Find a private carer you choose

A carer you hire directly rather than through a care agency: one person, chosen by you, who comes to the home on the days and times you agree. On PrimeCarers they are self-employed and vetted, and you book them through us so the contract, insurance and payment are handled. More on what a private carer is.

Search with a postcode and you will see carers who cover that area, with photos, experience, rates and reviews. Message the ones you like, interview them for free, and book when you are sure. If you would rather we did the shortlisting, call us on 0203 369 3624. How to find a private carer, step by step.

On PrimeCarers most carers charge between £18 and £25 an hour, typically about £19.47, with our fee included. Agencies usually charge £28–£35 an hour for the same visit. Overnight and live-in care are priced per night and per week. The full cost breakdown.

There is no law that says a self-employed carer must hold one, which is exactly why you should insist on it. Every carer on PrimeCarers has an accepted criminal-record check before they can appear in a search, and Update Service rechecks apply where that route is used. DBS checks for private carers.

You can, but if the carer is not self-employed you take on payroll, pension, holiday and sick pay duties. Carers on PrimeCarers are self-employed, so you book care rather than employ a person, and none of that applies. Can I employ a private carer? and the legal and financial side.

Clinical tasks such as injections or catheter care unless they are trained for them, lifting someone without the right equipment and training, handling money or making decisions on someone’s behalf, and heavy DIY. Everything else in daily life is usually fine to agree between you. The full list.

Visits booked through PrimeCarers are covered by the carer insurance policy we arrange, within its terms. It covers the carer’s public liability for everyday care. It does not cover clinical procedures of any kind (other than prompting or handing over oral medicines), and tasks such as giving medicines or moving and handling are covered only where the carer has been trained for them. Work arranged outside the platform is not covered. Read the policy before you rely on it. Read the insurance information and the guide to private carer insurance.

Registration depends on the actual activity and arrangement, not simply on whether a carer is self-employed. PrimeCarers operates as an introductory and payment service rather than directing the care. In England, check the CQC guidance on personal care; other UK nations have their own regulators. More on registration and self-employed carers.

A private arrangement can suit families who want to choose and book a named carer. A managed agency may suit families who want the provider to organise staffing and cover. Check the individual agreement, including replacement commitments and what happens if cover is unavailable. Private carers vs agency carers.

The standard notice is 48 hours for hourly care and for live-in care before 168 hours have been worked. After 168 hours, live-in care requires 7 days. Different notice terms must be agreed in writing under the contract. Booked visits you cancel are payable under the contract, except for unplanned hospitalisation, illness or another reason agreed with your carer. Your carer may waive some or all of the charge. The team can help you look for alternatives, but availability needs confirmation. Read the agreement and how to handle problems with a carer.