Question 1

What is home care?

Accepted Answer

Home care provides practical and emotional support to people in their own homes, helping them stay safe, independent and comfortable. At Abney & Baker, we build our care around your existing routines and preferences, so it fits naturally into everyday life rather than disrupting it.

Question 2

Who is home care suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Home care is suitable for older adults who need some level of support to live safely and confidently at home. Abney & Baker supports a wide range of elderly individuals across Wiltshire and North-East Somerset, including those living with dementia and those recovering from illness or hospital stays.

Question 3

What services are included in home care?

Accepted Answer

Home care is built around each person and can include personal care (such as washing, bathing, dressing, oral care and continence support), medication support and wellbeing monitoring, companionship and help staying socially active, and meal preparation, shopping and light household tasks. Every care plan is designed to support your independence and confidence rather than taking over unnecessarily.

Question 4

How is home care different from residential care?

Accepted Answer

Home care allows individuals to remain in familiar surroundings while receiving professional support. Residential care requires moving into a care facility. Many families choose Abney & Baker's home care to maintain independence, daily routines, and strong connections to their local community.

Question 5

What is preventative home care?

Accepted Answer

Preventative home care focuses on providing support early to reduce risks and help you stay independent. At Abney & Baker, preventative thinking is built into every care plan to help you stay well, safe and confident at home for longer.

Question 6

When is the right time to start home care?

Accepted Answer

The right time to start home care is often before a crisis occurs. Early support can help maintain routines, identify concerns sooner, and reduce the risk of falls, hospital admissions, or sudden health decline.

Question 7

Can home care help prevent hospital admissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regular home care can help prevent hospital admissions by supporting mobility, nutrition, medication routines, and early identification of changes in health or wellbeing. Abney & Baker's proactive approach supports safe, stable living at home.

Question 8

How does preventative care support independence?

Accepted Answer

Preventative care encourages people to remain active and involved in daily life while providing reassurance and support where needed. Abney & Baker focuses on enabling clients to do as much as possible for themselves, with support adapted as needs change.

Question 9

Do you provide dementia care at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Abney & Baker provides dementia care at home, supporting individuals to remain in familiar surroundings where they feel most comfortable, secure, and reassured.

Question 10

Are carers trained in dementia care?

Accepted Answer

All Abney & Baker carers receive dementia-specific training, helping them understand memory loss, communication changes and the behaviours associated with dementia, so they can provide calm and respectful support.

Question 11

Why is home care beneficial for people living with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Familiar environments and routines can reduce confusion and anxiety for people living with dementia. Home-based care allows individuals to feel more settled while receiving consistent support from trained carers.

Question 12

Can dementia care adapt as needs change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dementia care needs often change over time, so we review our care plans regularly to make sure the support stays right for the person and adapts as their needs change.

Question 13

What is post-hospital home care?

Accepted Answer

Post-hospital home care supports individuals following discharge from hospital, helping them recover safely and regain confidence at home. Abney & Baker provides flexible post-hospital care across Wiltshire and North-East Somerset.

Question 14

What does a post-hospital care package include?

Accepted Answer

Post-hospital care may include personal care, mobility support, medication reminders, meal preparation, and general wellbeing monitoring. Support is adjusted as recovery progresses.

Question 15

How quickly can post-hospital care be arranged?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, Abney & Baker can arrange post-hospital care quickly to support a smooth and safe transition home following discharge.

Question 16

Can post-hospital care be short-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Post-hospital care can be short-term and gradually reduced as strength, confidence, and independence return.

Question 17

Are carers DBS checked and trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Abney & Baker carers are fully DBS checked and complete a thorough induction and ongoing training programme, covering safeguarding, dementia care, first aid and best-practice home care standards.

Question 18

Will I have the same carer each visit?

Accepted Answer

Continuity of care is very important for trust and wellbeing. Abney & Baker uses small, local care teams and structured care runs, with the aim that around 75% of care visits are delivered by no more than four regular carers, wherever possible.

Question 19

How is care quality monitored?

Accepted Answer

We monitor care quality through regular supervision, reviews and open communication with clients and families, so our support stays safe and reliable.

Question 20

What happens if there is an emergency or unexpected issue?

Accepted Answer

There is always support available. Abney & Baker operates an on-call service outside of office hours to ensure help is available when it is needed.

Question 21

How much does home care cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of home care depends on the frequency and length of visits required. Abney & Baker provides clear, transparent pricing so clients understand costs before making any decisions.

Question 22

Are there any hidden or extra charges?

Accepted Answer

No. Pricing includes the time spent with clients as well as travel between visits. Any additional costs, such as extended outings during visits, are always discussed and agreed in advance.

Question 23

Can I get help funding home care?

Accepted Answer

Some individuals may be eligible for local authority funding or financial support. Abney & Baker can help guide families through assessments and funding options.

Question 24

Will I be tied into a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no long-term contract, and care can be adjusted or cancelled with notice. This flexibility allows families to change support as circumstances evolve.

Question 25

How do I get started with Abney & Baker?

Accepted Answer

Abney & Baker uses a simple Confidence at Home process. It starts with a phone conversation to discuss your needs and options, followed by a relaxed, no-obligation home visit. From there we put together a clear care plan with costs and visit schedules, and agree a flexible start date that you can adjust at any time.

Question 26

Do you provide home care locally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Abney & Baker is a trusted local home care provider supporting individuals and families across Wiltshire and North-East Somerset.

Question 27

Why choose a local home care provider?

Accepted Answer

Local providers offer better continuity, quicker response times, and a more personal approach. Abney & Baker's strong local presence allows care to be responsive, flexible, and rooted in the community.

Question 28

Where are your offices located?

Accepted Answer

Abney & Baker has local offices in Melksham, Bath, and Paulton, supporting care delivery across the surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Home Care Services

About Home Care

Preventative & Early-Intervention Care

Dementia Care at Home

Post-Hospital Care & Recovery

Carers, Training & Safety

Costs, Funding & Getting Started

Local Home Care in Wiltshire & North-East Somerset

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