Support

Experience & Qualifications

Look for someone with relevant experience for your situation:

• Elder care (e.g., dementia, mobility support)
• Medical needs (medication management, disabilities)

Check for:

• Certifications (first aid, CPR, moving and handling certificate if necessary)
• Training or professional background
• References from past employers

Trustworthiness & Background Checks

You're letting someone into a private space, so:

• Request and verify references
• Request their up to date Enhanced DBS. An Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of criminal record check in the UK, designed for roles working with vulnerable groups
• Licences (if they drive)
• Check if the carer has a car
• Passport and right to work (has been vetted and checked by Find a Caregiver)

Personality & Compatibility

Skills matter, but personality fit is just as important:

• Are they patient, calm, and compassionate?
• Do they communicate clearly and respectfully?
• Do they match the preferences or temperament of the person receiving care?

A short trial period can help assess this.

Availability & Reliability

Make sure their schedule aligns with your needs:

• Full-time vs part-time
• Flexibility for emergencies
• Punctuality and consistency

Reliability is critical in caregiving roles.

Specific Needs & Special Skills

Consider any unique requirements:

• Language preferences
• Cultural considerations
• Ability to drive or run errands
• Experience with specific conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's, autism)

Communication & Boundaries

Set clear expectations from the start:

• Duties and responsibilities
• House rules
• Reporting updates or concerns

Good communication prevents misunderstandings.

Cost & Legal Considerations

• Understand hourly or daily rates (this will be set by the carer – or agency)
• Check if contracts are needed
• Consider insurance or liability coverage
• Follow local employment laws if hiring privately. By law a live-in carer should not work longer than 10 hours a day. i.e. If they start at 08h00 and finish at 20h00, this is considered a 12-hour day. They must be given a 2 hour break in the afternoon or 3 hours if client goes to bed at 21h00.  Carers are generally flexible and would put more hours in without complaining.  They are there to safeguard your loved one at night, although, if your loved one is up most of the night, it is then time to call in a second carer so they can do night/day shifts.

Trial Period & Ongoing Evaluation

Even after hiring:

• Start with a trial period
• Regularly check in for feedback
• Be open to making changes if needed

Further notes to be aware of:

5. A live-in carer, lives and eats with her/his client, however, should the carer want different cuisine outside the clients needs, this is for the carers account.
6. It is normal practice to pay the carers travel (within the UK) to and from the client's house. This using public transport or their own car. The acceptable fee if the carer uses their car is £0.55 per mile. Taxis are only used if there is not bus or transport from a train station.
7. Night calls – It is important to note that if the carer has a lack of sleep, they cannot be on form the next day. In normal cases, when there is the odd wake up night call the carer is there to safeguard and reassure their client and they might or might not charge for a night call. This is at their discretion and will be negotiated with your carer. When, however, it is becoming an every night occurrence, it might be time to call in a night carer.

Understand Job Responsibilities and Scope

• Daily Tasks: Caregiving duties may include personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting), mobility support, medication assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and running errands.
• Level of Care: Assess whether the role requires specialist skills, such as dementia care, moving and handling (lifting/transferring), or managing chronic conditions.
• Know Your Limits: Without appropriate medical qualifications (i.e. a nurse), you cannot administer certain medications, give injections, or manage medical devices (e.g. catheters). These tasks require specific training.

Training, Qualifications, and Legal Requirements

• Certifications: Gaining a Care Certificate, CPR training, or an NVQ/Diploma in Health and Social Care can improve both your competence and employability.
• Background Checks: In the UK, an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is usually required when working with vulnerable adults.

• Employment Type:
  • Agency Work: You may be employed full-time (PAYE) or work as a self-employed carer through an agency. In self-employed roles, you are responsible for your own taxes and legal obligations. To be self-employed you must have a UTR number (Unique Tax Reference number).
  • Private Self-Employment: You negotiate your own rates directly with clients and must ensure your training, Enhanced DBS status, and legal responsibilities are up to date.

• Contracts: Always have a written agreement outlining duties, hours, pay, and termination terms.

Financial and Administrative Considerations

• Pay: This is always a negotiation between client and carer. Dependent on the level of care required, will determine the rate. If you are not sure, you are more welcome to email contact@findacaregiver.co.uk and we can give you some guidance on this.
• Tax and National Insurance: Self-employed caregivers must manage their own tax and National Insurance contributions. Please ensure you have a UTR (Unique tax reference number) when becoming a self-employed carer.
• Insurance: Public liability insurance is essential to protect against claims for injury or property damage. Note that this does not cover personal injury—additional cover may be needed. Find a Caregiver covers you in case of minor injuries.

Physical and Emotional Wellbeing

• Physical Demands: The role often involves lifting, bending, and long hours, which can lead to fatigue or injury if not managed properly.
• Emotional Resilience: Caregiving can be emotionally demanding. Be prepared for stress, burnout, or grief, particularly in long-term or end-of-life care.
• Set Boundaries: Avoid burnout by maintaining clear working hours and ensuring regular breaks (ideally 2–3 hours daily where possible). Having backup support is important.

Safety and Working Environment

• Home Safety: Assess the client's home for hazards (e.g. fall risks). Requesting an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment can help improve safety.
• Emergency Planning: Know what to do in emergencies or if access to the home is not possible.
• Professional Boundaries: When working with families or friends, clearly define roles and expectations to prevent misunderstandings or emotional strain.

Key Traits for Success

• Patience and Empathy: Vital when supporting individuals with memory loss, reduced mobility, or behavioural changes.
• Communication Skills: Essential for coordinating with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Reliability: Consistency and dependability are crucial for maintaining trust and ensuring client safety.