Apollo Home Healthcare is a private home healthcare provider in the United Kingdom that delivers clinical care, nursing, and support services to people in their own homes. It is not a single national company but a network of independently owned and operated franchises that share the Apollo Home Healthcare brand and standards. The service is designed for people who need medical care at home—often after a hospital stay, for a long-term condition, or for palliative support—and it is typically arranged and funded by the NHS, local authorities, or privately.
Background and What Apollo Home Healthcare Offers
Apollo Home Healthcare was founded in 2007 and has grown into one of the UK’s largest providers of complex home care. Its core focus is on people with significant clinical needs who would otherwise be in hospital or a residential care setting. The company provides trained nurses and healthcare assistants who visit or live in the patient’s home to deliver care.
Services commonly include:
- Complex clinical care – tracheostomy care, ventilator support, enteral feeding (tube feeding), and catheter care.
- Nursing care – wound care, medication administration, and post-operative support.
- Personal care – help with bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility.
- Specialist care – support for people with brain injuries, spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, and other long-term conditions.
- Palliative and end-of-life care – comfort and symptom management for people at the end of life.
- Live-in care – a carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support.
The company is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, and each franchise is inspected and rated individually. So when you look at “Apollo Home Healthcare” in a specific city, you are looking at that franchise’s own CQC rating, not the whole brand.
How It Works: Referral and Funding
There are two main routes into Apollo Home Healthcare: through the NHS or social services, and privately.
For NHS-funded care, a hospital discharge team, GP, or social worker typically makes a referral. The local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (now part of Integrated Care Boards) or local authority assesses the person’s needs and decides whether home care is appropriate. If the person is eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC), the NHS pays for the full cost of care, including nursing and personal care, regardless of income. If not, the local authority may provide some funding after a means test, or the family may pay privately.
Privately funded care is arranged directly with the local Apollo franchise. The process usually starts with a free home assessment, during which a care manager visits to discuss needs, create a care plan, and estimate costs. Once the plan is agreed, the franchise assigns a team of carers and nurses. Care can start within a few days, depending on availability and the complexity of needs.
One important point: Apollo Home Healthcare does not provide “live-in” care in all areas. Availability depends on the franchise and the local workforce. It’s always worth asking whether the specific service you need is available in your area.
How to Choose: What to Look For
Choosing a home care provider is a significant decision. Here are practical steps to evaluate an Apollo Home Healthcare franchise:
- Check the CQC rating – Go to the CQC website and search for the specific franchise. Look at the latest inspection report, not just the rating. Pay attention to comments about staffing, safety, and responsiveness.
- Ask about staff training – Inquire how carers are trained for complex procedures. Apollo franchises often provide additional training for tracheostomy, ventilation, and PEG feeding, but the depth of training can vary.
- Ask about continuity – Find out if you will have a consistent team or a rotating roster. Continuity is crucial for people with complex needs who build trust with specific carers.
- Ask about emergency cover – What happens if a carer calls in sick? Is there a 24/7 on-call service? How quickly can a replacement be arranged?
- Read the contract carefully – Check the notice period, cancellation terms, and what happens if the care plan changes.
- Talk to other families – Some franchises can put you in touch with current or past clients (with their consent). This can give you honest feedback.
Remember that the quality of care is often more dependent on the individual carers than on the brand name. A good franchise will have low staff turnover and a supportive management team.
Common Problems and Complaints
As with any large care provider, complaints do arise. The most common issues reported by families include:
- Staff shortages – Sometimes a carer does not arrive on time or the agency sends a different person than expected.
- Communication gaps – Families sometimes feel that the office staff do not pass on important information to the carers at the bedside.
- Inconsistent quality – Because each franchise is independent, the quality of care can vary significantly from one town to another.
- Billing disputes – Private clients have reported disagreements over invoices, especially when care hours change at short notice.
If you have a complaint, the first step is to raise it with the franchise manager. If that does not resolve it, you can escalate to the company’s head office, and ultimately to the CQC or the local authority. For NHS-funded care, you can also contact the NHS trust’s complaints team.
Costs and Funding
Home care costs vary widely in the UK. As of 2024, typical rates are:
- Hourly care – £15 to £30 per hour, depending on the level of skill needed. Nursing care is at the higher end.
- Live-in care – £800 to £1,500 per week, depending on the complexity of needs and the region.
- Complex care packages – Can cost £2,000 to £5,000+ per week if they involve 24/7 nursing.
Apollo Home Healthcare does not publish standard price lists because each care package is individually assessed. However, the company is generally positioned in the mid-to-upper price range, reflecting its focus on complex care and trained nurses.
Funding options:
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – If you have a “primary health need,” the NHS pays for all your care, including accommodation costs if you live in your own home. This is not means-tested.
- Local authority funding – If you need care but do not qualify for CHC, the council may contribute after a financial assessment. If you have assets above £23,250 (in England), you will likely pay the full cost.
- Private payment – You pay the provider directly. Some families use long-term care insurance or release equity from their home.
It’s essential to get a full written quote before committing. Ask for a breakdown of all charges, including any fees for care planning, travel time, or overnight stays.
Safety and Quality Assurance
Safety is the top concern for families. Apollo Home Healthcare franchises are required to follow CQC regulations, which cover safe staffing, infection control, medication management, and safeguarding. Each franchise must have a designated safeguarding lead and a complaints procedure.
However, the CQC has rated some Apollo franchises as “Requires Improvement” in the past, and a few have been placed under special measures. This is why it is vital to check the specific franchise’s rating rather than relying on the brand name.
For complex care, the company uses a “care passport” or similar document that records the patient’s needs, preferences, and any clinical instructions. Carers are expected to follow this document strictly. Families are encouraged to keep a copy and to update it after any change in condition.
Another safety point: make sure that carers are trained in emergency procedures, such as what to do if a ventilator alarm sounds or if the patient stops breathing. Ask the franchise about their emergency response plan and whether they have a protocol for hospital admission.
Alternatives to Apollo Home Healthcare
Apollo is not the only option. Depending on your needs and location, you might consider:
- Other national providers – Companies like Cera, Allied Healthcare (now part of Cera), and Home Instead focus on different niches. Cera is known for its app-based scheduling, while Home Instead specialises in live-in care for older adults.
- Local independent agencies – Many towns have small, family-run agencies that offer very personalised care. They may be more flexible and cheaper.
- Directly employed carers – You can hire a carer directly (a “personal assistant”) and manage them yourself, using your personal budget. This gives you full control but places the responsibility of employment (payroll, insurance, training) on you.
- NHS community nursing teams – For some clinical tasks, the NHS provides district nurses or specialist teams at no cost. This is not a full care package, but it can supplement other care.
- Voluntary and charity services – Organisations like the British Red Cross offer short-term support, and some charities provide respite care.
When comparing, consider not only price but also the quality of management, the training of staff, and the ability to handle your specific condition. A provider that excels at elderly personal care may not be suitable for a child with a tracheostomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apollo Home Healthcare part of the NHS?
No, Apollo Home Healthcare is a private company. However, it provides care that is often funded by the NHS through Continuing Healthcare or by local authorities. The company works under contract with these public bodies, but it is not a government organisation.
How do I get Apollo Home Healthcare services?
You can contact your local Apollo franchise directly to arrange a private assessment. If you want NHS-funded care, you must ask your GP, hospital discharge team, or social worker for a referral. They will assess your eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare or local authority funding.
What qualifications do Apollo carers have?
Carers typically hold a QCF/NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care, and they receive additional training in specific procedures like tracheostomy care or PEG feeding. Nurses are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). However, the exact training varies by franchise, so ask for details.
Can I choose my own carer?
Apollo Home Healthcare generally assigns a team of carers, but you can express preferences and request a change if you are not comfortable with a particular carer. Some franchises allow you to interview potential carers before they start.
What happens if my needs change?
You should contact the care manager as soon as your condition changes. The care plan will be reviewed and adjusted, which may involve more or fewer hours, or a different type of care. If your needs increase significantly, you may need a new funding assessment.
Does Apollo provide care for children?
Yes, Apollo Home Healthcare provides care for children with complex needs, including those who require ventilation or feeding tubes. They have paediatric-trained nurses and carers, but not every franchise offers this service, so you need to check with your local branch.
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