Request, select and start your care with Elder
We have connected over 5000 families to carers in MyElder.
Personalised 5* support
Faster placement
Clear and transparent pricing
Intelligent carer matching
Introducing life-changing connections between families and carers.
Watch our short introductory video to learn how Elder works
What our customers have to say
Elder is there to support you when you need it most.
MyElder is the only platform you need to arrange and manage care.
MyElder is the only platform you need to arrange and manage care.
Get everything in place in 24 hours
Share
your care request
Tell us what you’re looking for using our simple request form, and build your care profile to give us a complete picture of the care that’s needed.
Select
the right carer
You’ll start receiving profiles of your uniquely matched carers in 24 hours. Chat online to carers you’d like to know better, or arrange a phone or video call.
Prepare
for care
Use MyElder to communicate with your chosen carer and the Elder support team, manage your care schedule, and set up secure payment.
How can we help you today?
Find the right carer with our ElderMatch technology
Ensuring safe care delivery
ElderMatch technology uses the information you provide in your Care Profile to reach out to carers with the exact skills and experience you need.
Start care profile
A companion you can count on
The technology recommends local carers, and looks at interests and hobbies to find a strong personality fit too.
Search for carers
Chat to your matches
Once you've reviewed your carers, get to know your favourites even better using our chat feature. Ask questions, or arrange a phone or video call to feel confident in your choice.
Create account
Over 5000 families have found their ideal carer with Elder
Speak to our experts to help you make the right decision
FAQs
Still have questions?
0333 920 3648Will a live-in carer look after my loved one’s personal needs?
Absolutely. Live-in carers offer assistance with a huge range of day-to-day requirements – including hygiene and grooming.
Putting your loved one at ease during this sort of care is tricky, but live-in carers are uniquely positioned to do just that. They can devote the time and attention required to build trust, as well as get to know just how much help they need to offer.
Do live-in carers provide night-time support?
Of course. Live-in carers move into your loved one's home to offer 24-hour care – even if that means getting up occasionally in the middle of the night.
They'll help create routines around bedtime, ensuring better quality sleep for improved wellbeing. They might also get your loved one to the toilet if they need it, or put their mind at ease if they're confused.
If you begin to need more regular or intensive night-time support, you may benefit from a dedicated night carer, to ensure your day time live-in carer is getting enough rest.
Is there anything I need to do around the home to prepare for a live-in carer?
A carer who moves into your loved one's home with them will need their own space in which to sleep and spend time when they are not actually providing care. Most commonly, a carer will have a bedroom of their own, but if this is not practical, you could adapt a reception room or study for them to use – as long as it's a private space i.e not a thoroughfare to another room or in regular use by other family members during the day.
The live-in carer will not need a bathroom of their own, although this would be preferable. They will need clean and functional bathroom facilities that they can use, and if sharing a bathroom, there should be somewhere for them to store toiletries.
We also recommend setting up a WiFi connection if you don't have one already. The internet is useful for many things, including keeping in touch with Elder, which can be even more important if you live in a rural location with poor phone signal.
How do I choose my carer?
Once you've got in touch and told us your care requirements, We'll review this information carefully and uniquely match you to a selection of carers we think would be a great fit for you.
You'll have time to review a detailed profile for each carer you're matched with in your MyElder account, as well as an introductory video where they'll talk about what they enjoy about being a carer and their experience, as well as their hobbies and interests. Then you simply need to confirm which carer you like best. You can also speak directly to them using the chat feature within MyElder, or arrange a phone call.
How does live-in care work once in place?
When someone new moves into the home, it can take a bit of time to settle in and build a routine that you're all comfortable with. With Elder, your needs will always shape your care schedule so that it's personal to you.
Usually, your carer will stay with you for around four weeks (although this is flexible depending on your needs), before taking their first week off to rest and recharge. We'll work with you to help you secure a temporary carer you're happy with, who can move in and provide respite care while your main carer is away. They'll arrive between 12-2pm on their first day for a handover with your main carer.
When your main carer returns, they'll typically be in place for another three to four weeks. This working pattern will usually then continue, so everyone can get into a comfortable and familiar routine.
How do I manage my live-in care?
With Elder you'll be set up with your own MyElder online account. As well as being where you can tell us all about your care requirements, you can also use your account to -
- Add other family members to get them involved in the arrangements
- Review carer profiles and select your carer
- View your schedule and plan handover days when your carer takes a break
- Read updates from your carer with the Care logs feature
- Keep care information updated and update any changes to your care needs
- Easily update payment information and track your invoices
Can I request a male or female carer?
Yes, we give you the choice if you'd prefer a male or female carer, simply let us know if you or your loved one has a preference.
Will they be English speaking?
Yes. Every carer we work with must have a good level of written and spoken English.
If you'd prefer a carer who also speaks a second language, simply let us know.
What skills will the carer have?
If your loved one has dementia, they'll get a carer with experience of looking after someone with the condition. We also interview all carers to get a real sense of who they are, they undertake an enhanced DBS background check (or PVG if based in Scotland) and they must provide at least 2 professional and verifiable references of their work history.
What do you mean by transparent pricing?
Often, care companies will quote an initial price and then add further costs like joining fees or a cost each time the carer is woken up during the night. There may also be surcharges over bank holidays and weekends. We don't add these. The only add-on costs for you to consider are if you'd like a carer who can drive, require additional spousal support, or would like help with managing your carer's weekly food budget.
Do I need to arrange care permanently?
Not at all. We offer short-term care options too, for as little as 3 days at a time.
If you do decide on-going live-in care is best for your situation, your first week will be what we call a ‘trial’ week. This is an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other. If it doesn't feel right, you're able to cancel straightaway. However, we're not going to lock you into any long contracts when it does work out either. If your care needs change, you're able to end your care arrangement with just two weeks' notice.
What happens when the carer takes time off?
Together with your carer you can book flexible breaks and rotations within your MyElder account. During break periods, we'll arrange for a respite carer to step in, who has the right skills and experience to continue to provide a high standard of care, until your primary carer returns.
