Articles by Ellie Garratt


Mar 27, 2026 8 min
A quiet residential street lined with detached houses and autumn trees in shades of red and orange, with rolling hills visible in the background.

Downsizing vs live-in care: helping your parent make the right decision

When a parent starts to need more support, the conversation often turns to their home. Should they stay where they are? Would somewhere smaller be easier to manage? Could a move closer to family make a difference? Downsizing vs live-in…

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Mar 25, 2026 8 min
A carer preparing food in a home kitchen while an older man looks on

Live-in care after a stroke: Supporting recovery at home

When someone comes home from hospital after a stroke, the adjustment can be significant for them and for the whole family. There may be physical changes to manage, communication difficulties to navigate, and a great deal of uncertainty about what…

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Mar 24, 2026 6 min
Hometouch carer meeting an elderly man at home, both smiling during a relaxed conversation

How to arrange live-in care: what happens after you contact Hometouch 

Taking the first step towards live-in care can feel daunting. Many families contact Hometouch in moments of urgency – following a hospital discharge, a fall, or a sudden change in their loved one’s condition. Others have been thinking about it…

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Speak to one of our knowledgeable care advisers about Hometouch’s high quality live-in care service
Mar 19, 2026 8 min
Close-up of two people holding hands gently, one wearing a simple ring, conveying comfort and support

What does a live-in carer actually do?

Many families considering live-in care have the same question: what does a live-in carer actually do, day to day? It’s a practical question, and an important one. Understanding exactly what the role involves helps families make confident decisions and helps…

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Mar 18, 2026 6 min
A younger woman and an older woman smiling and chatting together in a warm, home kitchen setting

Choosing a live-in care provider: The 7 questions every family should ask

When someone you love needs live-in care, the pressure to act can feel overwhelming. A hospital discharge, a fall, or a rapid change in cognitive ability can compress weeks of research into days. And yet the decision about which provider…

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Mar 10, 2026 8 min
A person holding two tablets in the palm of their hand while pointing to them, sitting at a wooden table.

Medications that worsen dementia: A clinical guide

If someone in your family is living with dementia, their medication list deserves as much attention as their care routine. Some commonly prescribed drugs (and several available over the counter) can worsen cognitive symptoms, accelerate decline, or raise the long-term…

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Mar 9, 2026 5 min
An elderly man wearing glasses and a blue sweater stands indoors while another person helps him put on a jacket. A bookshelf and wall mirrors are visible in the softly lit background.

What is domiciliary care?

Domiciliary care is one of the most searched-for terms in elderly care – and one of the least clearly explained. If you’ve come across it while researching options for a parent or loved one, here’s what it means and what…

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Mar 8, 2026 9 min
Elderly man sitting at a kitchen table being helped with a meal by a caregiver, showing support and companionship in a home setting.

Personal health budgets for dementia care: How to use NHS Funding to choose your own carer

Most families who have been awarded NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) assume the NHS will simply tell them who will provide their care. Few realise they can ask for something different. A Personal Health Budget changes that. It gives families the…

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Mar 4, 2026 8 min
Older woman in a green coat and red gloves smiling while sitting outside with a younger woman and gently petting a fluffy white dog.

NHS Continuing Healthcare for dementia: A step-by-step guide

Many families supporting someone living with dementia don’t realise the NHS may fund their care in full. NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a non-means-tested funding package that can cover the entire cost of care (including live-in care at home) for…

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Hometouch has been one of the best companies I have worked for in the care sector! I have always been told I’m appreciated and been made to feel like it too. I’m so happy to be a part of the Hometouch team

Shaheen

Hometouch live-in carer

£750 - £900 per week. Double bank holiday pay

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