How do I hire a live-in carer?
Essentially there are three options for hiring a live-in carer.
Option 1: Hiring a live-in carer independently
The first option is to find and employ your own live-in carer independently or to have a friend or relative do this on your behalf. While this approach can be successful and provides the freedom to choose the most suitable carer from a potentially large pool of candidates, it’s essential to understand the responsibilities and considerations involved.
You’ll be responsible for advertising the position, screening applicants, and conducting interviews to select the right candidate for the role. As the employer, you’ll need to draw up a contract outlining the terms of employment, including the number of hours the carer will work and their specific responsibilities.
Your chosen carer will likely operate as a self-employed individual and will be registered as such with HMRC. They will have their own set pay rate and will be responsible for managing their expenses, income tax, and national insurance contributions.
It’s crucial to be aware of the legal implications of this employment setup. While you may consider your carer to be self-employed, the terms of your contract, such as the hours they work, may classify them as ’employed’ by you. This could result in penalties if not handled correctly.
What are my legal responsibilities when employing a private carer?
There are essential legal considerations to address when opting for a private carer instead of an agency or a care provider. You’ll need to create a self-employment contract that covers the following:
- Carer’s responsibilities
- Minimum/maximum working hours
- Hourly rate of pay
- Sickness/absence protocol
- Termination clause
If you register as an employer, you’ll assume legal responsibilities that must be addressed in your contract, also known as terms of employment, including:
- Confirmation of paying at least the minimum wage or national living wage
- Holiday entitlement
- Bank holiday working arrangements, such as whether the carer is expected to work or receive additional pay for public holidays
- Details regarding the required notice period
- Procedures for handling disciplinary issues
- Whether a probationary period is required, allowing for termination of employment without formal disciplinary procedures within a specified timeframe if the carer is not a suitable fit
- Enrollment of the carer in any workplace pension scheme
It is important that anyone hiring a live-in caregiver without the assistance of a third-party agency conducts a thorough interview, obtains verifiable references and obtains a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
You must also provide the carer with written guidance regarding disciplinary/grievance procedures and assume responsibility for protecting their health and safety whilst in your employment.
Option 2: Hiring a live-in carer via an agency’s introduction service
Some agencies provide a live-in carer introduction service which offers an easier, more cost-effective and less time consuming alternative to hiring a live-in carer independently.
The benefit of using an introduction service is that carers have been vetted and deemed suitable by the agency. Live-in carers introduced via an agency are typically registered as self-employed and therefore care for their own tax and National Insurance arrangements.
As with hiring a live-in carer independently, you are fully involved in selecting a carer who is fully suited to your needs and lifestyle when using an introduction service. However, that is typically the end of the agency’s involvement. You will be left to manage and supervise your own carer.
Option 3: Hiring an agency-employed live-in carer
The easiest, safest and most convenient option for employing a live-in carer is to choose one that is fully employed by a reputable live-in care provider who is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The agency assumes all responsibility for the vetting, training and management of the carer and for the legal obligations relating to their employment.
Rather than paying the carer’s wages directly, a fee is paid to the provider. They take care of all taxation and National Insurance arrangements. In most cases, the fee payable for providing an agency-managed live-in carer is comparable to the costs of residency in a nursing home.
As with other methods of hiring a live-in carer, when you opt for an agency-managed service, you still have full participation in the selection process, but with the added peace of mind that your carer has been carefully selected, checked and trained.
The provider fully manages the carer and will be supported by an expert care manager. Your needs will be captured in a comprehensive plan of care that guides the care team. So, whether you need personal care or specialist care, domestic help or simply companionship, with a fully managed service, you have the reassurance you have all the support you need, whilst receiving high-quality care at home.
Can I hire a carer from abroad?
In response to the shortage of domiciliary carers in the UK, many people are exploring the option of hiring elderly carers from overseas. This shift has been facilitated by the government’s recognition of care workers as ‘essential workers,’ allowing them to come and work in the UK through employment visa sponsorship.
However, it’s crucial to note that only ‘eligible employers,’ such as the NHS and adult social care providers, are currently authorised to sponsor and hire overseas workers in the care sector. This means that private households or individuals seeking a private carer are unable to sponsor care workers from abroad at this time.
Arrange a fully-managed live-in care service
With over 10 years of experience, The Good Care Group provides high-quality live-in care, keeping clients safe and happy in the comfort of their own homes while improving their overall health and well-being.
We offer highly personalised, one-to-one care that reflects individual needs, choices, wishes and social preferences, allowing clients to maintain their independence and enjoy their preferred lifestyle.
Contact our friendly team to book your free, no-obligation care assessment or download our brochure.
Talk to us about your care needs
To talk about your care needs, contact one of our friendly advisors. Calls from landlines are free.