If you're reading this, chances are you're navigating one of life's most challenging transitions: ensuring your parent receives the care they need while managing the financial realities that come with it. Let's walk through everything you need to know about financial help for care, so you can make informed decisions that honour both your parent's dignity and your family's financial wellbeing.

Making care decisions for an elderly parent is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences you'll face. Between juggling your own family, career responsibilities, and the overwhelming guilt of not being able to do enough, the weight of this choice can feel crushing.

You're not alone in this struggle. Thousands of families across the UK are navigating the same difficult questions: Is Mum safe at home? Can we afford quality care? What if we make the wrong choice?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about working in home care, from the daily responsibilities and qualifications required to the emotional rewards and career progression opportunities that await you.

Loneliness can be extremely difficult to overcome. Not only is it often misunderstood, in part because it is not ‘visible’ like a wound or injury, but it is by nature self-fulfilling.

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives. Whether it’s related to a big life upheaval – such as moving to a new city or starting a new job – or simply due to the ups and downs of life, loneliness is part of being human. Whilst feeling occasionally lonely is natural, however, frequent and constant loneliness can become a major health concern.

When the time comes to talk to your parents about accepting home care, it can be one of the most sensitive conversations you’ll ever have. Many older adults value their independence and may find the idea of accepting help difficult.

However, with patience, understanding, and the right approach, you can make the conversation a positive step towards ensuring their safety, comfort, and dignity at home. 

When an elderly loved one’s health needs become more complex, families often face the difficult decision of whether home care support is enough, or if specialised nursing care is required. While many older people can live well with the help of professional carers, there are times when home nursing care is the most appropriate option. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what home nursing care is, when it may be the right choice, and how it differs from standard home care services. 

“Everything we do is done with compassion,” says Liz. “Treat people as you would love to be treated.”

As Registered Manager at Sylvian Care Banbury, Liz oversees the day-to-day running of the service - making sure systems work, standards are met, and every detail aligns with best practice.

When a loved one begins to need extra help, it can feel overwhelming to understand the options available. Elderly home care services are designed to provide support while allowing older adults to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

It was Ruwadzano’s aunt who said she would make a good carer. Ru cared for her grandparents and then for her aunt before her aunt passed away. ‘My aunt used to be a nurse, and she motivated me to become a carer,’ says Ru. ‘I’ve always liked helping people and making a difference in their lives.’ 

When it comes to supporting an elderly loved one, families often find themselves weighing two main choices: receiving care at home or moving into a residential care home. Both options provide vital support, but the right decision depends on individual needs, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. 

This guide will help you compare home care with residential care homes, looking at cost, flexibility, and quality of life so you can make an informed choice. 

Sree was 26, when she joined Sylvian Care as a care professional, in 2023. Before that she was in India and did a master’s in social work.

Sree says joining Sylvian Care was a good decision. She enjoys talking to the clients. Some love companionship. ‘Can you just come and sit with me and talk to me,’ some say to her.

Arranging care for someone you love can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to feel a little daunted by it. You want them to be safe, comfortable, and supported, but with so many choices out there, how do you know which is the best home care agency for your family? 

This guide is here to take some of that weight off your shoulders. We’ll talk through what a home care agency actually does, how to spot a good one, the right questions to ask, and a few warning signs to keep in mind. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision you feel truly confident about.