Skip to content

Care services

Rapid response care

Urgent, short-notice cover when a gap opens up suddenly and there is no time to wait for the usual process.

Most care starts with a planned assessment and a few days to match the right carer. Sometimes there is no time for that — a regular carer is signed off sick, a family carer is taken ill themselves, or a care package falls through with no warning.

Rapid response is that gap covered, safely, while the longer-term plan is sorted out. It is a bridge, not a substitute for a proper assessment — we still assess before anyone comes through the door, we just do it as fast as it can safely be done.

Rapid response care is not an emergency medical service. If someone is seriously unwell or in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111.

Arrange a free assessmentCall 0161 531 3233

Who this suits

  • A family whose regular carer, paid or unpaid, is suddenly unavailable
  • A hospital or discharge team needing care arranged at short notice, subject to assessment and staff availability
  • Someone whose existing care package has fallen through with no notice
  • A short, defined gap before a longer-term service can be assessed and set up

When it is not the right answer. Rapid response is for the first hours or days of a sudden gap, not an ongoing package — if what is actually needed is a family carer’s planned break, that is respite care, and we will point you there instead. If the need turns out to be longer term, we will say so quickly and help you move to the right ongoing service rather than leaving rapid response running indefinitely.

What is included

What rapid response care covers

The care plan is written with you, so this is a starting point rather than a fixed list.

  • A fast first visit

    We complete an initial assessment before care begins. Depending on the person’s needs, this may be by phone, video or in person. A full assessment will be completed as soon as possible. Complex care and moving-and-handling needs may require an in-person assessment before support begins.

  • The essentials covered

    We can help with agreed personal care, meals, medication and immediate daily needs that can be provided safely by the available carer.

  • Medication

    Medication support, where agreed following an assessment and included in the care plan. All medication support is recorded appropriately.

  • A carer who is briefed properly

    Even at short notice, the carer arrives with what we know written down — not guessing at the door.

  • A plan for what happens next

    Rapid response is a short bridge. We tell you honestly, usually within days, whether it needs to continue, change, or step down.

  • Out-of-hours contact

    People already receiving care can contact our on-call team about urgent care-related concerns. New enquiries received outside office hours will be responded to as soon as possible.

  • Handover to the right service

    Once things are stable, we move to whichever ongoing service actually fits — visiting, live-in, night care or respite — rather than leaving rapid response running as a default.

Questions

What families ask about rapid response care

If yours is not here, ring 0161 531 3233 and ask.

Is rapid response care an emergency service?

No. For a medical emergency, call 999. For urgent medical advice, contact NHS 111.

How quickly can rapid response start?

We respond as quickly as possible. The start time depends on the person’s needs, completing a safe assessment and having suitable carers available.

When is the rapid-response line available?

New enquiries are handled during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Existing clients can contact our on-call team for urgent care concerns.

What situations can you support?

We may help when a regular carer becomes unavailable, a care package breaks down or support is needed following hospital discharge.

How is the initial assessment completed?

Depending on the person’s needs, it may be completed by phone, video or in person before care starts.

Can you support medication?

Yes, following an assessment and where it is safely included in the care plan.

Can you provide overnight care?

Yes. Sleeping-night or waking-night support may be arranged, subject to staff availability.

Can two carers be provided?

Yes, where an assessment shows that two carers are needed for safe support.

Can you support complex clinical needs?

This depends on the person’s needs and whether suitably trained and competent carers are available.

How will the family receive updates?

With the person’s consent, we provide agreed updates and report important changes promptly.

How long does rapid response usually last?

Days, typically, while a longer-term plan is arranged. We review it with you quickly rather than letting it run on by default.

What happens when longer-term care is needed?

We review the person’s needs and help arrange a suitable ongoing care service.

Other services

You might also be looking for

Personal care

Discreet help with washing, dressing, continence and getting ready for the day, at the pace you set.

Learn more

Companionship and home help

A cup of tea and a proper conversation, the shopping, the washing, a lift to the appointment.

Learn more

Dementia care

Familiar faces, a steady routine, and carers trained to work with the person rather than correct them.

Learn more
Registered with the Care Quality CommissionCQC regulates True Care 247 Limited to provide care at True Care 247 — Main Office.True Care 247 is registered with the CQC to provide regulated care. We have not yet received our first inspection or rating.View our CQC registrationProvider ID 1-19060952906
Homecare Association memberMember of the UK’s membership body for home care providers, and signed up to its code of practice.
Approved Warrington Council providerAwarded Lots 1 and 2 for outreach, autism support, personal care and complex care, subject to individual assessment and our current registration scope.
  • CQC registeredRegulated provider, ID 1-19060952906
  • Family runFounded and still run by the same family
  • One-hour minimum visitEnough time to provide support without feeling rushed
  • DBS checked carersEnhanced checks, references, ongoing training
  • Free initial assessmentNo obligation, done in your own home
  • Homecare Association memberSigned up to the sector’s code of practice
  • Warrington Council framework providerApproved for relevant outreach, personal and complex-care arrangements, subject to individual assessment and our current registration scope
  • 28 years of nursing experienceTrue Care 247 was co-founded by Daina, whose nursing experience helps shape how we assess, plan and oversee care

Talk to us about rapid response care

The assessment visit is free and there is no obligation to continue. If we are not the right fit we will say so and point you somewhere better.

Arrange a free visitCall 0161 531 3233Quick WhatsApp