The questions families ask us most
Deciding to arrange home care for a loved one raises a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often, answered as honestly and clearly as we can. If your question isn’t here, just give us a call.
Getting started
How do I arrange home care for a parent or loved one?
The first step is a free, no-obligation care assessment at home. One of our team will visit, have a proper conversation about your loved one’s needs and wishes, and talk through what care might look like. Call us on 01892 575 499 or fill in our contact form.
How quickly can care start?
In most cases we can have care in place within a few days of the initial assessment. If it’s urgent, for example after a hospital discharge, please call us directly. Care can be arranged in as little as 24 hours.
Do you cover my area?
We currently provide care across Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone and the surrounding villages (see our locations). If you’re not sure whether we cover your area, call us on 01892 575 499.
What types of home care do you provide?
We provide visiting day care (visits usually of at least 1 hour), night care (sleeping or waking nights) and live-in care. We also provide specialist care for people living with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery and end of life care. See our Care Services page.
What happens at a care assessment?
A care assessment is a friendly, unhurried conversation. We visit the person at home, get to know them and understand their daily routine, what they find difficult, and what a good day looks like for them. From that we put together a personalised care plan. The assessment is free, there’s no obligation to go ahead, and it’s your chance to ask as many questions as you like.
Is there a minimum number of hours or visits?
Visits are usually a minimum of 1 hour, but we can be flexible to meet your needs. There’s no rigid minimum number of visits per week; we work around what makes sense for you.
Why is the minimum visit one hour?
Some care companies offer 30- or 45-minute visits. We’re committed to the highest possible standard of care, and to treating every client like part of an extended family, and we don’t believe that’s possible in less than an hour. Shorter visits become a box-ticking exercise, such as handing out medication, rather than caring for the person and giving them the attention every client deserves.
Our carers
Are your carers DBS checked?
Yes. Every carer has an enhanced DBS check before they begin working with clients. We also take up references and carry out a thorough interview process.
Will my loved one always see the same carers?
Yes. Consistency is one of the things we care most about. We assign a small, regular team of carers to each client so that familiar faces become part of the routine.
What training do your carers receive?
Every carer completes a paid two-day induction, online training modules, shadowing, the Care Certificate, and in-house training on medication, safeguarding, moving and handling, dementia and end of life care. We support carers towards NVQ qualifications up to Level 5.
What happens if my regular carer is ill or on holiday?
We always let you know in advance if there’s going to be a change. Where possible we send someone from your existing small team who your loved one already knows.
Can I choose my carer?
We take great care matching clients with carers. You can share your preferences and we’ll take them seriously. If a match isn’t working well, we’ll address it promptly.
Do your carers drive?
Most of our carers drive and have their own vehicles, which matters for outings and for travelling between visits. Carers who use their own car for work are required to have business-use car insurance.
Cost & funding
How much does home care cost?
Every care plan is different, so we don’t publish a price list. The cost depends on the type of care, how often it’s needed and at what times. Call us on 01892 575 499 for a free assessment and a personalised quote, with no hidden fees.
Can the council help pay for home care?
Potentially, yes. Under the Care Act 2014, your local authority must assess anyone with care needs. If your assets are below £23,250, you may be eligible for partial or full funding. Contact Kent County Council to request a needs assessment.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is care funded entirely by the NHS for people whose main needs are health-related. Ask your GP for a CHC checklist as a first step. See our Funding Support page for more.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. It isn’t means-tested. See our Funding Support page for current rates and how to apply.
Is there financial help for people living with dementia in Kent?
Yes. Involve Kent may be able to provide funded respite care for people living with dementia and their family carers. Contact them directly to find out what’s available. See our Funding Support page.
Home care vs a care home
What is the difference between home care and a care home?
Home care means a trained carer comes to your loved one’s home, so they stay in the familiar surroundings they know. A care home means moving into a residential setting. Home care preserves independence, routine and familiarity, and for many families it’s comparable in cost to a care home, particularly live-in care.
My parent tried a care home and it wasn’t right for them. Can you help?
Yes, we hear this often. If your loved one has had a difficult experience in a care home and wants to return home, please call us. We’ll talk through what’s involved and whether it’s possible in your situation.
Specific conditions
Do you provide specialist dementia care?
Yes. Dementia care is one of our deepest specialisms. Our carers receive training developed with the Alzheimer’s Society, and our Sevenoaks Field Care Supervisor Jo Allchin is a qualified Dementia Trainer. See our Dementia Care page.
Do you support people living with Parkinson’s?
Yes. We support a number of clients living with Parkinson’s (see our Parkinson’s Care page). Our carers understand the importance of medication timing, consistent routine and patient communication.
Can you provide care after a stroke?
Yes. We care for people recovering from a stroke at home, and care can be arranged in as little as 24 hours if needed. See our Stroke Care page.
Do you provide end of life care?
Yes. We provide compassionate, dignified end of life care at home, working alongside families, GPs, district nurses and hospice teams. Please call us; we’re here to listen and help. See our End of Life Care page.
Local areas
Do you provide home care in Tonbridge?
Yes. Our Tonbridge team is led by Field Care Supervisor Jo Hawkins and covers Tonbridge and nearby villages including Hildenborough, Hadlow, Paddock Wood and East Peckham. Our office is in Tonbridge, at Riverside House.
Do you provide home care in Tunbridge Wells?
Yes. Our Tunbridge Wells team is led by Field Care Supervisor Elaine Ewer and covers Tunbridge Wells and nearby villages including Southborough, Pembury, Speldhurst and Langton Green.
Do you provide home care in Sevenoaks?
Yes. Our Sevenoaks team is led by Field Care Supervisor and Trainer Jo Allchin, and covers Sevenoaks and nearby villages including Otford, Kemsing, Seal and Westerham.
Do you provide home care in Maidstone?
Yes. Our Maidstone team is led by Field Care Supervisor Fiona Rayner and covers Maidstone and nearby villages including Bearsted, Barming, Allington and Aylesford.
Practical questions
What areas do you serve?
We currently serve Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Maidstone and the surrounding villages.
Are you regulated?
Yes. All About Home Care is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and rated Outstanding, the highest rating available. Read our latest CQC report (opens CQC website).
How many home care providers are rated Outstanding?
Only 4% of homecare services assessed under CQC’s current framework are rated Outstanding, according to the CQC’s State of Care 2025/26 report (ratings data to August 2026). All About Home Care is rated Outstanding by the CQC. The CQC notes that assessed services may not represent the whole sector.
How do I know my loved one is being looked after properly?
Our care management system keeps a digital record of every visit, and family members can be given access to see updates. Our carers also talk directly with families and are trained to flag any concerns promptly.
How can I tell if a home care provider is good?
Look at the CQC rating and read the report, ask whether your relative will see the same small team of carers, and ask how carers are trained for their needs. The CQC describes good homecare as small, consistent teams and well-planned rotas. All About Home Care is rated Outstanding by the CQC.
Do you employ your carers directly?
Yes. All our carers are directly employed by All About Home Care. We don’t use agency staff or self-employed carers.
Where are you based?
Our office is at Riverside House, River Lawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EP. Each area we serve has its own local care team, led by a Field Care Supervisor. See all our locations.
Who runs All About Home Care?
All About Home Care is independently owned by Jim Sellars and Geoff Dunnett. Care is led by our Registered Manager, Rachael Fox, who has been with us since 2015.
Still have questions?
Call us on 01892 575 499 or fill in our contact form.
Or email enquiries@allabouthomecare.co.uk, or