A practical guide from Care Me Ltd · 1 October 2026
Arranging care at home can feel unfamiliar, especially when someone’s needs have changed. You may be wondering what help is available, who to contact and how much it will cost. This guide sets out a straightforward starting point for adults and families in Edinburgh, Livingston and West Lothian.
1. Start with the person’s wishes and everyday needs
Talk with the person who needs support about what matters to them. The aim is to help them keep as much choice and independence as possible. Where appropriate, involve relatives or representatives with their agreement.
Write down the tasks that are becoming difficult, when help is needed and what is already working well. For example, someone may need assistance getting washed and dressed, preparing meals, maintaining a daily routine or getting out into the community. Include preferences about visit times, language, culture and who should be involved in discussions.
2. Choose where to make your first enquiry
If you need an assessment or advice about council support: contact your local council’s adult social care team. In Scotland, you have a right to an assessment of your care needs. An assessment does not itself guarantee a particular service, funding or provider.
- Edinburgh: contact Social Care Direct for advice about adult social care and the assessment route.
- West Lothian: contact the Adult Social Care Enquiry Team. The council lists its email as adultsocialcare@westlothian.gov.uk. See the council’s adult social care contact details for the current telephone number.
If you wish to arrange care privately: you can enquire directly with a home-care provider. The provider should discuss your needs, assess whether it can deliver suitable support, and explain availability and charges before you agree to start.
If you already have a social worker or a council-funded care package, speak to the relevant team before changing arrangements or committing to costs you expect the council to cover.
3. Prepare for the care assessment
Have a short summary ready: the person’s address and postcode, the support they need, preferred days and times, relevant mobility or communication needs, and details of existing support. Mention any concerns about managing safely at home.
Ask how the proposed support will help with the person’s priorities. A care plan should make clear what carers will do, when they will visit, and how changes or concerns will be handled. Explain any health-related support needs so the provider can confirm the appropriate skills and arrangements.
4. Understand the costs before agreeing
Ask for a written explanation of charges and what is included. Check minimum visit lengths, weekend or overnight charges, cancellation terms and how changes to the care plan affect the price.
Council-arranged support and privately purchased care follow different arrangements. Ask the council to explain your eligibility and whether a financial assessment or contribution applies. Do not assume that every type of home support is free, or that a private contract will be reimbursed. West Lothian publishes information about non-residential care financial assessments; Edinburgh provides home-care costs guidance.
5. Ask practical questions about the provider
- Can you reliably cover our postcode and required visit times?
- What training and experience do the carers have for these needs?
- How do you support continuity, and what happens if a carer is unavailable?
- Who should we contact about a missed visit, concern or change in needs?
- How often will the care plan be reviewed?
Read the provider’s current Care Inspectorate registration and inspection information. Choose support that fits the person’s needs and preferences, and keep the care plan under review as circumstances change.
Speak to Care Me Ltd
Care Me Ltd welcomes enquiries about adult care and support at home in Edinburgh and Livingston and West Lothian. Support may include personal care, help with everyday routines, companionship and community activities, subject to assessment and an agreed plan. Overnight and live-in care enquiries are also welcome; suitability and availability will be discussed.
Call 07838 494040, email admin@caremee.co.uk, or contact our team. Please tell us your postcode, the support required and preferred times. Office contact hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm.
Further reading: mygov.scot — Your rights as someone needing care. Council guidance was checked on 1 October 2026; contact the relevant council for advice about your own circumstances.