Independent Carer or Care Agency?
Are looking for home care for yourself or a loved one? If, so, you might be tempted to hire a care assistant directly. Either as an employee or on a freelance basis. But what are the pros and cons of hiring an independent carer, versus using an agency?
Pros to hiring a independent carer:
1) Cost-Effective
Hiring an independent carer or freelance carer can be more cost-effective than using a domiciliary care company. Without the overhead costs associated with a company, independent carers may offer their services at a lower rate. This can be especially beneficial for families needing long-term or extensive care.
2) Continuity of Care
With an independent carer, you may may feel that there’s a greater chance of continuity in care. The same carer will consistently attend to the needs of the care recipient, fostering a sense of stability and trust. Of cause, good care agencies will also ensure this, but they also have many other clients to consider so will sometimes send an alternative carer. As we know, continuity is particularly important for individuals with dementia or other conditions where familiarity with the carer is crucial.
Cons to hiring a carer directly:
1) Lack of Regulatory Oversight
One of the significant drawbacks of hiring an independent carer is the lack of regulatory oversight (CQC/Care Quality Commission). Unlike carers working for a domiciliary care company, independent carers are not subject to the same level of scrutiny and monitoring. This can raise concerns about the quality of care, safeguarding, and reliability. Domiciliary care companies are regularly inspected and graded to insure they meet industry standards.
2) Limited Back-Up Options
Independent carers typically work alone, meaning there may not be a back-up option readily available if they fall ill or go on holiday. Families may find themselves in a difficult position trying to arrange alternative care at short notice. Domiciliary care companies, on the other hand, usually have a pool of staff to cover such situations.
3) Limited Support Options
What happens if the carer finds them in an unfamiliar situation? A situation where they do not have experience or do not know what to do? Independent carers do not have more superior people to go to for support or advice. And what would happen if additional carers are needed to perform care? For example, in some moving and handling situations, does your independent carer have another qualified carer to call on for help?
4) Administrative Responsibilities and additional costs
Hiring an independent carer often involves additional administrative responsibilities for the family. If you employ the carer, remember you would have employer responsibilities such as payroll, taxes and National insurance payments (including employers national insurance contributions and pension contributions etc). You would need an employment contract in place, the carer would have employment rights such as holiday pay entitlement and maternity/paternity pay entitlement. Employees also have the right to opt out from working more than 48hr per week. Don’t forget employers’ insurance and it’s your responsibility to ensure the carer has the right to work in the UK before you hire them.
This added burden can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with these processes.
5) Training and Qualifications
While many independent carers are highly experienced and qualified, there is a risk of hiring someone without adequate training or credentials. Domiciliary care companies typically provide ongoing training and ensure that their staff meet specific standards. Families hiring independently must be diligent in verifying the carer has the right qualifications for the duties they will perform and that this training is up-to-date.
Things to consider when appointing a care provider:
- Your needs, preferences and circumstances
- References/reviews/recommendations – Always research care providers
- Insurance – Always ensure your care provider has adequate insurance in place in case of an accident or injury.
- Training and qualifications – Does your care provider have certification to prove they can provide the right level of care needed?
- Back-up and support options – Does your care provider have a contingency plan in place in case the carer is unavailable?
- Employment law/rights/costs/admin tasks – If these apply, are you comfortable undertaking these tasks and the costs associated with them?
- Budget – Remember, you may qualify for local authority funding.
- Always ask to see an enhanced criminal background check (DBS)
- If in doubt, always ask to see proof of a carers right to work in the UK. If you are not familiar with employment visas, please seek professional advice.
- Your future needs – your care needs may evolve in the future; can your care provider meet your potential future needs?