How do I know if it’s the right time to consider care?
There is rarely a single moment that tells you it is time. Often, it is a collection of small changes. Maybe daily tasks feel harder, or someone seems less confident managing on their own. If you have started asking this question, it may help to talk it through. We are happy to listen, even if you are not sure what is needed yet.
What is the best way to start the conversation with a parent or loved one?
Start gently. This can be an emotional topic, so it helps to frame it as support, not a decision being made for them. You could begin with something like, ‘I have been thinking about ways we could make life feel a bit easier.’ If it would help, we can offer ideas or join a conversation to explain how care can work. There is no pressure. Just options to explore together.
What if I’m worried about raising the topic of care with my parent?
It is completely normal to feel unsure about how to bring this up. Many of the families we support first reach out on behalf of a parent or loved one. Sometimes we arrange an informal visit, just for a chat. No assessments. No decisions. Just a chance to meet and explore how care could work. This often puts people at ease and gives them space to consider support in their own time.
Do I need a referral or can I contact you directly?
You do not need a referral to speak with us. Families often come to us directly, whether they are looking for immediate support or just starting to gather information. We are always here for a conversation, with no commitment required.
Can I speak to someone before making any decisions?
Yes. We encourage it. We are happy to have a chat by phone or visit you in person if that feels easier. Our goal is to understand your situation and offer information that helps, even if you decide care is not needed yet.
What happens in the first phone call or visit?
It is a relaxed conversation. We will ask about your needs, preferences and routines, and answer any questions you have. There is no obligation. It is simply a way to explore what support might look like and whether we feel like the right fit.
Can we try care for a short time and see how it feels?
Absolutely. Many people start with a short-term package, especially after a hospital stay or during a family break. It is a chance to get used to having support at home and see how it fits into daily life. You can adjust the plan at any time. We will work with you to make it feel right.
What types of care do you offer at home?
We offer a wide range of support to help people live well at home. This includes personal care, companionship, help after hospital stays, medication support, and live-in care for those who need more regular help. Whether you need a little or a lot, our care can be shaped around what matters most to you.
What is the difference between personal care and companionship care?
Personal care includes support with things like washing, dressing, mobility, or using the bathroom. Companionship care focuses on emotional and social wellbeing. This might mean conversation, a walk outside, a shopping trip, or even a visit to a local café or museum. Many people benefit from a mix of both, and we can help you find what feels right.
Can we combine different types of support?
Yes. Many care plans include a blend of services. For example, a visit might include personal care in the morning and companionship support later in the day. Your care can include whatever combination works best for your lifestyle, routine, and comfort.
What is the difference between visiting care and live-in care?
Visiting care means a carer comes to your home at specific times during the day or week. Live-in care means a carer stays in your home to provide round-the-clock support. The right option depends on the level of help you need, how often you want support, and what feels most comfortable for you.
Can I change the type of care we receive later on?
Yes. Your care plan is designed to evolve with you. If your needs change, or if something is not working quite right, we can talk it through and adjust the plan. Your care plan will always be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change.
Do you offer short-term support after hospital discharge?
Yes. We often support people coming home from hospital or recovering from illness. This type of care can help with routines, medication, meals, and daily tasks during recovery. It can be a short-term solution or the start of longer-term support if that feels helpful.
What if my needs change over time?
Care is not something that stays the same forever. We expect it to change as life does. We will check in regularly to see how things are going and adapt your plan if needed. Whether that means more visits, fewer, or a different type of help, we will guide you through each step.
How do I know what the right care is for me, or how many hours I need?
You do not need to know that before you speak to us. Our role as care experts is to guide you through those decisions by asking the right questions. We will take time to understand your routines, preferences and where support might make a positive difference. Once we have a picture of what feels helpful, we will build a care plan to match. Your care plan will be reviewed regularly and adjusted whenever needed, so it always reflects the level of support that feels right for you.
How much does care at home cost?
The cost depends on the level of support you need, how often it is provided, and the type of care that feels right for you. Because every person’s needs are different, we take time to understand your situation first. Once we have a clear picture, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the cost for you to review. There are no hidden charges and no long-term commitments. Everything is explained clearly, before anything begins.
What is included in your pricing? Are there any hidden charges?
Our pricing includes everything agreed in your care plan. That might be personal care, companionship, medication support or help around the house. There are no surprise costs. We do not charge extra for PPE, and there is no additional cost for the time it takes to travel to and from your home, even if your carer is coming from further away. The only time you would be asked to contribute towards travel is if we are taking you to an appointment, social activity or event that involves a car journey. If anything in your plan needs to change, we will always talk it through with you first.
Do you charge for visits, phone calls or assessments?
No. We never charge for initial advice or care planning. You are welcome to speak with us as many times as you need. We can also visit you in person at no extra cost. It is important to us that you feel fully informed and supported before you make any decisions.
Can I get help with the cost of care from the council or NHS?
You may be eligible for financial support depending on your circumstances, care needs and where you live. There are two main types of help available. One is through your local council. The other is NHS Continuing Healthcare, which is fully funded for those who meet specific criteria. We can explain the difference and help you understand what might apply to your situation. Even if you are not sure where to begin, we are always happy to talk it through.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare and could I qualify?
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care arranged and funded entirely by the NHS. It is available for people with long-term or complex health needs. Eligibility is not based on diagnosis, but on the level of care required. If you think this might apply, we can help you understand the basics and guide you on what to do next.
What are Direct Payments and how do they work?
If you are eligible for local authority funding, you can ask to receive it as a Direct Payment. This means the money is paid directly to you, giving you choice and control over who delivers your care. Many families use Direct Payments to work with a provider they trust.
Do you offer flexible packages for different budgets?
Yes. We provide care from as little as 30 minutes a week through to full-time live-in support. Whatever your budget, we can help shape a plan that feels manageable and makes a positive difference. We will always be upfront about costs and respectful of what works for you.
How quickly can care start?
It depends on your situation, but we will always do our best to respond quickly. If care is needed urgently, we will prioritise an initial visit and begin support as soon as possible. In other cases, we may plan ahead to start on a future date that works for you. We will never rush you, and we will always keep you informed about what is possible.
Can we have care for a few weeks or a short-term period?
Yes. Many families choose short-term care after a hospital stay, during recovery, or while a regular carer takes a break. You do not need to commit long term. We can build a care plan that suits the time frame you have in mind. If your needs change later, we can extend or adjust the support as needed.
Do we have to sign a long-term contract?
No. There are no long-term or fixed term contracts at Starling Homecare. You can choose the level and frequency of care that feels right, with the flexibility to change your plan as your needs evolve. If you ever decide to end your care package, for any reason, we kindly ask that you provide 28 days’ notice if possible. This helps us manage care smoothly and maintain continuity for others who may also need support.
What happens if I want to pause or stop care?
That choice is always yours. We understand that needs change, and we will always respect your decision. If you are moving into a care home or taking a different path, we will do everything we can to support you with that transition. Our priority is to make sure you feel supported every step of the way, even if your care moves elsewhere. If possible, we kindly ask that you provide 28 days’ notice so we can manage the handover smoothly and with care. You can rely on us to be there for you, whatever choice you make.
Can I change the care plan once it’s started?
Yes. Care is not something fixed in place. We will check in regularly to see how things are going, and if anything feels off, we will talk it through. Your care plan will always be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change.
Can care be provided while a family member is away or on holiday?
Yes. This is a common reason families contact us. We can offer short-term support while someone is away, whether that is a few days or several weeks. Care can be in place before they leave and can be paused or changed once they return.
Can you support care planning alongside NHS or hospital discharge teams?
Yes. We often work with local hospitals, GPs and community health professionals. If care is needed after a hospital stay, we can help make the transition home as smooth as possible. We can also support communication between family members and healthcare teams to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Will we have the same carer every time?
Wherever possible, we will provide consistency. We know that trust builds over time, and familiarity makes a big difference to how care feels. While there may be occasional changes due to illness or holiday, we keep your core care team as stable as possible. You will always know who is coming and when.
Can we meet the carer before care starts?
Yes. Many families appreciate the chance to meet in person before care begins. We can arrange an introduction, either at your home or over the phone, to help you feel more comfortable. This is a chance to talk through expectations, routines and preferences.
What happens if we don’t feel comfortable with a carer?
Your comfort and confidence matter. If something does not feel right, please let us know. We will always listen and work with you to find someone who feels like a better fit. You will never be made to feel uncomfortable for raising a concern.
Do carers arrive on time and stay for the full visit?
Yes. Every visit is scheduled with care, and carers are expected to arrive on time and stay for the full duration. We do not cut corners or shorten visits. If delays ever occur, we will keep you informed. You will never be left wondering where someone is or when they will arrive.
How do you choose the right carer for each person?
We take time to understand both the practical needs and the personality of each person we support. This helps us match carers who feel like a natural fit. We consider not just their skills, but also their character and ability to build a genuine connection.
Will I have input into who visits my home?
Yes. We always value your feedback. If you have preferences or concerns about who visits your home, we will listen and do our best to accommodate them. You deserve to feel safe, respected and comfortable with everyone who supports you.
How are your carers selected to join the Starling Homecare team?
Every carer at Starling Homecare goes through a robust values-based recruitment process. We look for people who are caring by nature, and who show compassion, professionalism and a genuine respect for others. Before joining the team, carers are reference checked, DBS checked, and assessed through our interview and selection process. They complete thorough training, are signed off for competency, and receive regular supervision and ongoing development. We support every carer to grow in their role, so the care you receive is not just consistent, but also confident and well led.
What if my parent refuses help or says they don’t need care?
This is more common than many people realise. Sometimes it comes from fear of change, or a sense of pride in staying independent. We always start with understanding and respect. We can arrange an informal visit where we simply have a conversation. No assessments. No pressure. Often, just meeting someone face to face helps ease the idea of support. The decision is always theirs, and we will never rush that process.
How do you handle sensitive personal care?
With care, respect and privacy at every step. We always take time to understand what someone is comfortable with. That includes who provides the care, how it is delivered and the pace it is introduced. Our carers are trained not only in how to help physically, but in how to preserve dignity and build trust. We will always listen and adjust, so care feels calm, respectful and in line with personal preferences.
What if I feel guilty about bringing in help?
Many families feel this way. Guilt often shows up when you are trying to do your best for someone you care about. Support at home is not about replacing what you do. It is about adding structure, reassurance and consistency around what already matters. You are not letting someone down by asking for help. You are simply making sure they are supported in a way that feels safe and sustainable for everyone involved.
How do you protect privacy and dignity during care?
Privacy and dignity are central to how we work. This means asking permission, listening carefully, and never rushing or assuming. From how someone likes things done, to when they want support and who is present, we shape care around what feels right. We treat each person as an individual and every visit as a privilege.
What if I am still not sure what we need?
You do not need to have it all figured out before you speak to us. We are here to listen first, not to make assumptions or push for decisions. We can talk through your concerns, ask a few helpful questions, and offer a clearer view of what might feel helpful. There is no obligation. We are simply here to help you explore what support could look like.
Can someone come and talk things through with us in person?
Yes. Many families prefer a quiet, informal conversation. We can arrange a visit to speak with you and your loved one in a way that feels relaxed and unhurried. There is no commitment. Just space to ask questions, think things through, and get to know us better. It is a chance for us to understand what matters to you, and for you to decide if we feel like the right fit.
How do I know I’m not overreacting by considering care at home?
This is a question many people carry privately. The truth is that noticing changes, asking questions and looking ahead is not overreacting. It is being proactive and thoughtful. You do not need to wait for a crisis to explore care. We are here to help you feel informed and supported, even if you are just gathering information for now.
