Family Care Advice Ltd

11/03/2026

This is a good time to check in with family, friends, clients and loved ones that they are receiving the non-means tested benefits they are eligible for.

Attendance Allowance is increasing by 3.8% in April 2026. Learn who qualifies, the new weekly rates, and how expert support can help you successfully apply for this valuable benefit.

06/03/2026

Finding the right care for a loved one shouldn't feel like a second full-time job—but for most of us, it does.
The care system is a maze of confusing jargon, hidden costs, and endless assessments. When you’re already dealing with the emotional weight of a family member needing help, the administrative burden can feel overwhelming.
You aren’t alone in this struggle. A recent survey found that 79% of people trying to organise care found the process incredibly complex.
It’s a staggering figure that highlights a broken journey. We shouldn't have to be experts in social care policy just to ensure our parents or partners are safe and supported. Beyond finding a bed or a carer, there is the minefield of funding—including missing out on non-means-tested benefits like Attendance Allowance that many families don't even realise they are entitled to.
If you’re feeling lost, Family Care Advice is here to bridge that gap. We offer dedicated support to help you navigate the system, understand your options, and conduct a tailored care search to find the right fit for your family.
Ready to clear the fog? We offer a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your situation and show you the way forward.
🔗 Explore how we can help: www.familycareadvice.co.uk

Independent care advice for seniors, adults and their families. We strive to provide a warm, informative and compassionate service to all…

26/02/2026

The latest blog has landed, a must read for anyone trying to navigate the care system for themselves or a loved one.
Society of Later Life Advisers The Society of Will Writers

It’s one of the most common — and most stressful — questions families face when a loved one needs extra support.Care funding isn’t always straightforward. Whether someone pays for their own care or receives financial support can depend on savings, assets, property, and even medical needs. Ma...

20/02/2026

Will my parents loose their home to pay for care?

I'm frequently asked this question.

A family home is one of the biggest concerns for many people. In some situations, the value of a property may be included in the financial assessment particularly for residential care.

However, the home is usually disregarded if:

✨️A spouse or partner still lives there
✨️A dependent relative lives there
✨️Care is being provided at home rather than in a care home

Our Care Consultation looks at all of the options,including funding care, personalised to your situation.

As an affiliate member of Society of Later Life Advisers we work closely with SOLLA accredited financial advisers to help you understand funding and how best to fund your care.

(The above information applies to England only)

13/02/2026

For anyone in Leicestershire

13/02/2026

Michaela finally gave in to the AI caricature trend with interesting results!

31/12/2025

As temperatures drop, it is vital to recognise that cold weather presents significantly higher health risks for older adults than for the general population.
❄️Biological changes associated with ageing make it harder for the body to maintain a steady internal temperature, often leading to serious complications before an individual even realises they are in danger.
❄️Why are older people more at risk?
❄️Reduced Metabolic Rate: A slower metabolism makes it harder for the body to generate enough heat to counteract external cold.
❄️Thinning Protective Layers: The loss of subcutaneous fat and thinning skin reduces the body’s natural insulation.
❄️Diminished Thermoregulation: The body’s ability to constrict blood vessels to retain heat often weakens with age.
❄️Underlying Conditions: Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease can interfere with circulation, while certain medications may prevent the body from shivering or regulating temperature effectively.
❄️The Critical Risks:
❄️Hypothermia: This can occur even indoors if a home is not sufficiently heated. In older adults, hypothermia can set in at temperatures that might seem mild to others.
❄️Increased Cardiac Strain: Cold causes blood vessels to constrict to conserve heat, which spikes blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
❄️Respiratory Issues: Cold, dry air can worsen conditions like COPD or asthma and weaken the immune response to seasonal viruses.

❄️If you are a carer or have older neighbours, ensure their living spaces stay at a safe temperature between 18c and 21c. You can find further guidance on staying well during the winter months via the NHS website.
Let’s look out for our communities this winter. A simple wellness check can save a life.

26/12/2025

Christmas Day often brings a poignant realisation that the dynamic with our parents or older relatives has shifted. While the day is filled with joy, it can also be the moment we notice they have become frailer, more forgetful, or are struggling with tasks that once seemed effortless.

This "role reversal" is a significant emotional milestone. It is a challenging transition to move from being the one cared for to the one providing care, often leading to feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or uncertainty about the future. Recognising that they now need extra support—whether it is help around the home, specialist care, or navigating the complexities of the UK healthcare and social care systems—is the first step in ensuring their safety and well-being.

You do not have to navigate these changes alone. Family Care Advice Ltd specialises in helping families manage these transitions with dignity and clarity. They provide expert guidance on care options and support systems tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.

If you noticed changes this festive season and aren’t sure what the next steps should be, you can book a 30-minute free consultation with Family Care Advice Ltd to discuss how to best support your loved ones.

17/12/2025

Do your home visits always go to plan?

I have made many home visits over the years but sometimes they don't always go to plan...

A few years ago, when I worked for a local charity, I arrived at house, ready to check in on 'Mrs Davies'*
A lovely older gent opened the door. I showed him my ID, he invited me in as if he was expecting me and put the kettle on.
We made small talk over biscuits until I finally asked, "So, how is your wife doing today? I was hoping to have a chat with her."
He replied "She passed away about two years ago now, my dear."
The penny dropped, I was at the wrong house! Cue wanting a hole to open up!

I apologised and explained, he was lovely, he just chuckled, said he'd had a lovely chat and I was welcome back any time!

I found Mrs Davies house in the close opposite…I'm blaming SatNav!

Am I the only one? Love to hear any home visit stories.

*not real name

10/12/2025

🌿 Support and togetherness through Bereavement and Loss 🌿

Join experienced Occupational Therapist Kate for a 5-session emotional support group that offers compassion, connection and guidance through the experience of grief and loss. Whether your journey is recent or long-standing, this is a safe space to talk, identify positive coping strategies and feel connection with others.

Kate’s approach combines Occupational Therapy with Mindfulness, Grief and Bereavement theory and Solution Focused Therapy. Therefore, the focus of the sessions will be guided by the group members. Kate will spend time getting to know the group and understanding what they would like to gain from the sessions.

It will be a gentle, nurturing space designed to help you explore your emotions and gain valuable support and coping tools.

Dates -Friday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th February and 6th March.
Book via www.bookwhen.com/shuttlewoodclarke

24/11/2025

Delighted to be awarded Best Independent Family & Senior Care Consultancy 2025!

Family Care Advice Ltd has been honored with the SME Award for Best Independent Family & Senior Care Consultancy. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of Family Care Advice Ltd and we are delighted to receive it. ​Our core mission is to provide practical, expert support to indivi...

23/11/2025

4 years ago I decided to set up on my own and formed Family Care Advice Ltd.

On the run up to Christmas 2021, I registered a domain, opened up a business account and registered my company. No funding or loans, just me and a conviction that I could help people to navigate our complex care system and reduce the levels of stress they experience.

With a business plan in my head, 30 plus years experience of health and social care and a belief I could do this, I entered 2022 as a Managing Director of Family Care Advice.

I have learned a lot and had excellent support, encouragement and advice along the way.

I still love what I do, especially when I see the difference it makes to clients who often come to me frustrated and stressed at an emotional time in their lives.

Was it the best way to go about starting a business? Probably not but it was the best way for me.

Do I have any regrets? Yes, not doing it sooner!

So, if you're contemplating starting up a small business my only advice is...just do it! Life's too short.