Care at home services Edinburgh
Edinburgh-based adult care at home, delivered with dignity and compassion across The Lothians.
Looking after an elderly, unwell, or vulnerable loved one can take an emotional toll.
Choosing care at home in and around Edinburgh means your relative can stay in familiar surroundings, close to the community they know, without the upheaval of residential care.
Medway Care Services is a locally based Edinburgh team. We know the city, we understand the community, and we're always close at hand.
At Medway Care Services, we design each home care package around the individual.
Whether you're searching for home care in Edinburgh for an elderly parent, or need specialist support for a relative living with dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or MS, we'll create a care plan that works for them and for your family.
Our commitment is to provide compassionate, professional and personalised care services that enhance the quality of life for our clients and their families.
From the moment we enter your home, we become part of your family. We will treat you and your relative as part of ours, too.
Each of our carers is subject to rigorous checks, including PVG checks and comprehensive training, prior to their first shift.
Our Edinburgh care team supports adults living with a wide range of conditions, including:
Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Stroke recovery and rehabilitation
Diabetes
Cancer care and support
Post-hospital rehabilitation
Mental health conditions
Learning difficulties
Whatever the diagnosis, our care at home services in Edinburgh are shaped around the person — not the condition.
Our Edinburgh Home Care
support packages
Our home care support packages in Edinburgh include personal care, companionship care, live-in care, respite care, overnight care, palliative care, and post-hospital support. Each package is built around your relative's needs, and we work closely with you, your family, and any wider care team to make it happen.
Personal care
From helping with showering and dressing to preparing fresh meals, we keep the routine that matters most to your relative — giving them a good quality of life in their own home. Available across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, our personal care service keeps your relative's daily routine intact, on their terms.
Companionship Care
Our staff provide company to clients throughout the day so that family carers can take some time off. Particularly valuable for elderly adults in Edinburgh who may be isolated or whose family carers need regular time to recharge.
We can also assist with:
Light housework – hoovering, washing, tidying up, and shopping.
Meal assistance – preparing meals and snacks which can be eaten independently or assisted.
Escorting to appointments – we can provide transport or, if needed, an advocate who champions compassionate care.
Live-in care
Our full-time care-at-home solution removes the need to consider a nursing home. Dedicated carers will be there around the clock to provide support, comfort, and companionship in the comfort of your own home.
For families in and around Edinburgh weighing up residential care versus staying at home, live-in care is often the preferred alternative, offering round-the-clock support in familiar surroundings.
Before agreeing on the care package, we gather your details on an initial call and then arrange a visit with the most suitable carer, so you can be confident it's the right fit.
Respite care
Medway's Edinburgh respite care service gives family carers a planned break, safe in the knowledge their relative is in professional, compassionate hands.
Whether you need cover for a few days or a few weeks, we'll step in seamlessly so you can rest and recharge.
Overnight care
Our overnight care service ensures your relative is never alone through the night.
An experienced carer will be on hand to assist with any needs that arise, giving both your relative and your family peace of mind.
Palliative care
Our Edinburgh palliative care team supports individuals and families through end-of-life care at home, with sensitivity, dignity, and respect.
We work closely with NHS teams and wider healthcare professionals to ensure your relative is comfortable, supported, and surrounded by the people they love.
Post-hospital support
Returning home after a hospital stay can be daunting.
We know and work with all major Edinburgh hospitals under NHS Lothian.
Our post-hospital care and rehabilitation support in Edinburgh helps your relative recover safely and confidently at home, reducing the risk of readmission and easing their transition back to everyday life.
Additional care & support services
In addition to our core packages, we offer a range of supplementary support services including medication management, holiday cover, and assistance with GP or hospital appointments.
Support with arranging holidays, vocational, and educational activities.
Support and supervision in accessing day services, such as leisure centres, sports and community activities.
Arranging transport such as taxis.
Support in accessing and applying for free passes on public transport.
Support in applying for benefits.
Speak to our Edinburgh team to discuss your specific requirements.
Why choose
Medway Care Services.
Our Edinburgh-based team offers a personal home care experience, matching our staff not only to your loved one’s individual medical requirements but also to their interests and values. That way, your chosen carer will build a connection with your loved one, helping them feel safe and supported in their home.
We always aim to match you with a carer who is familiar with your local area and employ car drivers to ensure we can assist those in more rural locations.
We are a nurse-led service. Our registered manager is a nurse, so we can provide fully vetted nursing care at home.
We also use an app that lets you access your care plan 24/7 and receive live updates on your loved one’s condition.
Frequently asked questions
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Care at home refers to support and assistance provided to individuals who need help with their daily activities and personal care while living in their own homes. This can include various services such as personal care, household help, nursing care, and specialist care for people with specific conditions.
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Care at home can benefit various groups of people, including the elderly, disabled individuals, people with chronic illnesses or conditions, and those recovering from surgery or hospitalisation.
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Care at home can include a range of services, such as personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing), home help (housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping), medication care, and specialist care (for people with dementia, mental health issues, or learning disabilities).
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Care at home can be funded through various sources, including self-funding and local authority funding. Some people may also be eligible for government benefits or grants to help cover the costs of care.
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To arrange care at home, you can contact your local authority's adult social care services department, who will assess your needs and the support required and provide recommendations for suitable care providers. You can also choose to hire a care provider directly or use a care agency to find a suitable carer.
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Care at home offers several benefits, including maintaining independence and dignity, staying in familiar surroundings, receiving personalised care, and reducing the risk of hospitalisation. Care at home can also provide peace of mind for family members who may not be able to provide round-the-clock care.
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Care at home can present several challenges, including high costs, limited availability of carers, and difficulties in coordinating care. Some families may also find it challenging to manage the emotional and practical aspects of caring for a loved one at home.
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The quality standards (Health and Social Care standards) for care at home are set by the Care Inspectorate (Scotland) which regulates and inspects care providers to ensure they meet specific criteria for safety, effectiveness, and responsiveness. Providers must follow the Care Inspectorate guidelines for care delivery, staff training, and management.
The Care Inspectorate uses a range of methods to carry out inspections including:
Visiting care services and speaking to people who use the service, their families, and staff.
Looking at care records, policies, and procedures.
Analysing data and performance information.
Gathering feedback and views from other stakeholders, such as local authorities and advocacy organisations.
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To choose a reputable care at home provider, you can check their registration with the Care Inspectorate, read their reviews and ratings, and ask for references from other service users. You should also ensure that the provider has a clear care plan in place and that their staff are properly trained and qualified.
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Individuals receiving care at home have several legal rights, including the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to privacy and confidentiality, the right to make choices and decisions about their care, and the right to complain or raise concerns about their care. These rights are set out in several pieces of legislation, including the Human Rights Act 1998, Regulation of Care Act 2001 and the Health and Care (staffing) (Scotland)Act 2019
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We know and work with all major Edinburgh hospitals under NHS Lothian, including:
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE)
St John's Hospital (Livingston), in West Lothian
Western General Hospital (WGH) in North Edinburgh
Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH) in Morningside
Astley Ainslie Hospital
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Live-in care involves a professional carer living in the client's home 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
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Our live-in care services typically include personal care (bathing, dressing), medication management, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, and companionship.
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Live-in care provides continuous support and supervision, while hourly or visiting care offers help at specific times during the day.
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Schedules can vary, but live-in caregivers typically work a structured number of hours per day with designated break times. Often, live-in carers will work for two weeks at a time, and then take a week off when a secondary carer will take over. Your schedule is decided at your initial assessment.
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Yes, live-in carers are provided with a private living space and meals during their stay.
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The cost of live-in care will vary depending on the level of care required, and the agency you choose to work with. It is often more cost-effective than multiple daily visits or residential care facilities.
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We conduct extensive background and reference checks and provide training and ongoing supervision to all our staff.
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We ensure we have backup caregivers available to ensure continuous care.
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While carers can assist with medication reminders and basic health monitoring, they are not usually qualified to perform medical procedures unless they are also trained nurses. At Medway Care Services we have nurses available – this would be discussed as a separate package.
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Live-in carers usually work a set number of hours each day and require breaks and a certain amount of uninterrupted sleep. Specific arrangements are discussed at the time of assessment.
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We typically match caregivers with clients based on skills, experience, personality, and the specific needs of the client.
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Support can include training, regular check-ins, access to resources, and backup caregivers for time off.
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It depends on each individual. Some situations may require the involvement of nurses or other medical professionals in addition to a live-in carer.
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Contact Medway Care Services to discuss your needs. We will arrange an assessment and then develop a personalised care plan with you.
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We know and work with all major Edinburgh hospitals under NHS Lothian, including:
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE)
St John's Hospital (Livingston), in West Lothian
Western General Hospital (WGH) in North Edinburgh
Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH) in Morningside
Astley Ainslie Hospital