When a loved one needs care—whether it's your child, your parent, your partner, or even yourself—it can feel like the world tilts on its axis. Suddenly, you’re trying to make sense of assessments, services, funding, eligibility, and paperwork… all while managing the emotions that come with change, worry, and responsibility.

At IntriCare, we understand how overwhelming this can be. Many of the families we support started exactly where you might be now—uncertain, anxious, and desperate for clear, human guidance. That’s why we’ve written this guide: to walk you through the care journey in simple, manageable steps. Because when you're informed, you're empowered. And when you’re empowered, everything gets easier.

Let’s break it down together.

Step 1: Recognising That Help Is Needed

This is often the hardest step. For many families, there’s a long lead-up to seeking support. You might notice that your loved one is struggling more than before. Maybe it’s getting harder for them to cope at home, or their behaviour has changed. For young people, it might look like isolation, disengagement from school, or emotional outbursts. For older adults, it might be forgetfulness, frequent falls, or just seeming lost in their own home.

Here’s the truth: needing care isn’t a failure—it’s a turning point. And recognising that need is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Step 2: Starting the Conversation

If you’re helping someone else access care, talking about it can feel delicate. Here are a few tips:

• Use “I” statements like “I’ve noticed you seem more tired lately,” instead of “You’re not coping.”
• Be curious, not critical. Ask how they’ve been feeling, what’s felt hard lately.
• Frame support as a tool for independence, not control. For example: “Getting some help might mean you have more energy for the things you enjoy.”

If you’re the one needing care: be kind to yourself. Admitting you need help doesn’t make you a burden. It makes you brave.

Step 3: Getting an Assessment

In the UK, care usually begins with an assessment through your local council’s adult or children’s social services. This process helps determine:

• The type and level of support needed
• Whether you (or your loved one) qualify for funded services
• What your options are moving forward

You can self-refer or ask a GP, school, or healthcare professional to help initiate this.

At IntriCare, we’re happy to support families through this process—explaining the forms, attending assessments (if appropriate), and helping you feel confident about what to ask for.

Step 4: Exploring Support Options

Once an assessment is complete, you’ll receive a care plan or support recommendation. This is where many families feel overwhelmed—because the options can seem endless, and it’s hard to know what’s right.

Let’s simplify that.

At IntriCare, we specialise in:

• Complex Care for individuals with multiple health or behavioural needs
• Domiciliary Care (in-home support for daily tasks)
• Youth Support services to help vulnerable young people build resilience and re-engage
• Mental Health and Social Isolation interventions

Each of these is delivered in a person-centred, community-based way. That means we don’t drop in and disappear—we build relationships, co-create plans with the person receiving care, and adapt as things change.

When choosing a care provider, ask:

• Do they listen to what you need?
• Will the same people be showing up each time?
• Do they involve the whole family or support network, if appropriate?
• How do they handle changes, concerns, or emergencies?

If you’d like to meet us or learn more before committing, we welcome it. Care works best when it’s built on trust.

Step 5: Understanding Costs and Funding

This part can be confusing, and many families worry about affordability. The good news is: there is help.

• Local authority funding may cover part or all of the cost, depending on income and needs.
• Direct payments allow you to choose your own care provider, even if the council is funding the support.
• Some services (especially for youth or mental health) are funded via referrals from NHS or social services.

Our team at IntriCare can walk you through your funding options, help you apply, and even liaise with professionals on your behalf. You’re not expected to figure this all out alone.

Step 6: Starting Care — What to Expect

Once your support is arranged, we’ll work closely with you to create a transition plan. The first few weeks are all about settling in, getting to know your keyworker or support team, and fine-tuning the routine.

You’ll likely receive:

• A named point of contact for questions or changes
• A clear schedule or care rota
• Regular check-ins to ensure everything’s working well

And yes—things might feel strange at first. That’s normal. It takes time to build trust. But we promise: we’re in this with you.

Step 7: Ongoing Reviews and Adjustments

Good care doesn’t stay static. Needs change. Goals shift. People grow.

That’s why we build flexibility and feedback into everything we do. You’ll have opportunities to review your care plan regularly and let us know what’s working—or what’s not. We also encourage open communication between families, support workers, and professionals. We’re all part of the same team.

Step 8: Looking After Yourself as a Family Member

This one’s important: you matter too.

Caring for a loved one—especially during the early stages of the care journey—can be emotionally draining. You might feel guilt, grief, frustration, or helplessness. That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Remember to:

• Ask for help (from friends, professionals, or peer groups)
• Take breaks when you can
• Celebrate the small wins
• Be patient—with your loved one and yourself

You’re doing the best you can with what you have. And that’s enough.

You’re Not Alone

Starting the care journey is rarely simple—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. At IntriCare, we see families every day who are navigating this maze for the first time. And every day, we see them come out the other side—more informed, more empowered, and more hopeful.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, take a breath. You’ve already taken the first step: seeking information and support. That matters.

When you’re ready, we’re here to walk the next steps with you. Whether it’s a phone call, a home visit, or just a conversation to explore what’s possible—we’re listening.

Because at IntriCare, care starts with connection. And the journey starts with you.