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 independently find and employ your own live in carer or to have a friend or relative do this on your behalf.

Whilst this approach can be successful and provides the freedom to choose the most suitable carer from a potentially large pool of candidates, it must be borne in mind that the hirer is effectively the employer of the care-giver and is bound by the same legal obligations as any other employer.

Whilst this approach can be successful and provides the freedom to choose the most suitable carer from a potentially large pool of candidates, it must be borne in mind that the hirer is effectively the employer of the care-giver and is bound by the same legal obligations as any other employer.

As an employee, the live in carer is legally entitled to protection under Employers Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, a written statement of employment, statutory sick pay and holiday pay. You must pay your live in carer at least the National Minimal Wage, ensure that they do not work more than the maximum allowed hours per week and provide adequate rest breaks. You may also be required to calculate applicable income tax and National Insurance contributions for the care and submit this information to HM Revenue and Customs.

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 Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) 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 take care of their own tax and National Insurance arrangements.

As with hiring a live in carer independently, you are fully involved in the selection of a carer who is fully suited to your needs and lifestyle when using an introduction service.

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 the provision of 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 carer is fully managed by the provider 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.

The Good Care Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of award-winning live-in care. You can find out more about our one-on-one home care services here. Alternatively, to speak to someone about your home care requirements please call 03330 605 255.

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