How does Elder work?

Elder is an online marketplace that connects families needing care with self-employed carers. Our simple process gives you complete control and ensures your loved one is cared for in a way they’re comfortable with.

1. Share your care request: Tell us your care requirements using the request form. This includes the type of care you’re looking for, any specialist skills needed, and what daily life looks like.
2. Select your carer: You’ll start receiving profiles of suitable self-employed carers within 24 hours. Chat with them online or arrange a call before choosing who you like best.
3. Manage care: Once your agreement with your carer begins, use your MyElder account to chat with them and the Elder team, manage your schedule, and find respite cover if needed.

We work with self-employed carers from a wide range of backgrounds, all with a good standard of English and the right to work in the UK. We’ll match you with someone whose skills fit your loved one’s needs, such as a carer experienced in supporting people with dementia.

Every carer on our platform has:

• At least 6 months’ hands-on care experience.
• Two verifiable references.
• An enhanced DBS check.

Elder ensures quality care through a rigorous vetting process and ongoing support. Every carer on the platform must have at least six months of hands-on care experience, two verifiable references, and an enhanced DBS check. This ensures they have a solid foundation of skills and a clean record.

Once a carer is on the platform, Elder’s commitment to quality continues. Our dedicated care advisors and in-house clinical team are available to offer guidance and address any concerns. The MyElder account also enables you to manage and monitor your care plan, ensuring it’s tailored to your loved one’s specific needs.

If your self-employed carer is providing ongoing care, they will need to schedule time off. They will arrange this directly with you to ensure it works for everyone, and you can both manage the schedule easily via the Elder platform. Find out more about carer breaks.

You can update your care plan anytime through your MyElder account. The care appraisal is a living document, so it’s easy to keep health details current, adjust care needs, and communicate changes. You can also invite family members to your account so everyone stays informed. We recommend reviewing the plan at least once a month or whenever there’s a major change in circumstances.

No, Elder is committed to transparency. The price you’re quoted is what you pay, with no unexpected fees for arranging care, ending your agreement, or for care provided during weekends and holidays.

It’s standard for the carer to prepare and share meals with the person they’re supporting. Families are typically asked to provide a weekly food budget for the carer, usually around £40. If preferred, Elder can manage this for you by adding it to your regular payment.

Yes. Many families are eligible for financial support from their local authority or the NHS, depending on their circumstances. If you qualify for government funding, you can request direct payments, meaning the funding goes directly to you, and you then pay Elder for the care provided. If your assets fall below certain thresholds, you may become eligible for local authority support even if you initially pay privately.

If you’re unsure about your funding options, Elder can connect you with accredited financial advisers who specialise in later life care funding, helping you make informed decisions.

Our care advisors and in-house clinical team are here to help. You can contact us by phone at 0333 920 3648 or by email at [email protected]. You can also fill out our online request form to get in touch.