Relying on care in later years is often seen as an end to independence but David Akerman, managing director of Candlelight Homecare Services, answers a number of frequently asked questions, right, about care in the home and what benefits it can bring to the elderly or infirm.

Set up in 1988, Candlelight is now one of the largest independent family-owned domiciliary care providers in the south of England. Its aim is to provide care to individuals to allow them to remain in their own home.

It provides anything from 30 minute visits right through to 24 hour constant care and live-in carers. Apart from its offices in Castle Street, Trowbridge, it has branches in Sherborne and Heathfield, Sussex, as well as its head office in Glastonbury.

The business employs around 200 full and part-time care staff. It is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and accredited by the UK Care Home Association and the Social Care Association.

Mr Akerman said: "Candlelight's vision is to be the most professional, ethical, quality-driven, client-focused care provider in any area in which we operate. We tailor-make packages to suit our clients' needs and offer the type of care that could be provided by a caring relative.

"We have a broad mix of clients, from the youngest right through to the most elderly and we cater for clients funded by Social Services and for clients who are self-funding."

June from Melksham benefitted from help: "After my operation I was indebted to staff from the care company who were able to get me through a tricky period. I was confined to the house for a few weeks and my carer was able to get my shopping, post letters, hang out washing and run errands.

"It was just the kind of help and support I needed as it meant I could stay in familiar surroundings with friends and relatives close by.

"I anticipated needing assistance for a couple of weeks, a month at the most, and when the time was up there was no pressure to continue with the service. However, I felt re-assured that if I ever needed help again, I could call on the care company, safe in the knowledge that I would get a service that was friendly without being intrusive and expert without being overbearing.

"Six months later I was devastated that my condition had deteriorated.

"My needs changed significantly. I needed help with bathing, domestic jobs and someone to stay with me overnight. How glad I was that I had called upon temporary care when I first came out of hospital.

"It was no longer daunting to contact the care company, I knew what to expect and I was delighted that the carer I had before was assigned to me.

"Now, with a need for 24-hour live-in care, the burden of my disabilities is not as great as it could have been.

"I'm in excellent hands and it's such a relief not to be a burden on my family. In fact, in many ways, it's better than being looked after by a relative as the emotional ties don't get in the way."

Visit www.candlelightcare.co.uk or call 08458 123678 for information.