How does Elder work?
Find and manage quality care with ease. Elder connects you with trusted, self-employed carers for both live-in and visiting care, giving you the tools to find the perfect match and simplify the process.
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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.
How do I find and book a carer with Elder?
Finding the right care doesn’t have to be complicated. Our straightforward process guides you from your first enquiry to the first day of care.
1. Start your care journey
Give our care advisors a call or create your free MyElder account online. This is the first step to telling us what your loved one needs.
2. Tell us what you need
Answer a few simple questions about your specific requirements. We’ll use this information to identify and begin matching your loved one with potential self-employed carers within 24 hours.
3. Create your care profile
While we find your matches, you can fill in your care profile. This optional but highly recommended step provides your future carer with all the information they need to provide personalised care for your loved one.
4. Choose your carer
Review the detailed profiles of the carers we’ve matched you with. You can chat with your favourites before making a final decision. 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 all the details, such as arrival time and who will be there to meet them.
6. Manage care with MyElder
Once your care agreement begins, you and your family can easily manage everything from anywhere. Use the platform to read carer updates, plan breaks, and keep all crucial care information up to date.
Need urgent care?
In a care emergency, we can help you search for and secure a carer in as little as 24 hours.
If you need urgent care, call our advisors now for help in 24 hours.
Find a carerCall usWhat can a self-employed carer help with?
Self-employed carers on the Elder platform are experienced in a wide range of tasks. Their daily responsibilities will be tailored to the specific needs you’ve shared in your MyElder account.
Please note that while our self-employed carers are highly skilled, they are not nursing professionals. They are not expected to perform tasks that are ‘nurse-led,’ such as injections, advanced wound care, stoma care, or PEG care.
- 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
What are the costs for Elder's care?
The cost of care with Elder is based primarily on the needs of the person receiving care and the type of support required. Elder typically provides a clear, all-inclusive weekly rate, which covers carer travel and public holidays. Unlike some care providers, Elder does not charge joining or exit fees, nor are there hidden surcharges for bank holidays or weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
0333 920 3648Elder 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 £30. If preferred, Elder can manage this for you by adding it to your regular payment.
Our care advisors and in-house clinical team are here to help. You can contact us by phone at 0333 305 4191 or by email at support@elder.org . You can also fill out our online request form to get in touch.
Which types of home care services does Elder offer?
Live-in care
Long-term 24-hour support
- A carer lives in the home to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable for people living with conditions like dementia, reduced mobility, etc.
- For long-term care needs
Respite care
Temporary 24-hour support
- A carer moves in for a few days to provide round-the-clock support
- Suitable to cover for a main caregiver or for a temporary increase in care needs
- Minimum duration of 3 days
Visiting care
Flexible home visits
- Book as many hours as you need for help in the comfort of your home
- Support with everyday tasks like grooming, walks, cooking, etc.
- From as little as 1 hour per week
Want to learn more about how Elder works?
Big care decisions need bespoke support. Whether you’re ready to search for a carer or simply have more questions, our friendly Care Advisors are here to help 365 days a year.
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