Choosing the best live-in care provider in the UK can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the range of options available. When seeking reliable, high-quality care for a loved one, it is crucial to understand the differences between various providers and what sets them apart so that you can determine which live in care provider is not just the best, but the best for you.
Understanding Live-In Care in the UK
Live-in care involves a professional carer living with your loved one in their home and providing round-the-clock support and companionship. This type of care ensures continuity, stability, and personalised attention, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to remain in their familiar surroundings while receiving the care they need.
When choosing a live-in care provider, it’s important to understand the distinction between fully managed services and traditional live in care agencies. This knowledge can significantly impact the quality of care your loved one receives and how easy it is to set up or change in the future.
Traditional Live In Care Agencies UK
Traditional live-in care agencies in the UK operate by connecting clients with self-employed live-in carers. While these agencies can provide a pool of potential care workers, they leave much of the responsibility to you, including managing the consistency and quality of care provided.
Live in carer agencies in the UK are often referred to as introductory services. This is because, when you enquire into live-in care, they merely introduce you to a self-employed care worker and don’t manage the ongoing relationship. You are expected to become the employer for your care worker; ensuring they have the correct training and covering their holiday pay.
Once your carer is in place, the live in carer agency often provides minimal support and leaves you to handle any issues or changes. This includes finding a replacement care worker when your regular carer needs time off or falls ill.
Due to this hands off approach, live in care agencies are often cheaper than fully managed live-in care providers, though their costs don’t include any ongoing support. What’s more, while some UK live-in care agencies may ensure basic training, ongoing training and regulation is limited. Live-in care agencies are not governed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulating body for health and social care in England, and therefore, are not required to meet the high standards of care expected.
Fully Managed Live In Care Companies UK
In contrast, fully managed live in care providers like Agincare offer a comprehensive and supportive approach. This model involves a higher level of involvement and responsibility from the provider, ensuring a smoother and more reliable care experience.
From the moment you enquire, an expert care advisor is assigned to you. They take time getting to know you and your loved one before helping to build a bespoke package of care. With a fully managed service, you receive ongoing support that includes help finding the right care worker for you, ongoing check-ins from a local care team, and 24-hour access to advice and support.
Unlike a uk live in care agency, this approach removes the administrative burden and legal responsibility from your shoulders. Should your care worker fall ill or need time off, your support team will find someone to replace them. What’s more, they ensure that every care worker is carefully matched to your loved one and has the training required to support them in all aspects of their daily life.
Agincare’s Fully Managed Live-in Care
At Agincare, we are proud to offer an unrivalled level of support. As well as live-in care, we offer a full pathway of services, including home care, care and nursing homes and supported living, meaning that, as your loved one’s needs change, we can adapt with them; always ensuring care is available.
All of our care workers receive extensive training and or services are fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission; ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. This reassurance and promise of uninterrupted, high quality care, makes arranging care through a live-in care company easy and worry free.
Conclusion
Finding the best UK live-in care provider in the UK requires careful consideration of various factors, including the type of service offered, the quality of care workers, and the level of support provided.
Here at Agincare, we distinguish ourselves by offering a fully managed, bespoke service that covers every aspect of live-in care. This comprehensive approach ensures that you and your loved one receive not only high-quality care but also peace of mind knowing that all aspects of the service are professionally managed.
Contact our team to start a conversation with your dedicated care advisor.