Frequently asked questions.

From your first call to a carer at the door, we typically need a minimum of 48 hours. We'll come to you for a free home assessment, agree a care plan, and introduce you to the team who'll be visiting.

We usually operate with a waiting list, and we'll let you know how long the wait may be when we do the assessment. If the situation is urgent — a sudden hospital discharge, for example — we'll do everything we can to start sooner.

One of our care managers will visit at a time that suits you, usually within a few days of your enquiry. They'll listen, answer your questions, and look at the practicalities — medication, mobility, and the layout of the house.

You're under no obligation. The visit is genuinely free, and there's no high-pressure pitch. You decide whether and when to start.

We care for families across Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Henley — including Reading, Caversham, Henley-on-Thames, Pangbourne, Goring & Streatley, and Burghfield & Mortimer.

If you're not sure whether we reach you, just call us and we'll let you know straight away.

Continuity is one of the things we're known for. We assign an individual named carer to every visit who gets to know your loved one well — the total team size depends on the volume and timing of visits.

If a regular carer is on holiday or unwell, the cover comes from within that small team where possible, so there are no strangers at the door.

You can change a carer at any time, for any reason or no reason at all. Care is intensely personal and fit is extremely important to us.

Every carer is carefully recruited, DBS-checked and trained before they visit a client, with ongoing supervision and development throughout their time with us.

We're an independent, family-run provider and registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We accept direct payments and CHC-funded clients. Local authorities typically fund at rates well below our charges, so if you are in receipt of a local authority direct payment it may be necessary to top it up.

If you're unsure about funding, we're happy to talk it through — we've helped many families navigate the options.

Costs depend on the type and amount of care you need. We'll give you clear, honest pricing at your assessment with no hidden fees.

For full details, see our pricing page.

Within the first 14 days you can cancel at any time. After that, we need 28 days' notice for cancellations or termination.

Hourly (or visiting) care is a series of scheduled visits through the day — anything from a short call to several hours. Live-in care means a carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support.

We offer both, as well as overnight and end-of-life care, and can help you decide what fits best.

Yes. Our carers support a wide range of needs, including Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, Parkinson's, stroke recovery, and end-of-life care.