After you’ve made the difficult decision that your loved one needs some additional support, the obvious next step is to determine how you can secure the services they need.   Using one provider can offer one point of contact, making it easier for you to manage that relationship. 

There are several different options available either from your local council or through private care providers.  Here we look at the main differences between the two so you can decide which will be the best for your individual circumstances.

Local Authority Care

Local authority care plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families by providing access to essential care services tailored to meet a variety of needs. With a focus on inclusivity and affordability, local authorities ensure that quality care is available to those who need it most, promoting dignity, independence, and well-being. 

By working closely with communities and care providers, they create a safety net that fosters trust and confidence, helping individuals maintain their quality of life while remaining connected to their local community.

Local authority home care services are provided on a means-tested basis with a financial assessment. If eligible, the local authority will partially or fully fund care, but individuals may still pay a contribution based on income and assets.

Care is arranged via the local authority using a bidding system where care providers indicate their availability. A list of suitable care providers is then presented, and individuals can select from these options.

Travel time deductions: Local authority care providers deduct a portion of visit times (e.g., 10 minutes per visit) to account for travel, reducing the actual care time. Therefore there is  less flexibility in choosing carers, times, or specific services.

Direct Payments (Personal Budget): Individuals can opt for a personal budget (again, means-tested) and arrange their own care support services by becoming an employer for a Personal Assistant (PA).
This provides more control, but requires taking responsibility for recruitment, payments, and managing care arrangements. The risk here is potentially not having suitable backup care for a PA’s absence due to illness or other reasons, leaving families or friends to fill the gap.

Private Home Care Providers

The benefit of using a private home care provider means you have more freedom of choice. You can select the care provider that best meets your needs and preferences, rather than being limited to a list provided by the local authority. 

There are many providers to choose from offering customised care and support plans for a range of different types of care from companionship through to personal care packages written in partnership with the individual and family.

Consistency and continuity of care and carers: You have the option to choose a consistent team of carers, building relationships and trust providing a continuity of care, when you choose and who you feel comfortable with. Private care does not deduct travel time from your visits, meaning the full time you pay for is spent providing care.

Private providers often ensure continuity of service, as they have more resources to manage staffing and scheduling effectively. They are also responsible for arranging alternative carers if your usual carer is unavailable. Thus offering greater peace of mind.

Personalised Attention: Many private care providers maintain high service standards to attract and retain clients and all are inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Care is typically more personalised, as private providers can allocate more time to meet individual needs.

It is also quicker to access care. No Waiting Lists: You can arrange care immediately, without waiting for local authority assessments or funding approvals.

Private providers often offer additional or specialised services, such as dementia care, live-in care, or companionship, which may not be available through local authority funding. These can also include extra features like meal preparation, housework, or social activities.

Independence and Privacy: Paying privately means you can make decisions independently, without involving external bodies like local authorities. Your care arrangements also remain a private matter with carers able to wear what you choose, so no one will know they are actually carers visiting your property, so no red flags if a vulnerable person lives at your home. 

Simplified process: Unlike using a Direct Payment to employ a Personal Assistant, private care eliminates the need to handle payroll, contracts, or insurance.

Transparent, clear agreements on services and costs, allowing for better planning and budgeting. At Kare Plus Preston and Blackpool we offer access to your family, GP’s and any other professionals you choose to enable them to read notes that the carers write a clear definition of who is coming to support you.

To summarise, paying for care privately is ideal if you prioritise flexibility, quality, and independence and have the financial means to afford it. It ensures you have full control over your care arrangements, offering a tailored experience that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. 

At Kare Plus Preston and Blackpool we endeavour to ‘do care better’ with our care agency emphasis on delivering high quality care whether you access our services via the local authority or on a private basis. 

To discuss your individual requirements, please get in touch with the team.