Home Care in Putney (SW15)

Yes, we can arrange care at home in Putney. A live-in carer can move in anywhere in SW15, and that is the service we usually discuss first, because Putney is a long journey from our Lewisham office. Visiting care depends on whether we have a carer who can reach you, so ask and we will tell you honestly. Everything starts with a free assessment in your home.

From the river to the heath

Putney is shaped by two roads and a hill. The Lower Richmond Road follows the river west from the bridge, past the boathouses where the Boat Race starts. The Upper Richmond Road crosses the High Street by the station. South of that, the ground climbs through Putney Hill and West Hill towards Putney Heath.

The housing changes as you climb. Near the High Street and the river there are Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many converted into flats, along with mansion blocks and purpose-built flats. On the slopes towards the heath the houses get bigger: semis and larger detached houses, often with three or four bedrooms.

What that means for care:

• A converted upper flat often has a steep shared or internal staircase and a small bathroom. We plan washing and transfers around the room you have, and Wandsworth's occupational therapists can advise on equipment.
• A family house towards the heath usually has a spare bedroom, which is the one practical requirement for live-in care.

How much does home care in Putney cost?

We do not publish prices. After the free assessment we give you a written quote based on the care plan.

If you think the council should help pay, ask Wandsworth for a needs assessment first. If you are eligible, a financial assessment works out what you contribute. People with savings above the upper capital limit, currently £23,250, normally pay the full cost of their care, as the NHS guide to self-funding explains. Someone with a primary health need may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare instead; ask the GP or the hospital team, and see our paying for care page.

Trains, buses and parking in SW15

Putney station is on South Western Railway, and East Putney is on the District line's Wimbledon branch. Putney Bridge station is across the river in Fulham. Three bus routes matter most for care:

• The 493 runs from Putney Heath down Roehampton Lane to Queen Mary's Hospital, and the other way through Southfields and Wimbledon to St George's Hospital in Tooting.
• The 85 runs from Putney station up Putney Hill and on through Roehampton to Kingston Hospital and Kingston town centre.
• The 337 runs from Putney station through East Putney and Wandsworth Town Hall to Clapham Junction.

Most streets are in the Putney or Putney Heath controlled parking zones. A carer who drives will need visitor permits from you. Wandsworth issues paperless permits or scratch cards, and they are only valid in the zone they were issued for. They do not work on housing estates or private roads. The details are on the council's visitor permit page.

Coming home from Queen Mary's or St George's

Putney residents use two hospitals in the same trust. Queen Mary's on Roehampton Lane has wards and outpatient clinics, but it is not a major A&E hospital. Emergency admissions usually go to St George's in Tooting. Whichever ward you are on, ask the named nurse or the discharge co-ordinator to refer you to a social worker if you are worried about coping at home. You may be offered free short-term reablement from the council's KITE service first. If you need more help, we can talk to you while you are still on the ward. See our hospital discharge care page.

A carer living in, or a break for the family

A live-in carer has their own room and daily breaks, and covers personal care, meals, medication support and company. For a husband or wife caring full time, the same arrangement for a week or two works as respite care. If someone would benefit from a short stay away from home, our nearest supported living home is in Kingston upon Thames, which the 85 bus reaches from Putney.

For the borough-wide picture, including the council contacts and day centres, see home care in Wandsworth.

What we provide in Putney

• Live-in care
• Respite care
• Dementia care
• Personal care
• Companionship
• Palliative care
• Hospital discharge

What we can help with in Putney

• Personal care, washing and dressing
• Medication prompting and support
• Meals, laundry and home help
• Companionship and getting out
• Dementia care at home
• Support after a hospital stay
• Short breaks for family carers
• Live-in care when needs grow