Advice & Support
Honest, impartial guidance, whenever you need it
Looking into care, for yourself or for someone you love, can raise more questions than answers. Where do you start? What does it cost? What is the difference between one kind of care and another, and how do you know who to trust? These are the questions families across Hertfordshire bring to us every week, and there is no wrong place to begin.
This section brings together clear, practical guidance written by our team, so you can understand your options calmly and in your own time. You do not need to be a Starling Homecare client to read it, and you are always welcome to call and talk things through. Our advice is free, honest and impartial, and our aim is to help you make the decision that feels right for your family, whether that is with us or not.
What you will find here
In this section you will find:
- How home care and a care home compare
- The difference between a private carer and regulated home care
- The questions worth asking any provider before you choose
- What care at home costs, and the ways to pay for it
- Answers to the questions families ask us most
- Longer articles and guides on living well with care
If you are just beginning to explore care
When you are weighing up the options, a little clarity goes a long way. These guides explain the choices in plain language, with honest comparisons rather than a sales pitch.
Home Care or a Care Home
A side-by-side look at cost, regulation and daily life, to help you weigh up staying at home against moving into residential care. Read the guide
Private Carer or Regulated Home Care
An impartial explanation of private carers, introduction agencies and CQC regulated care, and what each means for safety, cost and peace of mind. Read the guide
Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider
The questions worth asking before you choose a provider, and what a good answer actually sounds like. Read the guide
Understanding costs and funding
Cost is often the first worry, and it deserves a clear answer.
Care Funding Guide
What home care typically costs in Hertfordshire, and the main ways to pay, including local authority support, NHS Continuing Healthcare and private funding. Read the guide
Your questions, answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions families ask us most, from getting started and choosing the right care to cost, flexibility and continuity. Read the FAQs
Helpful reading
Expert Resources
Longer articles and practical guides from our team, on the everyday realities of arranging and living with care at home. Browse the articles
A few questions about getting guidance
Is your advice really free and impartial?
Yes. You can talk to us about your situation without any cost, and we will give you honest guidance even if that points you somewhere other than Starling Homecare. We would rather help you reach the right decision than push our own service.
Do I need to be a Starling Homecare client to ask for help?
Not at all. Many of the people we speak with are simply trying to understand their options. You are welcome to read these guides and to call us with a question, whether or not you ever arrange care with us.
I am not sure what kind of care we need. Where should I start?
That is completely normal, and it is often the best reason to talk to someone. If you would like a place to begin, our guide on home care or a care home, and the questions to ask a provider, are a calm first step. You are also welcome to call, and we will help you make sense of it together.
Do you charge for advice or building a care plan?
No. We never charge for initial advice or guidance. In fact, we encourage you to ask as many questions as you need.
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We understand how important it is to have clear, honest information so you can make the decision that feels right for you.
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We are always happy to talk things through by phone or visit you in person if that’s easier. There is never any extra cost for this support.
Can we begin with private care and switch to funded care later?
Yes. Many families start this way. If your situation changes, we will support you through the transition.
How much does care at Starling Homecare cost?
Care visits start from 30 minutes, from £34, and live-in care from £255 a day, with no hidden fees and a written quote before anything begins. Regulated home care is VAT exempt, so there is nothing to add on top.
How to Get Started
Whenever you feel ready, we are here to help, at whatever pace suits you.
- Read whatever is useful. Browse the guides above in your own time. There is no need to have everything worked out first.
- Talk it through. Call us on 01727 324 127 or request a callback, and we will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options.
- Decide what feels right. If home care suits your family, we will shape a plan around the person. If it does not, we will gladly point you in the right direction.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, with no pressure to decide anything straight away.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
A small, familiar team starts your care, arriving at the agreed times and staying involved as your needs change. We remain your trusted adviser throughout.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.