Homecare in East Sussex: Finding the right support at home
If you’re finding everyday tasks more difficult, homecare could make life easier. From help with housework and personal care, to equipment that adapts your home, there are a range of services available in East Sussex to support you to stay independent.
What is homecare?
Homecare services help you look after yourself and your home so that you can live independently for longer.
Depending on your needs, support might include:
-
Personal care – help with washing, getting dressed, using the toilet, or getting in and out of bed.
-
Household tasks – cleaning, preparing meals, or light domestic support.
-
Home adaptations – equipment like stairlifts or grab rails.
-
Community support – attending a local day centre for activities and social contact.
Some people only need short-term support, such as after a hospital stay, while others may benefit from longer-term homecare to maintain their independence.
Getting help through East Sussex County Council
Your first step is to ask East Sussex County Council for a care needs assessment. This is free of charge and available to anyone, regardless of income or savings.
The assessment will:
-
Look at your needs and whether you meet eligibility criteria.
-
Provide advice and information if you don’t qualify for funded support.
-
Lead to a financial assessment if you are eligible, to see if the council can help cover the cost of your care.
Even if you don’t qualify for support, the council must still give you guidance on other local options.
Paying for homecare
If you’re assessed as having eligible needs, East Sussex County Council will carry out a financial assessment. This considers your income (such as pensions and benefits) and your savings, but not the value of your home if you live in it.
-
If you have more than £23,250 in savings, you’ll normally pay for your own care.
-
If you qualify for support, the council must ensure you’re left with a Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) to cover everyday living costs and housing expenses.
Some people choose to receive council funding as direct payments, giving them more choice over arranging their own care.
Arranging your own care
If you’re funding your own homecare or choosing direct payments, you have several options:
-
Care Quality Commission (CQC): Search their website for registered local homecare agencies.
-
Homecare Association: Find providers who follow their code of practice.
-
East Sussex County Council: Their Adult Social Care team can share details of approved agencies.
- Personal recommendations: Friends, neighbours, or relatives may know trusted providers.
-
Support with daily tasks
If you only need help with things like housework, gardening, or shopping, you may not qualify for support from the council.
However, Age UK East Sussex may be able to help with sourcing for help with light household tasks, befriending, or advice on local services that can make daily life easier.
Please contact our Information & Advice team to find out more.
After a hospital stay
If you’ve recently come home from hospital, you should have had an initial assessment to make sure you’re safe and supported. Many hospitals now follow a “discharge to assess” approach, which means your longer-term needs are assessed once you’re back at home.
You may be eligible for:
-
Short-term support while you recover.
-
Home adaptations or equipment to make your home safer.
-
A full care needs assessment to plan longer-term support.
If staff believe you may qualify, you could also be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare. Otherwise, East Sussex County Council will look at whether you’re eligible for homecare support.
If you'd like to find out more about our Take Home and Settle service for people leaving hospital please get in touch on:
Email: customerservices@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
Telephone: 01273 476704
This service supports older people to enable a timely and safe return home from hospital and to prevent readmission.
How Age UK East Sussex can help
At Age UK East Sussex, we provide free, confidential information and advice to guide you through your care options. We can:
-
Help you understand the care needs and financial assessment process.
-
Support you in exploring homecare and home adaptation options locally.
-
Point you towards trusted local services.
📞 Call us on 01273 476 704
📧 Email us at information@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
What is homecare?
Homecare services help you look after yourself and your home so that you can live independently for longer.
Depending on your needs, support might include:
-
Personal care – help with washing, getting dressed, using the toilet, or getting in and out of bed.
-
Household tasks – cleaning, preparing meals, or light domestic support.
-
Home adaptations – equipment like stairlifts or grab rails.
-
Community support – attending a local day centre for activities and social contact.
Some people only need short-term support, such as after a hospital stay, while others may benefit from longer-term homecare to maintain their independence.
Getting help through East Sussex County Council
Your first step is to ask East Sussex County Council for a care needs assessment. This is free of charge and available to anyone, regardless of income or savings.
The assessment will:
-
Look at your needs and whether you meet eligibility criteria.
-
Provide advice and information if you don’t qualify for funded support.
-
Lead to a financial assessment if you are eligible, to see if the council can help cover the cost of your care.
Even if you don’t qualify for support, the council must still give you guidance on other local options.
Paying for homecare
If you’re assessed as having eligible needs, East Sussex County Council will carry out a financial assessment. This considers your income (such as pensions and benefits) and your savings, but not the value of your home if you live in it.
-
If you have more than £23,250 in savings, you’ll normally pay for your own care.
-
If you qualify for support, the council must ensure you’re left with a Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) to cover everyday living costs and housing expenses.
Some people choose to receive council funding as direct payments, giving them more choice over arranging their own care.
Arranging your own care
If you’re funding your own homecare or choosing direct payments, you have several options:
-
Care Quality Commission (CQC): Search their website for registered local homecare agencies.
-
Homecare Association: Find providers who follow their code of practice.
-
East Sussex County Council: Their Adult Social Care team can share details of approved agencies.
-
Personal recommendations: Friends, neighbours, or relatives may know trusted providers.
Support with daily tasks
If you only need help with things like housework, gardening, or shopping, you may not qualify for support from the council.
However, Age UK East Sussex may be able to help with light household tasks, befriending, or advice on local services that can make daily life easier. Please contact our Information & Advice team to find out more.
Email: information@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
Telephone: 01273 476 704
After a hospital stay
If you’ve recently come home from hospital, you should have had an initial assessment to make sure you’re safe and supported. Many hospitals now follow a “discharge to assess” approach, which means your longer-term needs are assessed once you’re back at home.
You may be eligible for:
-
Short-term support while you recover.
-
Home adaptations or equipment to make your home safer.
-
A full care needs assessment to plan longer-term support.
If staff believe you may qualify, you could also be assessed for NHS continuing healthcare. Otherwise, East Sussex County Council will look at whether you’re eligible for homecare support.
Find out more about our Take Home and Settle service, for people leaving hospital.
Email: customerservices@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
Telephone: 01273 476704
This service supports older people to enable a timely and safe return home from hospital and to prevent readmission.
How Age UK East Sussex can help
At Age UK East Sussex, we provide free, confidential information and advice to guide you through your care options. We can:
-
Help you understand the care needs and financial assessment process.
-
Support you in exploring homecare and home adaptation options locally.
-
Point you towards trusted local services.
📞 Call us on 01273 476 704
📧 Email us at information@ageukeastsussex.org.uk