Elder is an introductory agency. We introduce you to experienced, self-employed vetted carers who can support your loved one at home. You tell us about your loved one's needs, routine and personality, and we'll show you carers who match. You choose the carer you'd like, they agree to the placement, and you stay in touch with them directly. We look after vetting, payments and ongoing support, and we're here 24/7 if anything comes up.

How much does live-in care cost with Elder?

Live-in care arranged through Elder starts from a week for one person with one carer. Your exact price depends on your loved one's care needs, whether you need care for a couple, and where you live. You'll see the full price in your proposal, including any extras, before you agree to anything. Our guide to live-in care costs explains what affects the price.

Is Elder CQC-regulated?

No. Elder is an introductory agency, so we’re not CQC-regulated. We introduce families to self-employed carers and support the relationship throughout the placement. As we don't manage care directly, we’re not required to be regulated by the CQC. Find out more about how an introductory agency works and what it means for families using Elder. We vet every carer before they can join our platform, and we have processes in place to help maintain high standards. Our safety and trust guide explains how.

How are carers vetted, and what experience do they have?

Every self-employed carer on the Elder platform passes an interview and vetting process before we introduce them to families. This includes: an enhanced DBS check identity and right-to-work checks at least two verifiable references at least six months' care experience a profile video and skills review by our Safety & Trust team As an introductory agency, Elder can't provide or direct carers' training. Carers who find work through the platform can use a third-party online learning platform to keep building their skills. We only show you carers with the experience your loved one needs. For example, if your mum is living with dementia, you'll only see carers with dementia care experience. We also use feedback from families to keep reviewing which carers we work with.

Can I meet the carer before care starts?

Yes. Every carer you're matched with has an introductory video. In it, they talk about their background, what they enjoy about caring and their hobbies. You'll also see their references, experience and photos before you choose. Once you've picked a carer, we can set up a video call so you and your loved one can get to know them before they arrive.

How quickly can care be arranged?

Thanks to Elder's nationwide network of self-employed carers, we can get care in place within 24 to 48 hours if your needs are urgent. If you're planning ahead, we'll work to your timeline.

Will my loved one have the same carer each time?

We keep the number of carers as small as possible, because routine and familiar faces matter. With live-in care, your loved one usually has one main carer, plus a regular cover carer during their breaks. That consistency means the carer gets to know your loved one's routines, preferences and the little things that make a good day.

Can the carer help with medication?

Yes, within limits. Carers introduced through Elder can prompt and remind your loved one to take their medication. They can't give controlled drugs, injections, finger-prick tests or rescue medication. They also can't give medication without your loved one's knowledge. If your loved one needs more support than this, their GP or care team can advise on arranging nursing support alongside the carer. We'll talk this through with you early, so you know what's possible before care starts.

Will the carer speak English?

Yes. Every carer on the Elder platform needs a good level of spoken and written English. If you'd like a carer who also speaks another language, let us know.

Can I use local authority or NHS funding to pay for care?

Yes. Many families use local authority funding to cover some or all of their care costs. If you take the funding as a direct payment, you can choose your own care arrangement rather than having the council choose for you. Our guide to applying for local authority funding for care walks you through each step. If your loved one is living with a long-term health condition, check whether they're eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. If they meet the criteria, the NHS funds the full cost of their assessed care. The NHS usually awards it for complex health needs, some of which may go beyond what a self-employed carer can support, so it's worth talking to us early.

Is there a minimum number of hours for visiting care?

No. In areas where Elder offers visiting care, you can book visits from one hour. If your loved one needs support for most of the day, live-in care may suit them better. Give us a call and we'll talk you through your options.

Find the right carer and keep the life you know and love

Elder is an award-winning marketplace connecting families and self-employed home carers across Great Britain.

Find a carer 0333 920 3648

More affordable

On average, services facilitated by Elder are 35% cheaper than traditional alternatives.

Keep your routine

Whenever and however you need it, you set the scope of your service.

Choose your carer

Pick your favourite self-employed carer from personalised matches.

5-star support

Use our platform to plan and manage care from anywhere, and chat to 5* rated support teams.

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES ACROSS THE UK

The numbers that matter

We measure our success by how families feel - before, during, and long after arranging care through Elder.

0,000+families used Elder

0+ millionhours of care delivered

0,000+experienced carers

0,000+carer reviews shared

0Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Tamila

Tower Hamlets

What families say:Tamila has been looking after our mother since July 2025, almost a year now. She is kind, caring and has a gentle personality. She cooks nutritious food and keeps the house very clean. She communicates well with all the famliy members as we come...

Sara

Stockton-on-Tees

What families say:Sara is an extremely empathetic, kind and intelligent carer. She excelled at raising my mother’s mood and confidence. She is very responsible and attentive.

Dawn

Somerset

What families say:Clearly, we were not present at the house, but Dawn exceeded our expectations. Di was happy, the house was kept very tidy and Dawn communicated very well with family members, Di's friends, and made an effort to ensure the subsequent carer was...

Sylvia

Manchester

What families say:Sylvia came to care for my Mother at short notice and had a very positive attitude to getting familiar with the home and my mother's needs so that she could the go on to make a difference. Even though it was meant to be a short term placement her...

Ana

Bromley

What families say:It's always a delight to have Ana come & look after mum. Mum has increasingly complex needs, in particularly with her memory and OCD. Ana is kind & understanding and always finds a way to reassure mum. Ana encourages mum to be active & mum loves...

Kehinde

Aberdeen City

What families say:Kehinde was absolutely excellent, very professional, approachable and has a kind manner. My husband thinks very highly of Kehinde and found him very supportive. They had a good rapport with similar interests.

Respect

Leicester

What families say:Respect has settled in quickly in our household in circumstances where my father, John Allum's mobility is becoming more and more difficult. We are very happy with Respect so far.

Constance

Wolverhampton

What families say:Connie was superbly organised and efficient filling in for a break for a regular carer. She had everything under control and gave me huge confidence so I know Dad was well cared for.

Berleyn

Cardiff

What families say:Berleyn looked after our mum for 10 days over Xmas, and was great with every aspect of care. She’s patient, calm and caring, and we’d love to see her again if schedules match.

Carole

Greenwich

What families say:Fantastic

Rosette

Medway

What families say:Rosette in our experience is an utterly outstanding carer. She worked so hard and was so good to my parents in every moment, no matter how challenging. She communicated so well with us and has become part of our family. She is an extraordinary...

Joanna

St. Helens

What families say:Joanna was only with us for a week, but proved herself to be an exemplary Carer and friend to Mum in her last days. We couldn’t have been luckier.

Annette

Conwy

What families say:I couldn’t have chosen anyone more perfect for this carer role. Annette has been superb & would highly recommend her.

Achiama

Walsall

What families say:Achaima is very kind and thoughtful and my mum was very happy to be looked after by her.

Theresa

North Northamptonshire

What families say:She quickly managed the complex care of my father and made him comfortable. Excellent at planning needs and resource with wonderful interpersonal skills.

Doug

Sunderland

What families say:Doug was cheerful, polite and pleasant to have around.

Glory

Sheffield

What families say:Glory has exceeded our expectations providing a high standard of care for mum whilst enabling mum to maintain her independence as much as possible. Glory has a happy disposition, nothing is too much trouble and most importantly mum seems very...

Selma

Manchester

What families say:Selma has fitted in with Olwen's regime really well and is so tentative with her. She really is a caring person and always wants to do the best for her. Really happy to have her coming back again and again.

Cecelia

Southwark

What families say:Cecelia has been looking after my father for the last 2 and a half weeks and has been caring and thoughtful in all aspects of his care. She is always cheerful and a true companion to him.

Florence

Broadland

What families say:Lovely person a.lways smiling and very helpful.Caring and very good with my husband ,who has dementia.i

Tamila

Tower Hamlets

Sara

Stockton-on-Tees

What families say:Sara is an extremely empathetic, kind and intelligent carer. She excelled at raising my mother’s mood and confidence. She is very responsible and attentive.

Dawn

Somerset

Sylvia

Manchester

Ana

Bromley

Kehinde

Aberdeen City

Respect

Leicester

What families say:Respect has settled in quickly in our household in circumstances where my father, John Allum's mobility is becoming more and more difficult. We are very happy with Respect so far.

Constance

Wolverhampton

Berleyn

Cardiff

What families say:Berleyn looked after our mum for 10 days over Xmas, and was great with every aspect of care. She’s patient, calm and caring, and we’d love to see her again if schedules match.

Carole

Greenwich

What families say:Fantastic

Rosette

Medway

Joanna

St. Helens

What families say:Joanna was only with us for a week, but proved herself to be an exemplary Carer and friend to Mum in her last days. We couldn’t have been luckier.

Annette

Conwy

What families say:I couldn’t have chosen anyone more perfect for this carer role. Annette has been superb & would highly recommend her.

Achiama

Walsall

What families say:Achaima is very kind and thoughtful and my mum was very happy to be looked after by her.

Theresa

North Northamptonshire

What families say:She quickly managed the complex care of my father and made him comfortable. Excellent at planning needs and resource with wonderful interpersonal skills.

Doug

Sunderland

What families say:Doug was cheerful, polite and pleasant to have around.

Glory

Sheffield

Selma

Manchester

Cecelia

Southwark

Florence

Broadland

What families say:Lovely person a.lways smiling and very helpful.Caring and very good with my husband ,who has dementia.i

Flexible care solutions

Services available through Elder

A carer helps to put on elderly man's tie

Live-in care

Long-term 24-hour support

A carer lives with your loved one for round-the-clock support and companionship, so they can stay in the home they know, with the routines they love.

Find a live-in carer Learn more

woman reading a book with the support of a carer

Dementia care

Specialist support

A carer who understands memory loss supports your loved one at home, so the day stays calm and familiar. The same person, in the routine they already know.

Find a dementia carer Learn more

Respite care

Temporary 24-hour support

When a primary carer needs time away, or temporary care is needed, a respite carer steps in for a few days or weeks. Your loved one stays in safe, capable hands.

Find a respite carer Learn more

Young woman caring for elderly woman in wheelchair

Palliative care

Comfort with family close by

Gentle, dignified support at home when your loved one is living with a life-limiting condition, so they stay comfortable and close to the people who matter most.

Find a palliative carer Learn more

Overnight care

Support through the night

A carer stays in the home during the night to provide support and assistance, so your loved one remains safe and secure, and your family has peace of mind.

Find an overnight carer Learn more

Carer arriving with flowers at the home of an elderly man

Visiting care

Flexible home visits

A helping hand with daily life, from as little as an hour a day. Support with personal care, meals, housekeeping and getting out and about, exactly when it is needed.

Find a visiting carer Learn more

THE FOUNDER'S STORY

Built from a personal experience of care

Elder was founded because its founder lived through the same challenge so many families face - trying to find trustworthy, consistent, personal care at home for someone they loved, and not knowing where to start. The experience was fragmented, confusing, and often impersonal. Pete believed there had to be a better way - one that kept families in control, gave carers fair and flexible work, and brought real transparency to a sector that desperately needed it.

What started as a personal mission has grown into a platform trusted by thousands of families. But the purpose hasn't changed: to make arranging care at home simpler, safer, and more human.

Pete Dowds, Founder

THE PROCESS

How it works

Three clear steps to arranging personal care at home through Elder.

Tell us your needs

Tell us about your loved one, their routines, and the type of personal care support you are seeking, so we can help identify carers whose experience may be suitable.

Choose the right carer for your family

Browse matched carer profiles, read genuine reviews from other families, and speak directly to carers before making any decision. You're in control of who you choose - we never assign someone without your agreement.

Start care with the right person

Once you've chosen your carer, you engage them directly. Use the MyElder app to stay connected, manage visits, keep family members in the loop, and handle payments securely - all in one place.

Find your ideal carer today

Finding the right carer starts with a few questions. If you need care urgently, or you'd just rather talk, one of our care advisors is on hand.

Find a carer 0333 920 3648

MyElder is the only solution you need to arrange and manage care

Screenshot of arranging care via the Elder app

Screenshot of reviewing carers via the Elder app

MyElder is the only solution you need to arrange and manage care

Capture and manage your loved one’s details

Keep healthcare details up-to-date and in one place to ensure safe and sufficient care delivery for your loved one.

Easily update details when things change
Allow carers to fully understand care needs
Safety & Trust team on hand to review

Review and communicate with carers

Review suitable carers interested in providing care for your loved one. Use chat to talk to them, arrange video calls or even meet in person

Review previous experience and intro videos
Background checks carried out by Elder
Communicate directly to Elder and carers

Manage care around your schedule

Request and edit care placements within the platform at ease. Have consistency of care moving forward with rotations among previous carers if needed.

Manage care schedule to request additional care
View your loved one’s care schedule easily
Invite family to collaborate and view care in place

Why Elder

Why families choose Elder

We're not the only way to arrange care at home - but families tell us Elder is the one they trust. Here's why.

You choose who comes into your home

Browse real carer profiles, read reviews from families like yours, speak to carers before committing, and make the choice yourself. Nobody is ever assigned to you without your agreement.

15,000+ five-star reviews

More than 15,000 reviews for the carers on our platform help you pick the best for your loved one. Read what they say – because their word matters more than ours.

Real peace of mind, wherever you are

Daily updates, notes and photos from your carer through the MyElder app mean you always know what's happening - without having to chase. Especially if you live far away.

The whole family, kept in the loop

Give siblings or other relatives their own access to MyElder - so everyone stays informed, not just the person who set care up. No more relaying updates between family members.

A real person to call, seven days a week

Your dedicated Family Support Specialist is there when things feel uncertain - whether you have a practical question, need reassurance, or something needs sorting quickly.

Rigorous vetting before introduction

Every carer goes through identity checks, Enhanced DBS or PVG checks, right to work verification, and professional references - all completed before introduced to a family.

Mike, Elder customer, with his wife and carer

8,000+ FAMILIES HELPED

Care that feels like family,
arranged by you

“We were left in quite a desperate situation, and that's when we turned to Elder. They came through and got the first carer in place within three days”.

-Mike, Elder customer

Mike and his family arranged live-in care for their dad after an urgent hospital discharge, coordinating from 500 miles apart.

“We were able to view the carers collectively between us, even though we might have been 500 miles apart, and select the right one together”.

“Godswill turned out to be a super carer. We were one step behind him when it came to the family, he was that important”.

Families like yours

Every arrangement is different. Here are some of the families whose lives have changed since finding care through Elder.

DAVID AND HIS LOVED ONE

“Susan, who's the carer currently, she's been absolutely brilliant. She's like part of the family”.

Read David’s story

HAYLEY AND HER DAD, COLIN

“He was quite a sort of avid walker before all this happened. I knew that was important to him, but it was Norman really who helped him get back on his feet in the park”.

Read Hayley’s story

MIKE AND HIS DAD

“It's only when you get them into your home, do you realise the value of what a carer can bring”.

Read Mike’s story

Ready to arrange care?

Start online in minutes to find your ideal carer.

Need guidance?
One of our Care Advisors is on hand to talk it through.

Find a carer 0333 920 3648

National Awards, Personalised Care

Recognition that means something

We're proud of the recognition Elder has received - but what matters most is what it represents: real families, better supported.

2025

Innovation In Home Care Tech

2023

Domiciliary Care Provider of the Year

2022

Home Care Awards Winner

Finalist for Homecare Provider of the Year

2022

Homecare Provider of the Year Finalist

2022

Domiciliary Care Provider of the Year

2021

Best Live-in Care Agency

Questions families often ask about Elder

Still have questions?0333 920 3648

Find the right carer and keep the life you know and love

The numbers that matter

Services available through Elder

Live-in care

Dementia care

Respite care

Palliative care

Overnight care

Visiting care

Built from a personal experience of care

How it works

Tell us your needs

Choose the right carer for your family

Start care with the right person

MyElder is the only solution you need to arrange and manage care

MyElder is the only solution you need to arrange and manage care

Capture and manage your loved one’s details

Review and communicate with carers

Manage care around your schedule

Why families choose Elder

Care that feels like family,arranged by you

Families like yours

Recognition that means something

Questions families often ask about Elder

How does Elder work?

How much does live-in care cost with Elder?

Is Elder CQC-regulated?

How are carers vetted, and what experience do they have?

Can I meet the carer before care starts?

How quickly can care be arranged?

Will my loved one have the same carer each time?

Can the carer help with medication?

Will the carer speak English?

Can I use local authority or NHS funding to pay for care?

Is there a minimum number of hours for visiting care?

Care that feels like family,
arranged by you