Finding the right care can feel overwhelming, but there are two main ways to get started:
- Use an agency that sends a carer to the home.
- Hire an independent caregiver directly.
Care agencies provide trained staff who follow a pre-agreed list of tasks. In England, all agencies are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which ensures they meet high standards. Agencies in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are overseen by different bodies, but the goal is the same—ensuring quality care.
On the other hand, self-employed independent carers (sometimes called private carers or personal assistants) aren’t regulated by the CQC. If you hire one, you’ll need to ensure they meet your needs. Care matching services, which connect you with independent carers, are also not regulated. While they may conduct background checks, once employment starts, all responsibility shifts to you.
If you hire a carer directly, you’ll need to handle:
- Setting up an employment contract
- Health and safety
- Paying income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, sick pay, and holiday pay
- Employer’s liability insurance
Alternatively, if you use PodConnect, these responsibilities are managed through the platform, so you can focus on finding the right carer without worrying about paperwork. Carers on the platform average 10 years of experience and are fully vetted (biometrically ID-verified, DBS-checked, and verified online). You can easily contact and pay through the platform and your first hour of care is free.
If you prefer hiring directly, ensure the carer is set up as self-employed and verify your responsibilities with HMRC. Always make sure any potential carer has passed the appropriate background checks.
Learn how to conduct a criminal record check here →
The role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC inspects care agencies and care homes across England, ensuring they meet standards of quality and safety. The findings are published online and include performance ratings based on five key questions:
- Is the service safe?
- Is it effective?
- Is it caring?
- Is it responsive to people’s needs?
- Is it well-led?
Agencies are rated as:
- Outstanding: Performing exceptionally well.
- Good: Meeting expected standards.
- Requires Improvement: Below expectations but with a plan for improvement.
- Inadequate: Performing so poorly that action is taken against the provider.
Remember, not all later-life housing options are inspected by the CQC. While care homes are regulated, retirement villages and other independent living options are not.
Use the CQC website to find registered home care agencies in your area and read their inspection reports. If you already have an agency in mind, ask them for their latest report—they’re required to provide it if requested.
You can also search a national database of agencies (and read reviews) at Homecare.co.uk
Care services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Costs and Funding
Agencies
On average, agencies charge around £28 per hour, with additional costs for weekends and bank holidays. Many agencies also have a minimum number of hours per visit. If you receive free or partially funded services from your local authority, you can still choose your preferred agency, but you’ll need to pay any costs beyond the authority’s budget.
Watch out for these charging traps!
- Standard Hours Rate: Understand what the agency defines as “standard hours.” A 30-minute visit at 5 p.m. might seem like standard time, but if the agency’s day ends at 5 p.m., you could be charged double.
- Part Hours Rate: If an agency charges £30 an hour, it’s reasonable to think a half-hour visit costs £15, but many agencies charge up to 80% of the hourly rate for visits under an hour.
- Notice Periods: Make sure you know the notice period required to change or end the contract. For example, if an accident leads to a two-week hospital stay, you could end up paying for services you don’t need if you didn’t give enough notice.
Self employed carers
Since self-employed carers don’t have the overhead costs of agencies, they can offer more affordable rates. With PodConnect, you can view each care professional’s hourly fees right on their profile.
Specialist Dementia Care
Some agencies offer carers with specialist dementia training. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience. Consistency is key, so try to ensure the same carer remains with your loved one.
Live-in care is another option. Agencies like The Good Care Group, which operates across England and Scotland, consistently receive Outstanding ratings from the CQC. If you’re considering live-in versus visiting care, explore their services for more information.
If you’re interested in The Good Care Group, let us know, and we’ll connect you with their Podplan member support team.
Learn more about The Good Care Group->