What Is Private Care and How Does It Work?

Private care is becoming an increasingly popular choice for individuals and families seeking more flexibility, personalisation, and control over the support they receive. Whether someone needs help with everyday tasks, personal care, or simply companionship, this allows people to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes while receiving one‑to‑one support tailored to their needs.

At Ailsa Care, we specialise in delivering high‑quality private home care across Falkirk and Stirling, carefully designed around each person’s routines, goals, and preferences. In this blog, we explain what private care is, how it works, and who it may be most suitable for.

What Is Private Care?

Private care refers to care services that individuals or families arrange directly with a regulated provider, rather than through local authority funding or assessment. This means care can be accessed without long waiting lists or strict eligibility criteria.

It is:

Fully personalised
Highly flexible
Delivered on a one‑to‑one basis
Easily adjusted as needs change

This type of support can benefit people at many stages of life—from those wanting light domestic help to individuals requiring more complex or specialist care.

How Does Private Care Work?

Private care follows a clear yet flexible process to ensure the support provided is safe, appropriate, and centred around the individual.

Initial Care Assessment

The journey begins with an in‑depth consultation. A care professional meets with the individual (and family, if helpful) to discuss:

Current care needs
Health considerations
Daily routines and preferences
Personal goals or concerns

This ensures the care provided is respectful, well‑matched, and aligned with the person’s lifestyle.

Personalised Care Plan

Following the assessment, a bespoke care plan is created outlining:

The type of care required
Frequency and duration of visits
Any medical, mobility, or wellbeing needs

Care plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain accurate and responsive.

Carefully Matched Carers

At Ailsa Care, we match carers and clients based on experience, skills, and personality. This consistency helps build trust and meaningful long‑term relationships. . This thoughtful approach helps ensure that every person receiving care feels comfortable, understood, and genuinely supported.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Once care begins, regular reviews ensure it continues to meet the individual’s needs. Families are kept informed and involved, offering reassurance and transparency.

Self‑Directed Support (SDS) Options & Funding for Private Care in Scotland

When arranging care, many people in Scotland can use Self‑Directed Support (SDS) to help fund and personalise the support they receive. SDS gives individuals meaningful choice and control over how their care is delivered, making it an ideal option for those who want the flexibility and consistency that private care providers can offer. There are four SDS options:

Option 1 lets people receive a direct payment to organise their own private care
Option 2 allows them to choose their preferred private care provider while the local authority manages the budget
Option 3 sees the council arrange support directly
Option 4 offers a combination of all three.

These options are designed to empower people to select care that suits their lifestyle, whether they prefer complete control or a more supported approach. For many, SDS becomes the bridge that makes high‑quality, personalised private care accessible and financially manageable.

What Does Private Care Typically Include?

Private care services can be tailored to include:

Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting)
Companionship and emotional support
Help with household tasks (cleaning, laundry, shopping)
Meal preparation and nutrition support
Medication prompts
Mobility support and fall‑prevention
Specialist care for conditions such as dementia or reduced mobility

According to Age UK, home care can play a vital role in helping older adults maintain independence and wellbeing.

Ailsa Care Services: Specialist Support for Children and Young Adults

While private care is often associated with older adults, it’s important to recognise that high‑quality, personalised home‑based support can benefit people at any age. Ailsa Care Services provides a unique and highly valued extension of our private care offering by delivering specialist support for children and young adults, including those with disabilities, additional needs, or long‑term conditions. This service is designed to empower younger people to build independence, confidence, and life skills within the comfort and safety of their own homes and communities.
Ailsa Care delivers care across Falkirk and Stirling, supporting both older adults and younger people, ensuring families have access to flexible and compassionate help at every stage of life.

What Makes Ailsa Care’s Children & Young Adults Service Different?

Ailsa Care’s dedicated Children and Young Adults team provides support tailored to the strengths, goals, and routines of each young person. This can include:

Support with daily living skills such as cooking, personal care, and household tasks
Social and community engagement
Confidence‑building activities
Assistance with education, volunteering, and personal development
Emotional reassurance and companionship

This service is led by experienced childcare professionals, including an Assistant Manager dedicated specifically to Children and Young Adults.

Real Impact for Young People

The Children and Young Adults Service has supported individuals to achieve meaningful milestones — from building independence at home to participating in education, volunteering, and community life. One service user, Kyle, living with cerebral palsy, has thrived through structured support, taking on college courses, engaging in volunteering, learning new skills, and developing greater self‑confidence. His story illustrates how tailored care can reshape opportunities, not just meet basic needs.

A Joined‑Up Approach Across Our Services

As part of the Clece Care family, Ailsa Care Services works closely with Call‑In Homecare and MyLife Homecare, ensuring shared values, consistent standards, and well‑trained professionals across adult and young people’s services. Ailsa Care employs nearly 100 staff and supports more than 100 service users each week — demonstrating both its reach and its commitment to personalised, community‑based care.

Why Choose Private Care with Ailsa Care?

Choosing care with us means:

Care that fits around your life – not the other way around
Direct access to trained, professional carers
A relationship‑led approach built on trust and dignity
Local knowledge supported by high care standards

Our goal is to help individuals live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Need Advice or Want to Learn More?

Whether you’re planning ahead or need immediate support, our experienced team is here to help. We can talk through your circumstances, explain available services, and guide you on what level of care may be most appropriate. Click here to get in touch today.