ICN logoIndependent Care Navigators
Independent Care Navigators

Helping families find their way through the care system

Fully independent, practical guidance on hospital discharge, care at home, care homes, NHS Continuing Healthcare and more. From people who have been there themselves.

Call Rachel for a chat See how we can help
100% independentNo referral fees from care homesFace-to-face, in your home
Why ICN exists

It started with my own family

Independent Care Navigators was born directly out of my own reality as a family carer for my parents.

I have navigated the entire care system: complex health conditions, emergency hospital admissions, unsafe discharges, every pathway out of hospital, care home confusion and the relentless battle with NHS Continuing Healthcare and CHC appeals. I know how exhausting, confusing and emotionally draining it is for families.

The care system is frustrating, confusing and overwhelming. This service is here to help you understand whatever part of the journey you need.

Rachel Pearce, Founder

Draft note: Rachel, this is where your family page goes. A few lines in your own words about your parents would make this section really personal.
Rachel and family visiting her mum
Family visit
Rachel with her parents at a birthday celebration
Celebrating a birthday together
What we do

Clear, independent guidance, on your side

We provide fully independent, practical guidance for families navigating anything from the simpler aspects of care to complex, high-stakes decisions. From a single-issue strategy session to end-to-end support across statutory care pathways, we help you make informed choices on your own terms.

100% independent

We operate entirely outside NHS Trusts, local authorities and private care providers. We do not accept referral fees, funding or corporate sponsorship from care homes. Our duty of care is owed only to you and your family.

Your rights, upheld

We help families understand and assert their rights under the Care Act 2014 and the NHS CHC National Framework, so entitlements are met, contracts are fair and third-party fees are scrutinised.

Constructive, firm navigation

We work constructively with health and social care professionals wherever possible. Our priority is that your voice is heard, your loved one is protected and delays are challenged firmly.

The navigational team

Meet the team

Legal experience, statutory know-how and hands-on care experience, together with lived experience as family carers.

Rachel Pearce

Rachel Pearce

Founder & Lead Consultant · Chartered Legal Executive · Avon & Somerset Magistrate

Click to meet Rachel

Background. Over three decades of legal expertise across personal injury, regulatory compliance, clinical negligence, property law and equity release, giving a sharp understanding of statutory frameworks, duty of care and legal accountability.

Why I founded ICN. I have been through the whole care system as a family carer: complex health conditions, unsafe hospital discharges, the pathways out of hospital, care home confusion and NHS Continuing Healthcare. I combine legal rigour with lived empathy to give fearless, independent navigation without high corporate fees.

HBPhoto to come

Hayley Bidgood

Independent Care Navigator · Consultant

Click to meet Hayley

Background. For over a decade Hayley has provided personalised care, tailored activity planning and practical support to adults in residential and home care settings.

Personal understanding. Having supported a close family member living with Alzheimer's, Hayley brings professional experience and personal understanding of changing care needs. Her focus is dignity, independence and holistic wellbeing: person-centred care, dementia care, and support through palliative care and bereavement.

Our associate network. We work with a growing network of independent consultants experienced across the menu options, so we can support you wherever you are.

How it works

It always starts with a conversation

Care decisions are personal and complex, so we don't take online bookings. Call us first and we'll talk through where you are and what would help.

1

A chat on the phone

Tell us what's happening. We'll suggest which menu options fit and whether a single session or a longer consultation makes sense.

2

Your consultation

A one-topic session runs about 60 minutes; a multi-topic consultation about 90. Usually face-to-face in your home, or by Zoom, Teams or phone. We may be able to meet you at a hospital or care home.

3

A plan you can act on

You leave with actionable information, a structured roadmap and templates, so you can move forward yourself or bring in a specialist advocate if needed.

Get in touch

Call Rachel for a chat

No forms and no obligation. Give us a ring or drop us an email and we'll arrange a time to talk.

Draft note: Phone number and the area you cover still to be added.
Phone07xxx xxxxxx
Emailinfo@independentcarenavigators.co.uk
Area coveredBath, Bristol & Somerset