Private Care for Elderly at Home: The Straight-Talking Guide
Mum’s getting worse. She forgets her meds, won’t eat, and keeps saying she’s fine. But she’s not. What now?
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Thousands across the UK are scrambling to find decent private care for elderly at home—and fast.
Let’s be real: sorting care for your mum, dad, nan or grandad isn’t a weekend project. It’s stressful. It’s messy. You don’t want a random carer rolling in at 10am when your loved one’s been in pain since 6. You want reliability. You want quality. You want someone who gives a damn.
That’s where Saint Aims Care steps in.
What Does Private Elderly Home Care Actually Mean?
It’s not just someone popping in with a cup of tea.
It’s professional home carers showing up—on time—helping with everything from:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, bathroom needs)
- Medication support
- Meal prep and home help
- Companionship care
- Respite care when you need a break
- Live-in care if things get more serious
Whether it’s short daily care visits or full-on live in home care, private care means you’re calling the shots. Not the council. Not the NHS. You.
You pick the level of care. You decide the type of care you’re after. You get the support at home that actually fits.
And you get it in the comfort of your own home.
Why Families Choose Private Care Over a Care Home
Because nobody wants to be dragged into a care home unless they really have to.
Private care is the viable alternative to residential care. It keeps people where they’re happiest—at home. In familiar surroundings. With the cat. With their garden. Watching their own telly. Not in some room with a stranger and a schedule.
Here’s what we’ve seen over and over:
- People sleep better in their own bed
- Appetite improves when meals are familiar
- Independence lasts longer when people stay in their home
Plus, our carers are vetted and checked to meet the highest standard of care.
Still weighing up the options? Check out 5 key signs your loved one may need in-home elderly care services.
What Type of Care Can Saint Aims Provide?
We offer full domiciliary care packages including:
- Visiting care – a few hours a day
- Elderly live in care – 24/7 help
- Companionship care – someone to talk to and support mental health
- Dementia care – carers who get it, and don’t talk down to your loved one
- Complex care – help with feeding tubes, hoists, or serious health issues
- Respite care – perfect if you’re burnt out
It’s all built around personalised care and keeping things simple.
Need help sorting it? Our care experts can help you build a proper care plan that works.
What Makes Saint Aims Different?
We’re not just another care agency. We’re the ones who:
- Show up on time.
- Don’t treat your nan like a number.
- Offer actual support and care, not box-ticking visits.
Every private carer we send is trained, background-checked, and passionate.
We serve Luton and nearby areas with a solid reputation for high level of care.
Want proof? Ask about our Care Quality Commission ratings.
How Much Does Private Home Care Cost?
Private care isn’t free, but it’s not just for the wealthy either.
You’re paying for peace of mind. For your loved one’s dignity. And for your sanity.
Costs vary based on:
- How many hours you need
- What care needs you’ve got
- Whether you want live-in care, visiting care, or a mix
Still confused? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Visiting care: Starts around £20–£30/hr depending on needs and area
- Live-in care: Roughly £800–£1,400/week for a trained private carer
- Complex care: Prices go up with nursing or equipment needs
You can also look into NHS Continuing Healthcare, social care funding, or support from your local Age UK branch. Some families combine private care with funded options.
Need clarity? Read our full breakdown of respite care options.
NHS vs Private Care – What’s the Difference?
The NHS is stretched. Home visits are short. Continuity is poor.
With private home care service like Saint Aims:
- You get the right carer for the job
- You control the timing
- You decide the kind of help you need
- You’re not just another name on a list
And when the stakes are high—like your dad skipping insulin or your mum not eating—it pays to get support and care you can count on.
How to Arrange Private Care at Home
Here’s how families usually do it:
- Call us – we listen, ask questions, and get a clear picture
- Assessment – we do a proper care needs assessment
- Build the plan – flexible schedule, right team, proper equipment
- Start care – usually within days
And you’re not locked into a long contract. We work around your life.
We’ve helped families who needed:
- Help with personal care
- Support with dementia care
- Overnight carers
- Private carers for couples living at home
You can even employing private carers yourself—but most families want a professional home care provider like us to manage it properly.
Is It Worth Paying for Private Care?
Ask someone who’s been through it.
They’ll tell you:
- Yes, it’s money
- Yes, it’s a commitment
- But no, they wouldn’t go back
The relief of knowing someone’s there. The joy of seeing their mum smile again. The fact that they can go to work without panicking. That’s what private care gives you.
Red Flags to Watch for in Care Providers
Don’t get burned. Watch out for:
- Poor reviews
- Untrained carers
- No back-up cover
- Zero flexibility
- Hidden fees
Saint Aims Care is clear, straight-up, and responsive. That’s why local families keep coming back.
How to Talk to Your Loved One About Home Care
Let’s face it—this conversation can be brutal.
Try this:
- Talk early, before a crisis
- Focus on what they want, not what you think they need
- Offer choices
- Involve them in picking their care team
- Talk about keeping them at home—not moving them out
Why Luton Families Trust Saint Aims Care
We’ve worked with:
- Elderly people living alone
- Couples needing dual care
- Families with complex medical needs
We cover Luton and surrounding areas, offering:
- Fast response
- Flexible care plans
- Compassionate carers
- Transparent pricing
We’re fully registered with the Care Quality Commission, and we work hand-in-hand with adult social services departments, GPs, and community nurses.
FAQs: Private Care for Elderly at Home
Can I choose my carer?
Yes. We match carers based on personality, care needs, and experience.
What’s the difference between live-in care and visiting care?
Live-in care means 24/7 support. Visiting care is flexible—you decide how often and when.
Do you help with dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Absolutely. Our dementia care staff are patient, trained, and ready.
Can you support couples?
Yes, we help couples stay together in their own home with dual elderly care at home packages.
How soon can care start?
In urgent cases, same week. We move fast.
Do you help with home adaptations or equipment?
Yes. We can advise on home adaptations to make life easier and safer.
Is there a care team or just one person?
Depends on your needs. We aim for continuity, but there’s always cover.
Still Not Sure?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’re googling “private care for elderly at home” at 2am, it’s time to call someone who knows what they’re doing.
Let’s make your care journey easier. Let’s give your loved one the personal support they deserve.
Reach out to Saint Aims Care now.
We’ll guide you through every step—with straight answers, not sales talk.
Because when it comes to care and supervision, families deserve more than ticking boxes.
They deserve peace of mind. And proper care.
Private care for elderly at home starts with a real conversation.
Let’s talk.