Care Necessities Limited

31/07/2026

People often ask us what advocacy actually looks like.

Today, we were reminded that it isn't just about understanding the National Framework, attending meetings or challenging decisions. It starts with something much simpler... kindness.

One of our advocates spent the day supporting an elderly gentleman in hospital. His story is heart-breaking. He has lived through profound mental health challenges, a lengthy admission to hospital and, more recently, a stroke. Despite the complexity of his history, discussions today centred on planning for his discharge from hospital. His daughter was understandably worried about ensuring her father received the right care, in the right environment, where he could be kept safe and supported.

Before an important multidisciplinary team meeting, our advocate simply sat with him.

She held his hand.

She listened.

She gave him time to tell his story.

She treated him with the dignity, compassion and respect that every person deserves.

It wasn't until she was driving home that the emotion caught up with her.

Not because she had done anything wrong.

Not because she wasn't professional.

Because she cared.

Because once you have truly listened to someone's story, it's impossible not to.

People often ask what a care advocate actually does.

Yes, we understand the National Framework.

Yes, we know the legislation.

Yes, we challenge decisions when they aren't supported by the evidence.

But advocacy is so much more than that.

It's being the person who sits beside someone when they feel frightened.

It's making sure they are heard when everyone else seems to be talking about them rather than to them.

It's having the courage to challenge respectfully when something doesn't feel right.

And sometimes, it's carrying the emotional weight of someone else's story long after the meeting has ended.

Our advocates don't stop caring when they clock off. They carry these people with them. That isn't written into any job description. It's simply who they are.

Every member of our team gives a little piece of themselves to the families we support every single day, and we couldn't be prouder of them.

Because everyone deserves someone who will not only fight for their rights, but who will also sit beside them, listen to their story and remind them that they matter.

That, to us, is what advocacy is all about.

17/07/2026

We recently read a news report about a Lincolnshire home care provider that had received warning notices from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

As a Lincolnshire-based organisation supporting families across the county, stories like this always make us stop and reflect.

Understandably, reports like this can make families worry, especially if they have a loved one receiving care at home or living in a care home.

However, it's important to look beyond the headline.

In this case, whilst concerns were identified around governance and oversight, the provider was still recognised positively for the care being delivered. It highlights an important point – good, compassionate care and strong management systems don't always go hand in hand, but both are essential to delivering safe, high-quality care.

If you have a loved one receiving care, one of the simplest things you can do is read the latest CQC inspection report for their care provider. These are available free of charge on the Care Quality Commission website www.cqc.org.uk

Don't just look at the overall rating. Take a few minutes to understand what inspectors found, what the provider is doing well and, where concerns have been identified, what action is being taken to improve things.

If you still have questions after reading the report, don't be afraid to speak with the care provider. Open and honest communication can often provide valuable reassurance.

Sometimes, however, families simply want the confidence that comes from having an independent professional review their loved one's care. At Care Necessities, our Care Management service offers independent assessments and ongoing oversight to help ensure care continues to meet an individual's needs and remains safe, appropriate and person-centred.

If you have any concerns about the care a loved one is receiving—whether at home or in a care home—we're always happy to have an informal conversation. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01754 800551 or send us a private message.

Sometimes, a friendly conversation is all it takes to provide reassurance and point you in the right direction.

28/06/2026

📢 Did you know?

You may be entitled to a Care Act Needs Assessment even if you pay for your own care.

Many people assume that because they are self-funding their care, or the care of a loved one, the Local Authority has no role to play.

That is not necessarily the case.

Under the Care Act 2014, where it appears that an adult may have needs for care and support, the Local Authority has a duty to assess those needs, regardless of their financial circumstances.

A needs assessment is about understanding:
✔ What support a person requires
✔ The risks they face
✔ The outcomes they want to achieve
✔ Whether additional support may be available

Funding is considered after an assessment has taken place.

A recent Ombudsman investigation highlighted the importance of Local Authorities carrying out assessments in a timely manner and the impact delays can have on individuals and their families.

Knowing your rights can make a significant difference.

If you are unsure whether you or a family member should have had a Care Act Needs Assessment, it may be worth seeking independent advice.

22/06/2026

🏡 Case Study: When the Best Outcome Isn't Moving Someone

We were instructed by a Professional Deputy to undertake an assessment of an elderly lady living in a residential care home.

Whilst our review of her care needs concluded that she did not meet the eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare, our Advocate identified a number of concerns regarding the quality of care being provided. These concerns were reinforced when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the home as "Inadequate".

Over the following months, we worked closely with the care home management team, raising concerns around care documentation, falls management, personal care, skin integrity, nutrition monitoring and overall oversight of care.

A series of meetings took place and it was made clear that, unless significant improvements were achieved, consideration would need to be given to finding an alternative placement for the resident.

The Professional Deputy was understandably reluctant to move this lady from a familiar environment, but equally could not ignore the concerns that had been identified.

Following a recent review visit, we were pleased to find evidence of genuine and meaningful improvements. The resident appeared happier and more settled, her care records were significantly improved, additional safety measures had been implemented, and the home's CQC rating had also improved.

Most importantly, our Advocate concluded that it would not currently be in this lady's best interests to move her from her current care home.

This case highlights an important principle of advocacy and safeguarding:

✅ Independent oversight matters.
✅ Constructive challenge can drive positive change.
✅ The best outcome is not always relocation.
✅ The resident's best interests must remain at the centre of every decision.

Sometimes the greatest success is helping a provider improve so that a vulnerable person can remain safely in the place they know as home.

If you have concerns about a loved one, please contact us on 01754 800551 for a FREE initial discussion.

17/06/2026

⚠️ Acting as an Attorney is a Significant Responsibility ⚠️

Many people agree to become an Attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) because they want to help a loved one. However, it is important to remember that this role carries significant legal responsibilities.

A recent case reported by the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted what can happen when Attorneys abuse their position of trust. The couple involved were convicted after defrauding their elderly parents of almost £290k for their own benefit.

Whilst cases of this nature are thankfully rare, they serve as an important reminder that:

✔️ An Attorney must always act in the donor's best interests.
✔️ The donor's money and assets remain their own.
✔️ Decisions should be properly documented and justifiable.
✔️ Attorneys can be held accountable for their actions.

Many Attorneys find themselves having to make difficult decisions about care arrangements, property, and how care fees should be funded. Understanding your responsibilities can help protect both your loved one and yourself.

If you are acting as an Attorney or Deputy and have concerns about your responsibilities, or need guidance please feel free to contact us. Care Necessities specialises in care oversight and funding and we also work alongside trusted legal and financial professionals and can signpost you to specialist support where appropriate.

You can read more about the CPS case here:
🔗 www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/couple-who-defrauded-elderly-parents-forced-return-money-they-stole

09/06/2026

🧶 More Than Just a Blanket 🧶

At first glance these may look like colourful handmade blankets, but they are so much more than that.

Created by one of our amazing colleagues in her own time, these sensory "twiddle blankets" are designed to support people living with dementia. The different textures, buttons, ribbons and tactile features provide something for busy hands to explore, helping to promote comfort, stimulation and relaxation.

Every stitch has been made with patience, care and kindness, with the hope of bringing a little comfort to someone who needs it.

We think they're absolutely beautiful and wanted to celebrate the generosity and compassion behind them.

Please join us in thanking our talented colleague, Glynis, for helping make a difference, one blanket at a time. 💜

08/06/2026

Many people still have an old Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), made before the law changed in 2007.

An EPA may still be perfectly valid, but it only covers property and financial affairs – things like bank accounts, bills and managing money.

Today we spoke with a lady who discovered the limitations of an EPA the hard way.

Her mother, let's call her Betty, suffered a fall and was admitted to hospital. During her stay, concerns were raised about Betty's mental capacity and a decision was made by a Social Worker for Betty to move into a care home.

Betty's daughter held an old EPA and assumed she would be able to help make decisions about her mother's future care. However, because the EPA only covered financial matters, she found herself in a very different position when it came to health and welfare decisions.

Now that Betty has settled into the care home, her health has improved and her daughter would like to explore whether a return home with a care package could be possible. Yet she feels excluded from discussions and frustrated that she has little authority to influence decisions about her mother's care and future.

This situation highlights an important point that many families are unaware of:

An EPA does not provide authority over health and welfare decisions. The newer Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) introduced two separate documents:

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA
• Health & Welfare LPA

If you only have an old EPA, it is worth checking whether there is also a Health & Welfare LPA in place.

The good news is that, as long as a person still has mental capacity, they can create a Health & Welfare LPA and choose who they would like to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so in the future.

Too often, families only discover the limitations of an old EPA when they find themselves facing difficult decisions during a health crisis.

If you or a loved one have an old EPA, now may be a good time to review what arrangements are in place.

And if you are currently experiencing difficulties because you feel excluded from decisions about a loved one's care, welfare or future living arrangements, please feel free to contact Care Necessities for an informal discussion. We may be able to help you understand your rights, the decision-making process, and the options available to you.

03/06/2026

A huge thank you to this client for such a thoughtful 5‑star review. Their kind words about our team really mean a lot — especially given the difficult circumstances they were facing.

We’re proud to know that our team’s support, clarity and compassion made a difference during a challenging time. Feedback like this reminds us why we do what we do.

Thank you again for placing your trust in us and for recommending our services. 💛

From the first initial enquiry with Julie we have found everyone in this company to be extremel ...

21/05/2026

Thank you for following our Bitesize Guide series.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared a range of posts to help explain how care and care funding works.

🟦 Care Necessities Bitesize Guide #20
Supporting You Through Care & Funding Decisions

💬 Throughout this series, we’ve covered topics including:

Planning ahead
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Paying for care
Care home choices
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Appeals and retrospective claims

💡 We know that navigating care can feel overwhelming — especially during difficult and emotional times.

👉 Our aim has been simple:

To provide clear, practical guidance to help people feel more informed, more prepared, and more confident about the road ahead.

💬 While this brings us to the end of our Bitesize Guide series, we will continue to share helpful information and insights on care and funding on a regular basis.

💡 Every situation is different, and it can often feel difficult to know where to start.

If you would like friendly, bespoke advice tailored to your circumstances, please feel free to get in touch:

📞 01754 800551
📧 [email protected]

💬 We’re always happy to help.

19/05/2026

Can care fees be reclaimed years later — even after someone has passed away?

In some cases, yes.

🟦 Care Necessities Bitesize Guide #19
Retrospective NHS Continuing Healthcare Claims — What You Need to Know

💡 If someone paid for their care, but was never assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) when they should have been, it may still be possible to request a retrospective review.

👉 This relates to what is known as a previously unassessed period of care.

💬 In simple terms, this means looking back at a period where:

CHC was not properly considered at the time
Care was paid for privately (in full or in part)
There may have been eligibility for NHS funding

⚠️ In England, these requests will generally only be considered for care provided from 1 April 2012 onwards.

💡 Who can make a claim?

👉 This may include:

The person receiving care (if they have mental capacity)
An attorney or deputy acting on their behalf
If the person has passed away, the executor or administrator of the estate

💬 In some circumstances, applications may also be made by someone with a legal interest arising from the person’s death.

👉 It is important to understand:

This is not about challenging a decision that has already been made.

It is about identifying periods where an assessment should have taken place — but didn’t.

💡 If NHS Continuing Healthcare should have been awarded, it may be possible to recover care fees that were paid incorrectly.

💬 Many families are simply unaware that this option exists.

👉 In our experience:

We routinely investigate and submit retrospective CHC claims and have recovered thousands of pounds in wrongly paid care fees — in some cases, up to £200,000.

💡 If you believe your loved one paid for care but was never assessed for CHC, it may be worth seeking advice.

If you would like to talk through your situation, please feel free to get in touch — we’re here to help.

📞 01754 800551
📧 [email protected]

👉 In our final Bitesize Guide:
We’ll bring everything together and explain how you can get further support.