When it comes to arranging care, every family’s needs are different. For some, council-funded support provides a solid base. For others, private pay home care offers a level of flexibility, speed, and personalisation that public services simply cannot match. But with so many options available, how do you know if private is right for your loved one?
At Forest Homecare, we believe private pay care should be about more than just choosing your hours. It’s about giving clients true control, offering transparency in costs, and creating a care package that adapts to daily life (not the other way around).
For advice specific to your situation, please contact our dedicated team at Forest Homecare today.
True customisation in action
Many providers advertise that they are flexible, but all too often this is limited to “visiting times”. In reality, private pay home care can be so much more.
With Forest Homecare, customisation means:
- Choosing care workers you connect with so your loved one feels truly comfortable with familiar, trusted faces.
- Adapting routines daily, for example, swapping a morning call for an afternoon visit if an appointment changes.
- Supporting hobbies and social outings. Care isn’t just about the essentials; it can also mean going out to lunch, helping attend a church service, or taking a trip to the shops.
- Respecting dietary preferences. From preparing favourite meals to supporting specialist diets, care workers can tailor support to individual tastes.
This level of responsiveness isn’t just convenient, it’s dignity in action. It ensures care is centred on the person, not on the provider’s schedule.
Understanding the full cost picture
One of the biggest frustrations that families face when it comes to care options for their loved ones is hidden costs. Hourly rates are rarely the final figure, with many providers glossing over details (like minimum hours and call-out fees) until much further in the signup process.
At Forest Homecare, we’re committed to transparency. Our pricing structure typically includes:
- Hourly rates (clearly communicated upfront, with no surprise surcharges).
- Minimum visit length (ensuring care is meaningful without unnecessary restrictions).
- Additional charges (where applicable, like bank holiday rates, and always explained in advance).
While every situation varies, we ensure our clients fully understand their options before committing. This clarity allows families to plan with confidence and avoid unexpected financial strain.
Private care worker vs an agency: The hidden costs of direct employment
Some families, believing it may be cheaper, consider hiring a private care worker directly. However, this route carries significant risks and responsibilities that you need to be aware of.
When you employ a care worker directly, you are legally considered their employer. This means:
- You are responsible for PAYE, tax, and pensions.
- You need to arrange employer’s liability insurance.
- You need to provide cover for sickness, holidays, or emergencies.
For many families, this quickly becomes overwhelming and can feel like a full-time job in itself.
Working with Forest Homecare as your agency partner, on the other hand, removes these burdens from your plate. We handle recruitment, training, payroll, and insurance, as well as provide cover when your usual care worker is unavailable. It’s safer, simpler, and ensures continuity of care.
Mixing and matching: Integrating private care with council-funded support
Private pay care doesn’t have to replace council-funded care; it could instead complement it. Families can use direct payments from Essex County Council to fund part of their care package, and then “top it up” with private pay hours for additional support.
This mix-and-match approach allows clients to access the best of both worlds: financial assistance (where available), along with the freedom to add extra visits, social support, or specialist services through private arrangements.
At Forest Homecare, we guide families through this process, offering transparent signposting to Essex County Council’s portal system, so you always know where you stand.
Planning ahead: Financial tools and long-term support
Think of private pay care as an investment in independence and quality of life. But it’s important to also think beyond your loved one’s current needs. Sustainable financial planning ensures families can continue accessing the right support for as long as required.
Options to explore include:
- SOLLA advisors (experts in later-life financial planning).
- Equity release (unlocking value from your home to fund care).
- Care annuities (products designed to provide regular income for care needs).
- Essex-based charities and advice services (offering support and guidance specific to the local area).
“We are actively exploring how we can further support clients with forms and applications (such as Attendance Allowance and the Blue Badge scheme) as an enhanced service,” adds Margaret Shelsher, manager of our Mid-West Essex branch.
The Forest Homecare difference
We don’t just provide care. We work in partnership with our clients and their families to create sustainable, flexible solutions that support independence.
Our unique approach includes:
- Immediate flexibility (changes to call times or routines are actioned straight away).
- Ad-hoc cover (we step in when family members can’t provide their usual support).
- Clear boundaries (we’re honest about what we do and don’t cover, ensuring safety and professionalism).
- Partnership in practice (working alongside hospices, community organisations, and other local services).
Most importantly, our “Don’t Use It, Lose It” philosophy ensures we encourage clients to stay active and independent, rather than fostering unnecessary dependence.
Tailoring care far beyond just visiting times
Private pay home care offers something invaluable: choice. With Forest Homecare, that choice is backed by transparency, flexibility, and a genuine partnership approach.
Whether you’re looking for short-term cover, a long-term package, or a blend of private and council-funded support, we’re here to help you build care on your terms.
Book a consultation with Forest Homecare today and discover how truly personalised home care can transform daily life for your loved one.