Home Instead
National home care provider with over 255 local offices and a minimum visit length of one hour.
Home Instead provides companionship, personal care, home help, overnight and respite care, live-in care and specialist support for dementia, Parkinson's, cancer and palliative needs, through more than 255 locally owned offices across the UK. Notably, every visit lasts at least an hour — many agencies offer 15 or 30 minute calls, which can feel rushed. Services are regulated by the CQC in England and by the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales and RQIA elsewhere. Offices are individually owned, so check the CQC report for your local one.
Free First
Have you checked what's free?
Before contacting any supplier, see what the NHS, your council or a grant might cover for home care & support at home.
Before you commit
- Get a written quotation. Never agree a price on the doorstep or over the phone.
- Take your time. A genuine company won't pressure you with a "today only" discount.
- Ask a family member or friend to be there for the visit if you can.
- Ask for the VAT relief form if you have a long-term illness or disability.
- You normally have 14 days to cancel an order agreed at home or online, but made-to-measure items can be an exception — get the cancellation terms in writing.