How to Look for Acute Care at Home in Central London
Published: 03/07/2025
Many people associate acute care with hospital stays — and in many cases, that’s true. According to the NHS, acute care refers to short-term treatment, usually in a hospital, for patients with any kind of physical or mental health illness or injury.
But this type of care is not limited to the hospital anymore. These days, you have the option to arrange acute care at home. If your loved one is recovering from an illness or injury but would feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings, our CareGivers at Right at Home Central London can help. We can support their recovery while working closely with their wider healthcare team, such as their GP and physiotherapists.
At Right at Home Central London, we understand your local area and the available healthcare services, which helps us coordinate effectively with providers from Chelsea and Westminster to Marylebone and Kensington. This gives you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing your care at home is well-supported. We also work with providers in Mayfair and have experience coordinating with Central London NHS Trusts and private hospitals such as St Thomas’ and Royal Free.
What does residential acute care includes:
Acute care at home is designed to cover all aspects of your loved one’s daily life during your recovery.
- If they’re temporarily confined to bed while their condition improves, our CareGivers can assist with everything you need, including personal care and general housekeeping.
- If your loved one enjoys conversation and company, our live-in CareGivers also make time for a friendly chat over a cup of tea.
- We can also step in to cover essential tasks, even when you and your family handle most of the care.
Is acute care at home right for you?
Acute care is often suitable for individuals recovering from medical emergencies or complex surgeries. In hospital, your loved one may be one of many patients relying on busy nursing staff. Care becomes far more personal at home, with dedicated one-to-one support from a carer and a team tailored to your needs.
There are also clear physical and emotional benefits to recovering at home. Familiar surroundings and family can help your loved one feel like life is carrying on as normal, which can speed up recovery. Pets and being surrounded by the people they care about all contribute to a more positive and reassuring environment compared to a hospital ward.
Benefits of acute care at home
There are many advantages to arranging home-based acute care, including:
- Faster recovery - Home-based acute care offers personalised support that matches the standard of care provided in hospitals. At the same time, being in their own space can help your loved one feel more comfortable and settled — something research shows can actually support faster recovery.
- Professional care - Many treatments traditionally delivered in hospitals can now take place safely at home, provided the right team is in place. At Right at Home Central London, we focus on providing excellent healthcare with personalised service while recognising your loved one’s individual needs.
- Individual attention - Your loved will receive focused and personalised care. Whether they need full-time live-in support or scheduled visits, they will be cared for by a familiar small team who understands their routine and helps them feel at ease every day.
- Choice and control - Homecare allows your family to have a say in how care is delivered. You can decide the type of care and the preferred approach — choices that may be limited in a hospital or care facility.
- Familiar environment - Receiving care at home allows your loved one to stay surrounded by familiar faces and the views they know and love. This goes a long way in providing meaningful reassurance and comfort during recovery.
- Local expertise - With local knowledge and strong ties to London-based healthcare services, Right at Home Central London delivers personal and reliable care tailored to your situation.
Who to trust for high-quality, safe acute care at home
Choosing acute care at home is a major decision, so it's important to work with a provider experienced in delivering person-centred support. It’s equally important to ensure that the care team is dependable and understands your expectations.
Reputation and feedback - Before choosing a care provider, take time to see what other families have said about their experience. Online reviews on sites like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Trustpilot can give you a real sense of how the agency works day to day — from punctuality and professionalism to how well carers connect with clients.
Don’t hesitate to ask the agency for references. Speaking directly with other families can give you honest insight that goes beyond polished websites and brochures. A good provider won’t shy away from your questions — they’ll be ready to share their track record and talk openly about how they deliver care.
Flexible care plans - A reliable homecare agency will provide care plans tailored to each person’s needs. When comparing providers, ask how they assess your loved one’s condition and how often they review and update the care plan. There should always be a thorough assessment before care begins, ensuring that the plan reflects your loved one’s health and lifestyle.
Flexibility is equally important. Can the agency adapt the schedule if your situation changes? Life can be unpredictable, so working with a provider that can adjust quickly is essential for peace of mind.
Carer compatibility and consistency - The connection between your loved one and their carer plays a big part in the quality of care provided. A good agency will prioritise consistency, ensuring that the same carer — or a small, familiar team — visits regularly. This helps build trust and routine while making your loved one feel comfortable and secure.
Ask how the agency matches carers with clients. Do they take into account personality or cultural preferences? A carer who shares common ground with your loved one can improve both their well-being and overall care experience.
Cost transparency - The cost of home-based acute care can vary depending on the level of support needed and the provider. Some agencies charge by the hour, while others offer packages that cover a set number of visits or specific services.
Be sure to ask for a clear breakdown of all fees, including any additional charges for specialist services. If your loved one qualifies for financial assistance, ask whether the agency accepts funding from sources like local councils or Personal Health Budgets. This helps you plan your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
Clear communication and ongoing support - Choose a provider that keeps you informed and offers straightforward ways to reach them with questions or concerns. Ask how they monitor and report on the care being provided. Some agencies use digital tracking systems for visits and medications, which can give families better visibility and reassurance.
Need post-hospital discharge care?
Our team at Right at Home Central London is ready to help with acute care at home, especially for individuals being discharged from hospital or recovering from surgery or illness. We regularly support families in need of short-term, focused care to help loved ones recover comfortably at home.
We also work alongside local GPs and discharge teams who are arranging reliable home-based care for their patients in Central London. Whether you represent a private clinic or a hospital, Right at Home Central London can provide qualified, trusted CareGivers to meet your needs.
At Right at Home Central London, we are committed to providing person-centred care that is tailored to the needs of each individual. Unlike some agencies, we are a private care provider and fully regulated by the CQC, giving families and healthcare practices added peace of mind. We believe in accountability and welcome independent inspections, which help us maintain consistently high standards.
If you’re looking for safe, high-quality acute care at home, our team is ready to help. Call us today on 020 3084 7333 to learn more about our services and how we can support your family. We’ll explain the options available and how we can provide safe, professional care in the comfort of your home. You can also request a callback from one of our Homecare specialists here on our website.
