Starting the Care Journey: What Families Need to Know

A step-by-step guide to navigating the care system with confidence and compassion.

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.

Vacancy: Community Support Worker – Flexible Hours

January 17, 2026
We’re looking for compassionate, reliable people to join our growing team in the Cheshire and Chester area. If you want flexible work that makes a real difference in people’s lives, we want to hear from you! What We Offer: Competitive pay Fully paid training Flexible hours during the week and weekends – perfect for part-time work Supportive team and opportunities for career progression Rewarding work making a real difference in the community  What We’re Looking For: Kind, dependable, and passionate individuals Drivers required Genuine desire to help and support others

Vacancy: Care Co-ordinator

January 6, 2026
Job Description Duties and responsibilities Aa a Care Coordinator you will work across departments to support the various day to day operations of the business to ensure that that care and support services are delivered in a safe, person centred and efficient manner. Your overall duties and responsibilities will vary widely depending on the needs of the business and service user priorities however your main duties and responsibilities can include: Ensuring that the staff deliver high-quality and personalised care and support to service users. Managing communications between service users, staff and our organisations to ensure that the service is of a high standard at all times. Support the management teams in recruiting, training and supervising staff and communicating the needs of service users to carers. Champion the organisation’s policies and procedures and ensure that the service is delivered in line with CQC regulatory standards. Liaise with relevant local authority representatives to co-ordinate activities of care and support in line with the needs of the service users and their families. Ensure that all activities such as personal care and medication administration meet the required standards including supervising, training and reporting on all concerns ensure that improvements are made where needed. Prepare regular reports related to the progress of service users and communicate these with all professionals as necessary. Skills, Experience and Qualifications Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with service users, families, professionals and care staff. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to prepare comprehensive reports Passion for helping people and providing personalised care Sound leadership and management skills and the ability to motivate others In-depth understanding of the organisation’s policies and procedures including ability to lead and supervise care staff Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and respect for service users and their families. Proficiency with IT systems including care management software tools to produce reports. Ability to adapt and be flexible including skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at a time Benefits 25 days annual leave including bank holidays Business mileage allowance Initial pay of £22,480 per annum with agreed pay progression

Vacancy: Deputy Manager

January 6, 2026
Job Description Operational duties Manage staffing Monitor central mailbox Oversee recruitment process Document management Coordinate staff training Incident Management tracker Staff attendance & resource re-allocation Line manager for field care supervisor Organising and recording evidence of team meetings Compliance Auditing Recruitment audit DBS and RTW audit Training audit Care plan audit Consent audit Complaints and complements tracker Safety and Quality assurance MDT meetings Liaise with parents Liaise with social workers and commissioners Coordinate six monthly reviews Point of contact for staff Coordinating staff surveys every 6 months Other Initial review of referrals Escalating concerns to registered manager Review social media content and monthly newsletter Don’t Complaints Payroll Business development Bids and tenders Staff expenses