Free guide · England

Finding care for someone you love

Understand who to contact, what help might look like and how to take the first step together.

Sources checked 2 October 2026 · General information, with links to advice for your circumstances.

Read at your own pace

A woman listening to an older woman at home.

Part 1 of 5

Start with what matters to them

You may have noticed unopened post, missed meals or a daily routine becoming harder. Try a calm conversation: “What would make life easier for you?” Ask what the person wants to keep doing and which help they would welcome. Listen before suggesting a move or a care package. A diagnosis does not automatically mean someone cannot decide. Capacity relates to a particular decision at a particular time, and people should be supported to make their own decisions.

Your next step: Write down their priorities in their own words.

A care worker listening and making notes with an older man.

Part 2 of 5

Ask the council for a needs assessment

Contact the adult social care team at the person’s local council and ask for a care needs assessment. The assessment is free. Describe the difficulties with everyday activities and any risks, including what happens on a difficult day. A relative or friend can help them prepare and attend if they want. Ask about advocacy if they need support to take part. An assessment identifies needs; it is not a promise that all care will be free.

Your next step: Use the council finder below and note the date and name of the person you speak to.

A care worker talking with an older woman in her living room.

Part 3 of 5

Explore support before choosing a service

Help can include visiting carers, equipment, home adaptations or community support. Home care may help with personal care and everyday tasks. Some people need a care home; others need a smaller amount of help to remain at home. Ask what each option would mean for the person’s routine and independence. If you are considering live-in support, ask explicitly how nights, breaks and absences would be covered.

Your next step: Compare options against the person’s needs, wishes and the support actually available.

An older woman and a care worker looking at a tablet.

Part 4 of 5

Understand the outcome and your options

Ask for the assessment outcome and an explanation of the next steps. If the person is not eligible for council support, the council should still give information about other help. You can complain if you disagree with the assessment or how it was carried out. Start with the council’s complaints process; the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman may be the next route after that process. Keep copies and ask for a review when needs change.

Your next step: Ask: “What happens next, who is responsible, and when should we hear back?”

A woman making a phone call with a notebook beside her.

Part 5 of 5

When help cannot wait

If someone is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999. For urgent medical help that is not a life-threatening emergency, use NHS 111. If essential care has broken down, contact the council’s adult social care team and ask about its out-of-hours service when necessary. Tell them clearly what the person cannot safely manage now. Do not wait for a routine course, appointment or assessment to finish before seeking urgent help.

Your next step: Keep the council’s daytime and out-of-hours numbers somewhere easy to find.

Your next-steps checklist

Print this page, or choose “Save as PDF” in your print options. Your notes stay with you.

What matters most to the person?
What has changed, and what is difficult on a bad day?
Who will contact adult social care, and when?
Do we need communication support or an advocate?
What is the immediate plan while we wait?
When will we follow up?

My next step: ____________________________________

Who will help, and when: ____________________________

Sources and further help

Based on the published guidance below. Last checked 2 October 2026. Applies to England. These organisations have not endorsed or approved this Pheon Academy guide.

For a decision about your own care, finances or legal documents, use these services to find appropriate individual advice. Official pages carry current fees, eligibility details and contact information.

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