or hidden fees. It's a low-pressure way to see how care works for your loved one before deciding what comes next.
A strong first match
At Elder, our team reviews every match, so nine out of ten customers are satisfied with their first carer. That means less time spent searching, and more time for your loved one to settle in.
Time back for the family
If you've been helping a loved one yourself, regular visits give you time to rest, work or just enjoy being their son or daughter again, knowing someone they trust is there.
When do I need to consider visiting care for my loved one?
There is no “right time” to get help at home, but people often consider hourly care when a loved one is experiencing:
Leaving the hospital
After an operation or illness, visiting care can provide the support needed for a smooth recovery and can prevent a loved one from having to stay in hospital unnecessarily.
Mobility or balance issues
After a fall or when they are becoming unsteady, a regular carer can help prevent future accidents and provide peace of mind.
Difficulty with daily tasks
You may notice a change in personal hygiene, or that they are struggling to stay on top of household chores or meal preparation.
Memory problems
When a loved one starts to forget to turn off appliances or is missing appointments, a carer can provide regular check-ins and reminders.
Feelings of loneliness
A carer provides a consistent, friendly face and much-needed companionship for those who feel isolated or are at risk of becoming withdrawn.
Less family support nearby
If you live a long way away or work full time, it can be hard to visit as often as you'd like. A carer can check in on your loved one, so they always have someone close by.
Find your ideal carer today
Finding the right carer starts with a few questions. If you need care urgently, or you'd just rather talk, one of our care advisors is on hand.
Visiting care or live-in care: which is right for my loved one?
Visiting care suits your loved one if they need support with specific tasks or times of day. Live-in care suits them better if they need round-the-clock support, or you'd both feel more reassured with someone there all the time.
Not sure which one fits your situation? Our full comparison of visiting care and live-in care walks through both, with real experiences from Elder customers who've tried each.
Which visiting care services are available with Elder?
Visiting care with Elder is tailored to your loved one’s needs, whether that’s a single hourly visit each week or several visits a day. We’ll match you with a carer who has the right skills and experience for the tasks your loved one needs support with.
Personal care
Support with personal tasks to help your loved one stay safe and comfortable, including:
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Help with using the toilet.
- Medication reminders and prompting.
Companionship
A friendly face and a helping hand to combat loneliness and provide emotional support:
- Engaging in hobbies, conversation, and activities.
- Accompanying your loved one on outings or appointments.
- Assisting with meal preparation and eating.
Household help
Practical support around the home to maintain a clean and organised living space:
- Light housekeeping, such as tidying and vacuuming.
- Laundry and ironing.
- Running errands, including grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions.
If your loved one's location isn't on the list, please call our Care Advisors to find out if we can help.
How much does visiting care cost?
With Elder, visiting care costs start from £30 an hour, depending on what your loved one needs. It's worth exploring funding options before paying privately.
Local authority funding
Your loved one may be eligible for financial help from their local council towards care costs. Start by requesting a care needs assessment and a financial assessment to check eligibility. If they're eligible, the council will provide a personal budget, which you can manage directly as a direct payment, giving you full control over who provides care.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your loved one has an ongoing health condition, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare. This funding covers the full cost of care, but it's reserved for complex conditions that may fall outside what a self-employed carer can safely provide.
For a fuller breakdown of typical care costs across the UK, see our guide on how much care costs, or speak with one of our care advisors for a free, no-obligation quote for visiting care.
The process
How do I arrange visiting care with Elder?
Arranging visiting care with Elder is a simple, three-step process:
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
Ready to arrange care?
Start online in minutes to find your ideal carer.
Need guidance?
One of our Care Advisors is on hand to talk it through.
Why Elder
Why families choose Elder for visiting care
We're not the only way to arrange care at home, but families tell us Elder is the one they trust. Here's why.
You choose who comes into your home
Browse carer profiles, read reviews from other families, and speak to carers before you commit. Nobody visits your loved one without your agreement.
15,000+ five-star reviews from families
We have more than 15,000 reviews for the carers on our platform, helping you pick the best for your loved one. Read what they say – because their word matters more than ours.
Real peace of mind, wherever you are
See notes and updates from each visit in your MyElder app, so you always know how your loved one's getting on, even if you live far away.
The whole family, kept in the loop
Give siblings or other relatives their own access to MyElder, so everyone stays informed after every visit, not just the person who arranged care.
A real person to call, seven days a week
Our family support specialists are there when you need reassurance, a quick change to a visit, or help sorting something out.
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 your family. Only 2% of applicants are accepted.
We help you find the right visiting carer
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what families like yours have said about finding a carer with Elder.
Explore other care options
At Elder, we provide a full range of home care services to suit every need. If your loved one requires around-the-clock support or your primary carer needs a temporary break, these options may be more suitable:
- A carer moves in with your loved one to support them 24/7
- Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia and reduced mobility
- For long-term care needs
- A carer moves in for a few days to provide 24-hour support
- Suitable for covering a regular carer’s break or short-term care needs
- Minimum duration of 3 days
Live-in care
Long-term 24-hour support
Respite care
Temporary 24-hour support
FAQs about visiting care
Still have questions?0333 920 3648