As an introductory provider, we are unable to provide training to the self-employed carers on our platform. However, through our carer loyalty programme, carers who actively find work through our platform have access to a third-party online learning platform, where they can enhance their skills. 

We match based on the skills and experience you tell us you need, for example, if your loved one has dementia, we’ll only match you to self-employed carers with experience of looking after someone with the condition.

Each carer with access to our platform must undertake a full background check, and provide at least 2 professional and verifiable references of their work history that we can verify.

We’ll always send you an introductory video of each carer you’re matched with – where they’ll tell you about their background, what they enjoy about being a carer, and their hobbies and interests. 

Once you’ve chosen your carer, we’re happy to set up a virtual meeting too, such as a Zoom call so that you can get to know them better before they arrive.

We have a large nationwide network of 6000+ independent care professionals, and have connected families to carers in 123 of 124 postcode areas in Great Britain. This means we can usually get care in place within 24 to 48 hours if your needs are urgent.

Yes, many of our customers use funding from their local authority to cover all or part of their live-in care costs. Often customers choose to receive their funding as a direct payment, so that they’re free to choose their own the carer provider, rather than the council picking one for them.

If you’ve not started the process of applying for local authority funding, we have mapped out the full process here. 

If you or a loved one is living with an on-going health condition, it’s worth applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare too. If you meet the criteria, this form of funding will cover every penny of your care costs. However, bear in mind that this funding is reserved for complex conditions which may fall out of the scope of what a self-employed carer can provide. 

Not at all. We offer short-term live-in care too. 

We understand that, if you’re caring for a loved one yourself, it’s important to feel you can take a break without worry. If your regular care arrangement falls through unexpectedly, it’s reassuring to have somewhere to turn to for cover. And, if you or a loved one is returning home from hospital, planning specialist, short term support can aid a safer and more comfortable recovery.

Elder can help you find a short-term carer for a few days to a few weeks, starting from £680. We offer discounted rates for multiple bookings, and you can easily rebook care online, without the need to call our care advisors.

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.

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. 

We understand the importance of continuity for those living with conditions such as dementia. However, the carers we work with are only human, and do require time off. You can expect your family’s primary carer to be with you for around four weeks at a time, usually taking one or two weeks off. During this period, if you need another independent carer to step in simply let us know and we’ll start identifying suitable respite carers for you to choose from. 

The carer will need their own bedroom to use for sleeping and as a place to relax when they are taking a break. It is best to provide a television and internet access for them since they will be spending so much time with you. The carer will prepare meals and probably eat with you, so separate dining facilities will not be needed. We’d recommend budgeting £40 per week for the carer’s food. However, if you’d like us to arrange it, we can add it to your weekly payments.

If you or your loved one likes to get out and about and they are well enough to do so, it can be a good idea to supply a car that the live-in carer can use. Having a car to use can also help with shopping trips and transport to appointments or daycare sessions, especially if you’re in an isolated area. Please bear in mind, for carers with cars we do ask for an additional fee. This is passed directly on to the carer.

There are various pieces of nursing equipment you can buy that can make care at home easier.

If you or a loved one spends a lot of time in bed or needs to change position at regular intervals, they may benefit from a hospital bed. In addition to raising and lowering to the optimum position for the carer to work, it will help to get into a comfortable position and sit  upright for meals. Hospital beds also have side rails to use if the person is at risk of falling. Extra equipment such as pressure relief mattresses will also minimise the development of pressure sores.

Usually, the district nursing service will advise on the best specialist equipment for providing care at home. They should also be able to organise the supply of these items from NHS stores, although some items may have to be purchased privately.

If you or your family member has mobility issues, it’s worth looking into the various aids that can help  – from walking aids such as Zimmer frames to the installation of a stair lift. If  unable to stand, you will need a hoist so that the live-in carer can reposition when necessary. Equipment such as a mobile commode is useful for toilet and personal hygiene tasks such as showering.

A live-in carer provides companionship for you or a loved one when family members are unable to be around. They will be chosen on the basis of shared interests and hobbies, as well as for the ability to meet healthcare needs.

In a typical day the carer might play games or share activities such as cooking or gardening. They can also help with getting dressed, and personal hygiene. Put simply, the carer will try to support to ensure you or a loved on can carry on doing the things you enjoy, while minimising risk.

If care is for a loved one, You will be notified of illness or a fall, or anything else that you need to be aware of and the carer will also contact health care professionals such as nurses or doctors if they need to.