Specialist Care Services in Northamptonshire

Provided by our Local Expert Partner: Cardea Healthcare

Providing Clarity for Families in Northampton, Wellingborough, Rushden, Kettering, Corby, Daventry and environs.

Last Updated: January 2026

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To ensure families in the county receive the highest standard of clinical support, UK Care Advice has partnered exclusively with Cardea Healthcare Northamptonshire.

Cardea is a CQC-regulated provider known for its “person-centered” approach, ensuring that residents in Northampton, Kettering, and surrounding areas can remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

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Domiciliary (Home) Care

For many in Northamptonshire, a little help goes a long way. Cardea provides tailored home visits to assist with:

• Personal Care: Dignified support with bathing, dressing, and morning/evening routines.
• Medication Management: Ensuring prescriptions are taken safely and on time (often used in conjunction with our Automatic Pill Dispensers).
• Companionship: Combatting loneliness with regular social visits and help with light housework.

Specialist Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support

Managing dementia requires more than just a watchful eye; it requires specialist training. Cardea’s Northamptonshire team is trained in dementia-specific communication and safety techniques.

• Focus: Reducing “sundowning” anxiety and creating a calm, familiar environment.
• Safety: They work alongside our advice team to recommend home safety equipment like Police Approved Key Safes to allow secure access for the care team.

24-Hour Live-in Care

As an alternative to a residential care home, Cardea offers a live-in care service across the county. This allows your loved one to stay in the home they love while receiving 24/7 professional support.

• Ideal for: Individuals with complex needs or those recovering from a major hospital discharge from Northampton General or Kettering General.

Respite Care

Being a family carer is exhausting. Cardea provides short-term respite care in Northamptonshire to allow family members to take a well-earned break, knowing their loved one is in safe, professional hands.

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Why Cardea Healthcare is our Northamptonshire Partner

We have selected Cardea for this county guide because of their deep roots in the local community and their commitment to clinical excellence.

• Local Knowledge: Their team understands the specific discharge pathways of the Northamptonshire Integrated Care System (ICS).
• Vetted Quality: They meet the rigorous standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the UK Care Advice professional board.

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Navigating the care system in Northamptonshire has changed significantly since the council split into West and North authorities. Whether you are arranging home care for the first time or managing a hospital discharge, this guide provides the local “Shortcuts” you need to get help fast.

1. Who to Call: Local Authority Contacts

Northamptonshire is now managed by two separate councils. To get a Care Needs Assessment, you must contact the team for your specific area:

• West Northamptonshire Council (Northampton, Daventry, South Northants):
  • Phone: 0300 126 7000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
• North Northamptonshire Council (Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, East Northants):
  • Phone: 0300 126 3000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
• Emergency Out-of-Hours (Entire County):
  • If you have an urgent care crisis at night or on the weekend, call the Emergency Duty Team at 01604 626938.

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2. Funding Your Care: Northamptonshire Thresholds

As of 2026, the financial thresholds for local authority support in Northamptonshire are:

• Upper Capital Limit (£23,250): If your savings/assets are above this, you are a “Self-Funder” and must pay for your own care.
• Lower Capital Limit (£14,250): If your assets fall below this, the council may cover your full care costs (minus your income).
• Self-Funder Support: Even if you pay for your own care, you are still entitled to a free Care Needs Assessment from the council to determine what equipment or support you actually require.

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3. Hospital Discharge: Getting Home Safely

If a relative is currently in one of the county’s major hospitals, the Integrated Care Team (ICT) is responsible for getting them home.

Key Hospital Contacts:

• Northampton General (NGH): Ask for the Hospital Discharge and Community Team (Supported by Age UK Northants: 01604 611200).
• Kettering General (KGH): Ask for the British Red Cross Home from Hospital Team (07517 467799).

Safety Tip: Before discharge, the hospital may request a Key Safe is installed to allow carers entry. We recommend the Supra C500 Pro for insurance-approved security.

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4. Local Equipment & Safety Hub

If the council assessment identifies that your home needs “Minor Adaptations” (under £1,000), they may provide these for free. However, for immediate safety, many Northants families choose to purchase their own:

• Narrow Hallway Solutions: Many older properties in Northampton and Wellingborough have narrow doorways. View our Tested Narrow Walking Frames to ensure mobility isn’t restricted.
• Fall Prevention: The local Unplanned Intermediate Care Team (ICT) can be reached at 0300 777 0002 for rapid assessment if a fall occurs at home.

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5. Useful Local Resources

• Northamptonshire Carers: Provide incredible support for family members caring for loved ones. Support Line: 01933 677907.
• Age UK Northamptonshire: Offer a “Handyperson Service” for small home repairs. Call: 01604 611200.

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