Carers vetted before introduction
Your two-week trial
With Elder, you get a two-week trial, so you can see how it feels before you commit. During the trial, you can cancel at any time, for any reason, and you only pay for the days you’ve used.
Speak to carers before you choose
No lengthy contracts, deposit, or joining fees
A Family Support Specialist always on hand
How the two-week trial works
The trial covers the first two weeks of care with your carer. Before it starts, you look at carers’ profiles, chat to them online or arrange a phone or video call, and choose who you’d like. The trial then gives you, your loved one and the carer time to see whether the arrangement works. You pay for the days of care you’ve had, but we don’t charge exit fees if you decide it isn’t right.
You can see what a live-in carer can and can’t help with so you know what to expect.
What you can do during the trial
01
Cancel at any time
You don’t need to give a reason, and you only pay for the days of care you’ve had.
02
Try a different carer
If the fit isn’t right, we can help find another carer through our matching service at no extra cost.
03
Keep going
If it’s working well, you don’t need to do anything. Care carries on after the two weeks.
What your carer does during the trial
During the trial, your carer helps with the things you shared in your care appraisal, so their tasks fit your loved one’s needs. Carers are experienced, but they aren’t nursing professionals. They don’t do nurse-led tasks such as injections, advanced wound care, stoma care or PEG care. Elder introduces you to your carer, and then you agree on the daily routine together. If something doesn’t fit, tell your carer early. If it still isn’t right, we’ll help you find a different carer.
What self-employed carers can help with
- 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
What self-employed carers can't help with
- 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
- Stoma care
- PEG care
- Wound care
What support you get in the first two weeks
You aren’t on your own during the trial. Here’s the support you can expect:
Updates from your carer
You get daily updates, notes and photos in MyElder, so you know what’s happening without having to chase.
The whole family can follow along
Give your relatives their own access to MyElder, so everyone stays informed.
A real person to call
Your Family Support Specialist is available seven days a week.
A check-in after the first week
We’ll call to see how you and your loved one are getting on, and talk through anything you’d like to change.
What if it isn’t working?
Tell us as soon as something doesn’t feel right. Your Family Support Specialist is available seven days a week, so call us and we’ll talk through what’s happening. If it still isn’t right, we’ll help you find a different carer through our matching service at no extra cost. You can also cancel at any time during the two weeks.
Not sure what to look for in a new carer? Read our guide to finding the right live-in carer.
What happens after the trial
After the two weeks, your loved one’s care carries on as normal. If you decide to stop later, you’ll need to give two weeks’ notice. We don’t charge exit fees, and there are no long lock-ins.
Want to see the whole journey? Read how Elder works, from your first call to managing care in MyElder.
FAQs about the two-week trial
Still have questions?0333 920 3648