Finding the right home care agency can feel overwhelming. There are many care providers out there, and it’s not always clear where to start or what to look for.
1. Decide what type of care you need
Home care agencies offer different services and levels of support. Think about what you might want help with, such as help with daily tasks, personal care support, or companionship.
Consider how often you’d like someone to visit and what your budget is. Having some idea of these things helps when you speak to care providers. But, don’t worry if you’re not completely sure – good care agencies will guide you through what might work best for your situation.
At Nestwell Home Care, we create tailored care packages for you and your family in Brighton & Hove. This includes daily living support, overnight care, respite care, and ongoing companionship.
2. Search for care providers
Start with a simple Google search, such as “home care agencies Brighton” or “care agencies near me”. This will bring up local care providers with their contact details and basic information.
The CQC (Care Quality Commission) website lists all registered home care agencies in England. You can search by location to find care agencies near you and see their inspection ratings. Local magazines and community boards often feature care agency adverts too.
Ask friends, family, or your GP if they have recommendations for home care providers. Personal experiences from people you trust can be really valuable.
3. Check CQC ratings and reviews
Look at online reviews of care agencies to get a sense of what other people have experienced. These can give you insight into how the home care agency works and what they specialise in.
Don’t be too concerned if there aren’t many reviews – this doesn’t necessarily mean anything negative about the care agency.
You can also check their CQC rating. All home care agencies in the UK are inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission. Most reputable care agencies will have at least a “Good” CQC rating.Nestwell Home Care (formerly Martlets Care) was last inspected by the CQC in 2019 and rated “Good”. You can read our full CQC inspection report on the Care Quality Commission website.
4. Contact care agencies
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, contact one or two care agencies to discuss your needs. Ask about their home care services, availability, and how they match carers to clients.
A good home care agency will take time to understand what you need and explain how they can help. They should be happy to answer your questions and arrange a visit to discuss your care needs properly.
Trust your instincts. You want to feel comfortable with the people who will be providing your home care.
If you’re looking for personalised home care packages in the Brighton and Hove area, get in touch below. At Nestwell, our dedicated team will guide you through the care application process, ensuring you and your family get the support you need.
Care is a relationship, not a transaction
We believe in showing up for people day after day, providing companionship and comfort through our services. When you choose us for your care, our support goes even further, as every act of care helps fund local hospice services.
A little longer
We don't rush our visits – every moment is used to support you.
Notice the small things
Paying attention to the details isn't extra, it's what compassionate care relies on.
Carry it together
Care can feel heavy, but you don’t need to do it alone – we're here to help.
Move with meaning
All our care is intentional, with comfort and dignity at its heart.
Care application process: Step-by-step guide
Our relationship begins the moment you get in touch. From your very first enquiry, we focus on making the process simple and straightforward, shaping our support around your family’s needs right from the start.
Step 1: Get in touch with us
Get in touch using our contact form, email or phone. Choose whatever feels easiest for you.
Step 2: Talk to our experienced care team
A member of our team will get back to you to understand what support you or your loved one needs. We’ll listen, answer questions and start building a plan together, fully tailored around you. At this stage, we’ll also provide a clear quote for the cost of your care.
Step 3: Shape your personalised care plan
We’ll work together to define the practical details – from visit times to how you enjoy your favourite sandwich.
Step 4: Complete your care contract
When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll help you complete your care contract. We’ll then agree on a start date for your personalised care plan to begin.
Step 5: Meet your carers
We’ll always let you know who your carer, or team of carers, will be and when they’ll visit. All you need to do is relax and wait for the punctual knock at your front door.
Step 6: Ongoing support and reviews
We’ll stay in touch and continue reviewing your care as your needs change. Our aim is to ensure you feel truly supported and to make each day brighter, one visit at a time.
“The care I have been provided by Nestwell Home Care (formerly Martlets Care) has been excellent. It gives me something to look forward to each day and I enjoy spending time with the superb Care Professionals. Having carers assisting me at home has improved my quality of life and enabled me to remain independent at home for as long as possible. It also gives me the company I miss greatly from my late Husband.”
“Nestwell Home Care (formerly Martlets Care) Professionals provide a great quality service of care to those who need assistance from their own home. I could not wish for better care to be provided to me and it has promoted my independence to continue to be able to live at home.”
“My Care Professionals from Nestwell Home Care (formerly Martlets Care) are amazing. I look forward to them coming as they help you with housework due to not being able to walk as far anymore. They help with lots of jobs I would no longer be able to do if it wasn’t for their assistance, which is a big relief to my worries.”
“My care professionals always assess my needs carefully and are never invasive. They always ask my permission and suggest ideas to help me. Due to my poor eyesight, I need help with admin tasks and reading letters. They help me input alerts into my Alexa so I know who is visiting me and when. I would not otherwise be able to do this so I am very grateful to have Nestwell Home Care (formerly Martlets Care).”
Let’s talk about care
Every conversation starts with listening. Tell us what you need, and we’ll explain how we can help. You can reach us by phone, email, or by completing the form below.