When families think about care at home, the focus is often on practical tasks (like help with washing, dressing, meals, or medication). But there’s another type of care that can be just as important: companionship care.Loneliness and isolation are common challenges for older people, particularly if they live alone or if family members are busy with work, childcare, and other responsibilities. Companionship care provides more than just company; it can transform daily life, boost well-being, and help loved ones stay independent for longer.At Reedsfield Care, we’ve seen firsthand how companionship improves quality of life for families across Surrey and Hampshire. In this guide, we’ll explore what companionship care is, the hidden benefits it brings, and why it may be the right choice for your loved one. What is companionship care?Companionship care is a type of domiciliary care focused on emotional support, social interaction, and everyday assistance. While it doesn’t usually involve complex personal care, it offers a vital lifeline for people who might otherwise spend long hours alone.This could include: Regular visits from a friendly, familiar care worker Chatting over a cup of tea Accompanying your loved one on walks, shopping trips, or appointments Playing games, reading, or sharing hobbies

When a loved one needs full-time support, families are often faced with two main options: 24-hour care or live-in care.While the terms sound similar, they’re actually quite different in how the care is delivered. Understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your family and your loved one’s well-being.At Reedsfield Care, we provide both live-in and 24-hour support across Surrey and Hampshire. In this guide, we’ll explain what each type of care involves, the key differences between them, and how to decide which option is right for your situation. Why families consider full-time careIt’s natural for families to want to look after their loved ones at home. But sometimes, care needs become too complex or demanding to manage alone.Whether due to a health condition like dementia, mobility issues, or recovery after hospital treatment, your loved one may need constant support to stay safe and comfortable.Full-time care can provide: Peace of mind for families, knowing someone is always there. Personalised support in the comfort of the home. Consistency in routines, helping loved ones feel secure. Relief from the pressure and exhaustion of family caregiving.  Choosing between 24-hour care and live-in care depends on the level of support required

When someone you love needs extra support at home, choosing the right domiciliary care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.You want to know that your parent, spouse, or relative is safe, comfortable, and treated with kindness and respect. At the same time, you need peace of mind that the care team you choose is reliable, professional, and truly understands your family’s needs.At Reedsfield Care, we support families across Surrey and Hampshire through this process every day. We know how overwhelming it can feel, and that’s why we’ve put together this guide. Below, you’ll find the key questions to ask when choosing a domiciliary care provider, along with insight into what exceptional care looks like. What is domiciliary care?Domiciliary care (also known as “care at home”) is when professional care workers visit your loved one in their own home to provide support with daily living. This could include help with personal care, medication, mobility, or simply companionship.Unlike moving into a residential home, domiciliary care allows people to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, with care tailored to their individual needs. The right provider will make sure your loved one is supported with

When a loved one needs extra support to stay safe and well at home, it can be overwhelming for families to know what type of care is best.You want them to feel comfortable, discreetly cared for, and treated with dignity, but providing this level of support on your own isn’t always possible. That’s where professional domiciliary care comes in.At Reedsfield Care, we provide compassionate, Discreet/private personalised domiciliary care for families across Surrey and Hampshire. If you’re considering professional care at home for your parent, spouse, or another relative, this guide will explain what domiciliary care includes and how it could help your loved one live independently while giving your family peace of mind. What is domiciliary care?Domiciliary care (sometimes called “care at home”) is when professional care workers(Care Experts) visit your loved one in their own home to provide the support they need.Unlike moving into a residential care home, domiciliary care allows people to stay in familiar surroundings while receiving the help needed to remain safe, healthy, and comfortable.This care is flexible and tailored to each individual. It can range from a few hours a week to daily visits, or even live-in care for those with more complex needs.Key services

When it comes to arranging care at home, one of the biggest questions is how to pay for it. Care costs can add up quickly and it’s not always clear what financial help is available.In Surrey, the local authority offers a range of adult social care funding options to make home care more affordable. This might include personal budgets, direct payments, or support for everyday care needs, complex conditions and even palliative or end-of-life care.Understanding how these schemes work – and whether you qualify – can make a big difference. The process often involves a financial assessment, eligibility checks, and knowing what services you can access.This guide explains the different funding routes available through Surrey County Council, how to apply, and what to expect along the way. With the right information, you can make confident choices and secure the support you or your loved one needs. Understanding Home Care Funding in SurreyHome care funding is designed to make it easier for people to get the support they need while remaining in their own homes. In Surrey, the local council provides a range of social care funding options for eligible residents. These schemes can reduce or even cover the full cost

When something unexpected happens, there’s rarely time to plan ahead. Maybe your usual carer is suddenly unavailable. Maybe a hospital discharge comes earlier than expected. In a moment, you’re left trying to arrange support.Emergency respite care is there for situations like this. It offers short-term help when you need it most. In Surrey, services are available that can respond quickly, sometimes within just a few days.This guide explains what emergency respite care involves, how the process works, and what you can expect in the first 72 hours. What Is Emergency Respite Care?Emergency respite care is short-term support that steps in when regular care arrangements suddenly fall through. It is designed to be fast, flexible and focused on helping people through a temporary crisis, often within just a few days of making a request.This type of care is especially important after a hospital discharge, sudden illness or when a loved one’s condition changes without warning. In many cases, family members need to arrange respite care urgently with little time to plan.Emergency respite care services are usually delivered at home, though short stays in a care home may be available too. The goal is to provide reliable and safe support, whether that