Good Care Starts at Home: When and Why to Seek Support
As we mark Good Care Month 2025, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about the importance of quality care — especially at home. Whether you’re caring for a parent, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic illness, knowing when to seek home support is a crucial part of ensuring well-being and independence.
At Foresters Friendly Society, we believe that good care begins with the right support. Our discretionary Help at Home Grant provides financial aid to members in need of home-based (domiciliary) assistance. This article explores common care scenarios and how financial support can relieve the pressure on families.
What is Good Care Month?
Good Care Month, celebrated every July, highlights the value of care workers and the critical role care plays in people’s lives. In 2025, it also calls on families and communities to think proactively about their care needs — and how to access support when it’s needed most.
When to Consider Home Support
Post-Surgery or Hospital Discharge
The transition from hospital to home can be a vulnerable time. Support with meals, medication management, and mobility reduces the risk of complications and hospital readmission.
Fact: 15% of patients are readmitted within 30 days without proper follow-up care (UK Government guidelines).
Managing Chronic Illness
Long-term conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, or arthritis often require consistent, ongoing help. Home care reduces caregiver burnout while maintaining the person’s comfort and independence.
15 million people in England live with chronic conditions (NHS).
Elderly Care
As we age, tasks like dressing or moving around can become difficult. Home support helps older adults live safely and with dignity in their own homes.
2 million older adults in the UK have unmet social care needs (Age UK).
Recovery from Major Illness
After serious illnesses such as cancer or heart conditions, many individuals need help with mobility, medications, and rehabilitation exercises.
1 in 4 cancer patients lack proper support at home after treatment (Macmillan Cancer Support).
Mental Health Support
Living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions can make everyday tasks overwhelming. Home care provides structure, companionship, and relief.
1 in 6 UK adults experience a mental health problem weekly (Mental Health Foundation).
How the discretionary Help at Home Grant Can Help
The discretionary Help at Home Grant is a discretionary benefit designed to assist members with the cost of domiciliary home care. Eligible members can reclaim up to £730 in a two-year period, offering much-needed financial support during times of illness, recovery, or caregiving.
Expenses the Grant May Cover:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Home health aides or companionship support
- Housekeeping and meal preparation
This grant enables families to prioritise health and recovery — not financial worry.
Real Story: Jo’s Experience
“I applied for the Help at Home Grant as I have ME and vision problems. Receiving the grant gave me a sense of being supported and meant I could afford a little help at home.”
Jo’s story is one of many showing how the grant makes a real impact on everyday lives.
Navigating Care with Confidence
Seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it’s a proactive step towards better outcomes and peace of mind. As we celebrate Good Care Month 2025, remember that good care starts with asking for help when it’s needed — and knowing there’s support available.
Additional Resources
Become a Member
Members gain access to discretionary financial benefits like the Help at Home Grant, plus practical support and community events.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll have support when you need it most.
All grants offered by the Society are discretionary. The membership benefits we provide aren’t regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and are regularly reviewed by us to ensure they are relevant to our members. Qualifying periods apply.