How can I care for an elderly relative in my own home?
Start by asking the council for a care needs assessment for your relative and a carer's assessment for yourself, both free. Make the home safe with handrails, good lighting and equipment, often provided free after an occupational therapy assessment. Check benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance. Bring in paid home care or respite to share the load, and set up a lasting power of attorney early.
Reviewed by The Care Panel editorial team on 22 October 2026. How we check our information.
Step 1: Get the free assessments
Ask the council's adult social care team for a care needs assessment for your relative and a carer's assessment for yourself. Both are free whatever your income. They can lead to home care, equipment, day centres or respite, and the council will then do a financial assessment to work out any charge.
Step 2: Make the home safe
An occupational therapist can recommend grab rails, raised toilet seats, bed levers, key safes and personal alarms. Minor equipment and adaptations are usually free after a council assessment. Bigger changes such as a stairlift or level-access shower may be paid for by a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £30,000 in England, which is means-tested. See free equipment and OT assessments and falls prevention at home.
Step 3: Claim the money you're entitled to
| Benefit | Who gets it | Weekly amount (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | Your relative, if over State Pension age and needing care | £76.70 or £114.60 |
| Carer's Allowance | You, if caring 35+ hours a week and earning no more than £204 a week | £86.45 |
| Pension Credit carer addition | You, if you get Pension Credit and qualify for Carer's Allowance | £48.15 |
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Check eligibility with our Attendance Allowance checker.
Step 4: Share the load
Caring alone around the clock is not sustainable. Options include paid home care visits for washing and dressing, a sitting service so you can go out, day centres, overnight care and planned respite. Our guide to arranging home care explains how to find and compare agencies.
Step 5: Plan ahead
- Set up lasting powers of attorney while your relative has capacity; registration costs £92 per LPA
- Agree an emergency plan for who steps in if you are ill
- Tell your GP you are a carer, and ask about carer support groups locally
- Check whether council tax discounts apply to your household