If you’re considering getting a carer, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options out there. Should you choose residential care, private care, homecare agencies, or go through your local authority?

There are pros and cons to each option, but ultimately the decision comes down to what’s best for you and your family. Here at Private Care Dorchester, we aim to relieve you of some of the stress which can accompany the start of your care journey. As an introductory care agency, we’ll explain all the ins and outs of self-employed private care, so you can choose if this is the right decision for you.

What is a private carer?

A private carer is a self-employed individual who provides in-home care services. They are not employees of an agency or organization, and they are not part of the public health care system.

Can private carers be self-employed?

Yes, private carers can be self-employed. This means that they can work for themselves rather than for an agency or a care home.

There are many advantages to being self-employed. For example, you can choose your own working hours and days, and you can also choose who you work with. You will have greater control over your work, and you may be able to earn more money.

What are the benefits of choosing a self-employed private carer?

If you’re thinking about getting care, there are many reasons why choosing self-employed carers is a good option. Here are some of the benefits:

You can choose your own carer

When you use an agency, you may not have any say in who your carer is. With a self-employed carer, you can choose someone you’re compatible with and who you feel comfortable having in your home.

Build a relationship

You can build a trusting, personal relationship with your carer. This is important, as you’ll be sharing details about your life with them, and you’ll be seeing them regularly.

Flexibility

You can negotiate pay and working hours. With an agency, you may not have any control over how much you’re paid or when you work. With a self-employed carer, you can negotiate a rate that works for both of you.

Qualifications

You can be sure that your carer is fully trained and certified, as they have to go through our rigorous vetting process. When you use an agency, you may not be able to check the credentials of your carer. With a self-employed carer, you can be confident that they are fully qualified and have the necessary training.

Do self-employed carers need to be registered with CQC?

No, self-employed carers don’t need to be registered with CQC. This is because they’re not part of a care agency or organization. However, they may need to be registered with other regulatory bodies, depending on their care type.

What is private care?

Private care is when an individual pays for a carer to provide personal and domestic care in their own house, rather than using the local council or home care agency.

It can be arranged through a professional organization or directly with a self-employed carer. A self-employed carer can perform all the tasks an agency carer would perform, including live-in carer services.

How does private care work?

Self-employed home carers can provide a wide range of services, depending on the needs of the individual. These can include:

• Personal care – helping with bathing, dressing, toileting and grooming.
• Household tasks – such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping.
• Companionship – providing conversation and social activities.
• Live-in care – living in the individual’s home to provide 24-hour care.

Private care can be customized to meet the needs of the individual, and the services provided can be flexible to suit their schedule.

Can a care worker be self-employed?

Yes, a care worker can be self-employed. This means that they are their own boss and work for themselves.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to be a self-employed carer. One of the main reasons is that it can offer more flexibility than working for an agency or organization.

How much do private carers cost UK?

Private, self-employed carers set their own rates and their own hours when it comes to potential clients. They will often offer a service at an hourly rate, with the average cost of private care in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales being £15 per hour.

Do private carers have to be registered?

No, private carers don’t have to be registered with the care quality commission. However, many of them will be members of professional organizations such as the United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA) or the National Care Forum (NCF).

What is a private care assistant?

A private care assistant is a self-employed individual who provides personal and domestic care to clients in their own homes. They are not employed by a local authority or a home care agency but work for themselves. They are a type of self-employed carer who is like a personal assistant in your own home, helping with everyday activities.

What is self-employed carer insurance?

Self-employed carer insurance is a type of insurance that is designed for people who work as self-employed carers. It can provide cover for things like public liability insurance, loss of earnings and professional indemnity.

Because a self-employed carer isn’t part of an agency, they must register as self-employed or a limited company and must complete their own self-assessment tax return.

When to consider personal care

At PCD, we know that choosing a carer can be a major life decision. It’s important to get it right for both you and your loved ones.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what to look for in a carer and how to find the right one for your needs. As it stands, there are many reasons why people might consider personal care at home from a self-employed private carer.

It could be that you need help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and eating. Or it could be that you need more specialized support, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s care. In any of these circumstances, considering personal is a good option.

Should you choose a self-employed carer?

Ultimately, the decision is yours alone. However, if you have decided to receive care, there are many benefits to having a self-employed carer, and the main two to consider are:

You will have more control over the care you receive

As self-employed carers are not part of an agency, you will have greater control over your care. You can choose the hours that suit you, and you can be sure that you’re getting exactly the level of care that you need.

You can remain in your own home

If you choose to receive care at home from a self-employed private carer, you can remain in the comfort of your home. This is often preferable to going into a residential care home, as it allows you to maintain your independence and keep familiar surroundings around you.

We hope this has helped you understand the benefits of choosing a self-employed private carer if you’re considering getting care. For more information, please get in touch with us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you on your care journey.