What Are the Benefits of Having a Private Carer?

Hiring a private carer saves money compared to traditional agencies, fosters companionship, delivers dedicated care and offers flexible schedules and locations to fit your lifestyle.

1. The cost of Private Care

Cost Savings of Working with a Private Carer

When you work directly with an experienced private carer, you take on some risks. It will be up to you to ensure your carer is qualified and safe for the job. However, you can save significant costs by opting for a private carer instead of an agency.

Traditional live-in care agencies typically charge upwards of £25/hr for their services, while private live-in carers are often available for around £18/hr. To gauge the most up-to-date figures, please refer to our Pricing page.

Managing the Risks With Private Carers

Although opting for a private carer comes with potential risks, including the responsibility to organise holiday cover and setting up a contract, you can address these risks head-on by selecting a carer through an introductory service like PrimeCarers.

Benefits of PrimeCarers Introductions

Our database of pre-checked and vetted carers helps match you with the ideal carer for your needs while mitigating potential risks. We handle other aspects that you would otherwise need to manage yourself, including:

Setting Up Your Contract

PrimeCarers ensures that you and your carer have a solid contract outlining all necessary terms and conditions so everyone is on the same page. This way, you can be confident in the service level you’ll receive from your private carer.

Handling Payments

Payment processing can be a burdensome task, but PrimeCarers simplifies the process. We handle all payments on your behalf, giving you more time to focus on your loved one’s care.

Assistance With Carer Swaps

During holidays and sickness periods, it’s necessary to bring in a replacement carer temporarily. PrimeCarers supports swapping carers in and out as needed, helping you maintain a seamless care experience for your loved one.

2. Same carer every day

Consistency in care

One of the biggest complaints about agency care is regularly swapping carers as shifts change. When you work with a private carer, you interview and pick the specific carer you want to work with. They will fit you into their rota and always be there at the same time each day. This level of consistency is vital for building a strong rapport and understanding between the carer and the client, leading to improved overall care.

Reduced stress for clients and families

Consistency in care can make a big difference to those suffering from mental health issues who may struggle with having to be helped by strangers regularly. For individuals suffering from dementia, familiarity is essential for their well-being, making it crucial to have the same carer every day. This alleviates stress for the person receiving care and provides reassurance and peace of mind to their family members.

Personalised and tailored care

A private carer who works consistently with clients can better understand their needs, preferences, and routines. This enables them to provide personalised and tailored care specific to the client’s requirements, promoting a higher quality of life and fostering independence and dignity.

3. Better rewarded and motivated carers

Fair remuneration for valuable services

Carers provide an incredibly valuable service, being there for our loved ones when we cannot be, and it’s right that they should be rewarded fairly for their efforts. One of the driving forces behind the move to private care has been the ability to provide carers with a much better salary than they would otherwise receive when working for an agency.

Improved staff retention and job satisfaction

Offering better remuneration to private carers recognises the value of their work and improves staff retention and job satisfaction. Carers who feel valued and appreciated are likelier to stay in their jobs, ensuring continuity of care for their clients and minimising the disruptions caused by staff turnover.

Enhanced quality of care

This improved remuneration and job satisfaction benefit families, as carers who feel valued and have a personal relationship with their patients, will do a much better job than employees of a company who feel undervalued. When carers are motivated and engaged in their work, they are more likely to be proactive in delivering high-quality care and spotting relevant issues early, improving the overall care experience for their clients.