How Elder works

Looking to arrange live in care or visiting care? From searching for a self-employed carer, to managing everything with your MyElder account, we’ve covered the essentials below.

Getting started
The day-to-day

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.

More value

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

More control

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

More choice

Pick your favourite self-employed carer from personalised matches. 

More support

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

1. Give us a call or get started online

Give a care advisor and call on 0333 920 3648, or get started right now online via your free MyElder account.

Create your MyElder account

2. Tell us what you need

Answer some simple questions to help us identify whether Elder is right for you, and to identify the best self-employed carers for your needs. We’ll begin matching you with potential carers over the next 24 hours.


Find out more about what self-employed carers can and can’t support with here.

3. Complete your care profile

While you wait, you’re free to fill in your optional care profile. This can provide your future carer with all the information they need to settle in well and work with you to provide truly personalised care.

If you’re facing an emergency, we can help you search for and secure a carer in 24 hours

4. Choose your carer

Review detailed profiles for each self-employed carer you’re matched with. Chat to the carers you like best before making your final choice and care arrangements. You can do this individually or as a family. 

5. Get ready for the first day

Your agreement with your self-employed carer begins. We recommend having a follow up call to finalise details for the first day, such as arrival time and who’ll be at the home to meet them.

6. Manage care with MyElder

You and your family can control care from anywhere with MyElder. From reading carer updates and planning breaks and cover, to keeping crucial care information updated.

An Elder Family Support Specialist takes a call from an Elder customer.

Our care advisors are here for you 356 days a year

Big care decisions need bespoke support. So, whether you’re ready to take the next step in finding a self-employed carer, or are just looking to learn more, give our friendly team a call.

0333 920 3648

What can a self-employed carer help with?

Self-employed carers on the Elder platform can provide personal care, household support and companionship. Your carer’s daily responsibilities will reflect the needs you’ve shared in your MyElder account.

While the self-employed carers on our platform have a wide range of skills, they’re not nursing professionals, and aren’t expected to tasks that are ‘nurse-led’. 

Search for a carer
An elderly woman playing chess with her carer
Personal care
E.g help with washing, toileting, and prompting medication
Dressing and grooming
E.g Shaving and hairstyling
Meal preparation
E.g Cooking meals to dietary requirements and tastes
Light housekeeping
E.g Vacuuming, keeping surfaces clean and doing laundry
Running errands
E.g Going to the shops or picking up prescriptions
Companionship
E.g Providing company and encouraging hobbies and interests
Pet care
E.g Feeding and exercising pets
Mobility support
E.g encouraging gentle and suitable exercise
Light gardening
E.g watering flowers and keeping pathways clear
Admin support
E.g Keeping on top of post, paperwork, and appointments
Medication prompting
E.g Ensuring medication is taken correctly
Stoma care
PEG care
Wound care
Ventilation and oxygen support
E.g BiPAP or CPAP Support
Specialist drug administration
Including Controlled Drug Administration, Covert Medication Administration,
Glucose readings via finger pricks, Injections, Pessaries, Enemas, Suppositories

I'm arranging live-in care, how do breaks work?

We know a lot of families like to keep their care schedule as consistent as possible. However, if your self-employed carer is providing on-going care, they’ll need to schedule some time off. They’ll arrange this with you directly to ensure it works for everyone. You can both do this easily via the Elder platform

Find out how this works in our quick guide here. 

Read more about arranging care

From caregiver tips to starting difficult conversations, our guides can help you face tough topics with confidence.