It’s often hard to know where to start when you need to arrange care or support for a loved one or friend. We provide information about all the possibilities to help you get the information you need to make an informed choice in their best interests.
![A carer and her parents sat on the sofa together.](/media/rrrnkp1c/carer-with-parents-min-ageing-better.jpg?center=0.26666666666666666,0.79825751787526666&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133148048296100000)
Needs assessments
A needs assessment is provided free by your local council or trust, and looks at what help someone might need with their care.
![Woman in kitchen cooking](/media/lf0hpneg/tina-dawson-f1krjnoewdk-unsplash.jpg?center=0.3046168491194669,0.50689054332330119&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133008181485400000)
Care at home options
This section offers tips and guidance if you're caring for someone who needs extra support in the home.
![woman helping older man into chair](/media/elehtgk4/pexels-kampus-production-7551667.jpg?center=0.28388391040623784,0.39119286060410274&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133616174350170000)
Finding residential care
Guidance on how to find a suitable home for someone that caters for their needs
![smiling older woman with glasses looking at paid care worker](/media/fdzbcoyq/adobestock_296427484-min.jpeg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133300856358330000)
Finding care agencies and care workers
What to look out for and what to consider when considering paying for support
![woman sitting at desk looking at computer](/media/5ehgfrlz/pexels-rodnae-productions-7889175.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133117877795570000)
Directly employing a care worker
What to look out for and what to consider
![man using a wheelchair working at computer](/media/lhsdm0cn/adobestock_439152629-min_50.jpeg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133300856353630000)
Direct payments
If you get help from social services, these can give you greater choice over how you pay for social care support
![two people discussing finances](/media/xhdhtcxk/pexels-mikhail-nilov-6964347.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133040124641730000)
Personal Budgets
The amount of money your local council or trust will pay towards any social care support you need.
![close up of a person using a laptop](/media/2wnje041/person-using-macbook-374720.jpg?center=0.57199620957178465,0.39399801221648029&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133148136340430000)
![care worker wearing mask shows older woman a smartphone](/media/iwol5gua/upsplash_6-min.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133035840019530000)
MyBackUp
A contingency planning tool to have a plan for care cover when needed
![woman in wheelchair and carer in a field looking into the horizon](/media/hc2fitc3/upsplash_3_flipped.jpg?center=0.59106274989084406,0.48296530529762105&mode=crop&width=380&height=100&rnd=133329398552430000)
End of life planning
This section offers tips and guidance if you're caring for someone who is nearing the end of their life.