Support & Signposting
Navigating care is rarely just about finding a care home. Legal, financial, emotional, and practical help is available at every stage — and much of it is free. This page brings it all together in one place.
DorisKnows does not receive referral fees from any of the free services listed here. Paid directory listings are clearly labelled.
Legal support
Powers of attorney, wills, Court of Protection
Legal arrangements need to be in place before a person loses mental capacity — waiting too long can make things much harder and more expensive. The most important steps are a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and an up-to-date will.
Key things to know
- Create an LPA while your loved one still has mental capacity — you cannot do it afterwards
- There are two types: Property & Financial Affairs, and Health & Welfare. You usually need both.
- If someone lacks capacity and has no LPA, you must apply to the Court of Protection — this costs significantly more and takes much longer
- Means-tested legal aid is available in limited circumstances; check Citizens Advice
Free resources
Official guidance on creating and registering an LPA. Current fee: £82 per LPA.
0800 678 1602 (free). Covers LPA, wills, benefits, and housing.
Step-by-step plain English guidance on types of LPA.
For when no LPA exists and a deputy must be appointed.
DorisKnows lists elder law solicitors who can draft LPAs, advise on wills, and handle Court of Protection applications.
Find a solicitorFinancial advice & care funding
Care fees, equity release, benefits, financial planning
Care can cost £800–£1,800 per week in a care home, or £15–£25 per hour for home care. Understanding what funding is available — and taking independent advice early — can make a very significant difference to what a family pays.
Key things to know
- A care needs assessment and a financial assessment are both free — ask your council
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC): if your loved one has a primary health need, the NHS pays all care costs — free to the family
- Attendance Allowance is not means-tested: those over 65 can get £72.65 or £108.55 per week regardless of savings
- Deferred Payment Agreements let families use the value of the home to fund care, repaid when the property is sold
Free resources
Free, impartial guidance from the government-backed service.
Explains the means test, deferred payments, and self-funding in plain English.
Check what benefits your loved one (and you as a carer) may be entitled to.
Free online means-tested benefits check.
We list SOLLA-accredited financial advisers who specialise in care fee planning, immediate needs annuities, and equity release.
Find a financial adviserSupport for carers
Carers Allowance, respite, emotional support, breaks
If you're providing unpaid care for a family member, you have rights too. Carer's Allowance, carer's assessments, and respite services exist specifically to support you — and many carers don't know they're entitled to them.
Key things to know
- You can request a carer's assessment from your council at any time — it's free and separate from the person you care for
- Carer's Allowance affects some other benefits — check Turn2Us before applying
- Respite care can be council-funded for eligible carers — ask social services
- Many carers are also entitled to a free NHS health check — ask your GP
Free resources
0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm). Information, advice, and emotional support.
£81.90/week if you care for someone 35+ hours/week and they receive qualifying disability benefits.
Free assessment of your own needs as a carer — can unlock council-funded respite care.
Local branches provide replacement care so carers can take a break.
Benefits & grants
Attendance Allowance, PIP, council grants, Warm Homes
Billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year by older and disabled people. The main ones are not means-tested — meaning savings and income do not disqualify you. Even those funding their own care can receive Attendance Allowance.
Key things to know
- Attendance Allowance is not means-tested — even those with significant savings can claim
- Pension Credit unlocks other help: free TV licence, Council Tax reduction, NHS dental/glasses
- Disabled Facilities Grants are means-tested but cover adaptations the council deems necessary
- Many councils have discretionary hardship funds — ask social services
Free resources
For those aged 65+. Lower rate £72.65/week, higher rate £108.55/week. Not means-tested.
For those under 65 with a disability or long-term health condition affecting daily living.
Up to £30,000 towards home adaptations. Apply through your local council.
Tops up weekly income for those over State Pension age on low incomes.
Check which benefits your loved one might be missing.
NHS & social care assessments
Care needs assessment, NHS Continuing Healthcare, CHC Fast Track
A care needs assessment from your council is free and you are legally entitled to request one. It determines what care your loved one needs and whether the council will contribute toward the cost. NHS Continuing Healthcare can mean the NHS covers all costs — many families do not know this exists.
Key things to know
- A care needs assessment is free and legally mandated — the council must complete one within a reasonable time
- NHS Continuing Healthcare is underclaimed — a clinical assessment determines eligibility, not a financial one
- After hospital discharge, ask specifically about CHC before any care funding is agreed
- You can request a CHC review at any time if your loved one's needs have changed
Free resources
Contact your local council adult social services department to start the process.
If care needs are primarily health-related, the NHS funds everything — including care home fees.
For end-of-life or rapidly deteriorating cases, CHC can be granted within 48 hours.
If CHC is refused, you can appeal — many refusals are overturned at review.
Emotional support & charities
Helplines, befriending, peer support, crisis help
Caring for an older relative is one of life's most emotionally complex experiences. It's completely normal to feel grief, guilt, exhaustion, or overwhelm. There are dedicated services to help — and most are free.
Key things to know
- Carer burnout is real — your own wellbeing is not optional; it affects the quality of care you can give
- Many GP practices have social prescribing link workers who can connect you to local support
- Online support groups (Facebook, Carers UK forums) can help when geography limits access to in-person services
- It's OK to feel grief for the parent or person you knew before their illness — this is called anticipatory grief
Free resources
Free information and support for older people and their families. Mon–Sun 8am–7pm.
0333 150 3456. Emotional support, information, and signposting for dementia families.
Free 24/7 emotional support. For carers experiencing crisis or overwhelm.
Befriending and social activities for older people experiencing loneliness.
Practical advice for maintaining your own mental health while caring.
Urgent & crisis help
Hospital discharge, immediate safety, safeguarding
If your loved one is being discharged from hospital and care hasn't been arranged, or if you believe they are at risk, there are immediate steps you can take today.
Key things to know
- You can refuse a hospital discharge if you do not believe safe care is in place — ask to speak to the hospital social work team
- Contact the council Adult Social Care Emergency duty team outside office hours for urgent assessments
- If you suspect abuse or neglect in a care setting, you can report directly to CQC
- 999 / 111 for immediate medical emergencies and urgent health advice
Free resources
Hospitals cannot discharge someone until safe arrangements are in place. Request a discharge coordinator.
Contact your local council or call 999 if there is immediate risk.
For urgent health concerns that cannot wait for a GP appointment.
Our own guide to crisis care situations — what to do and who to call.
Not sure where to start?
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