Emergency and short-notice care
When something changes suddenly, such as a fall, a hospital discharge or a family carer falling ill, tell us straight away and we'll start looking for a suitable carer near you.
When families need care quickly
- A hospital is ready to discharge someone who can't yet manage alone
- A fall or illness means someone suddenly needs help at home
- The family carer is ill, injured or has an emergency of their own
- Existing care has fallen through at short notice
- Needs have changed quickly and current support is not enough
What is realistic
We start looking as soon as you tell us what you need. How quickly care can start depends on carers being available in your area, so we can't promise a start date before we have found a suitable carer. We'll keep you updated and send profiles as soon as we have them, and you still choose who comes.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent medical advice, call NHS 111.
Today, the next few days, this week
Today: make sure your relative is safe. If they are in danger call 999, and for urgent medical advice call NHS 111. Tell us what has happened using the enquiry form.
The next few days: we send profiles of suitable carers as they become available. Speak to them and choose. Family, friends or neighbours may need to cover the gap until care starts.
This week: once care has started, think about the longer term. Short-notice care can continue as hourly, overnight or live-in care, and your council can carry out a needs assessment.
What helps us move quickly
- The postcode where care is needed and when it needs to start
- Whether hourly visits, overnight care or live-in care is needed
- The main help needed, such as getting up, meals, toileting or moving about
- Who we should talk to and the best number to reach them
- Anything a carer must know before arriving, such as access to the home or pets
Use the enquiry form or tell us when we call. Please don't put medical details in the online form; we'll talk through care needs on the phone.
Leaving hospital
Talk to the hospital discharge team early. Ask what support is being arranged, what equipment is needed at home, and whether your relative needs a needs assessment. In Scotland, people discharged from hospital may get free home care from the council for up to 28 days (mygov.scot).
While you wait
- Keep a written list of medication, doses and times
- Check the home is safe: clear walkways, night lights, and a phone within reach
- Ask family, friends or neighbours to share check-in visits
- Contact your council's adult social care team and ask about an urgent needs assessment
- Keep the GP informed, especially after a fall or a hospital stay
What short-notice care costs
Short-notice care is arranged as hourly visits, overnight care or live-in care. Tell us what you need and we'll confirm the price in writing before care starts. For reference, hourly care costs £25 an hour and live-in care costs £1,100 a week.
What happens when you contact us
Tell us what has happened
Use the enquiry form and choose "As soon as possible".
We call you back
We talk through what is needed and where.
Profiles as they come
We send profiles of suitable carers as soon as they are available.
You choose
Speak to the carer, agree the start and the routine.
Checks still apply
Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Other types of care
Questions
How quickly can care start?
We'll do our best. Urgent starts depend on carers being available in your area.
Do you skip checks to start faster?
No. Every carer we introduce has already been checked before they are introduced, whatever the urgency.
Can care start on the day of hospital discharge?
Sometimes, if a suitable carer is available. Tell us as soon as you know the likely discharge date, so we can start looking.
What if our carer is ill and can't come?
Let us know as soon as you can. We'll look for another suitable carer and send you their profile, and you choose whether to go ahead. We can't guarantee a replacement straight away, especially at short notice.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, or NHS 111 for urgent medical advice. LCH Care introduces carers; we are not an emergency service.
Can the council arrange emergency care?
Your council's adult social care team can assess urgent needs and may arrange short-term support. Contact them directly, and tell us at the same time so we can start looking too.
Can short-notice care become long-term care?
Yes. Once care has started, it can continue as regular hourly, overnight or live-in care.