Once your or your loved one’s care needs have been assessed and the financial arrangements agreed, you may decide to choose and arrange your own home care rather than have the local authority do this on your behalf. Reaching this stage can bring a sense of relief because it’s a positive step towards getting the right support in place but it can also feel a little overwhelming to know where to begin and what to look for in a carer.
In this second instalment of our ‘How To’ guides (you can read the first one here) we’ll focus on how to choose a care provider and what to consider when experiencing care at home.
Selecting a home carer will be one of the biggest decisions a person has to make. You’re inviting someone into your or your loved one’s private space and entrusting them with deeply personal aspects of daily life. Choosing the right person and knowing how to manage that relationship well can make all the difference to comfort, dignity and peace of mind.
Step 1: Understanding What’s Been Agreed
After your assessments, the local authority will have produced a care and support plan.
This document outlines:
- What your care needs are
- The outcomes you want to achieve (e.g., staying at home safely, maintaining independence)
- The level and type of support required
- Your personal budget – the amount of money allocated to meet your needs
You should have been involved in shaping this plan, but if you’re unsure about any details, ask your social worker to go through it again with you. It’s important that you understand what’s covered, what hours are funded and any contributions you’re expected to make.
Once the care plan is agreed, the next step is to arrange who will deliver the care.
Step 2: Deciding How Your Care Is Managed
You have several choices for how your care is organised and funded. The local authority must explain these options clearly, but here’s a summary:
1. Council-Arranged Care
The local authority organises everything for you. They contact approved care agencies and match you with carers who meet your needs. You don’t need to handle contracts or payments because the council takes care of this.
Pros:
- It is simple and low-effort
- The council manages schedules, sickness cover and quality monitoring.
Cons:
- There is less flexibility in choosing your carers
- You have limited control over timings or consistency if carers change.
2. Direct Payments
If you prefer more independence, you can take your personal budget as direct payments. The money is paid (usually into a separate bank account) for you to arrange your own care.
You can:
- Hire a self-employed carer or personal assistant
- Use an agency of your choice and pay them directly
- Employ someone you already know, provided they meet safeguarding and DBS requirements.
Pros:
- You have full control over who provides care and when
- you can tailor the arrangement to your preferences.
Cons:
- You take on more responsibility– managing invoices, payroll, or employment contracts (though most councils offer help with this through a payroll or support service).
3. Individual Service Fund (ISF)
This option sits between the two. The council gives your budget to a trusted care provider or organisation, who manage the money and arrange carers according to your plan.
Pros:
- You have flexibility without the administration burden
- You still have a say in how care is delivered.
Cons:
- You have fewer choices than with direct payments.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Carer or Agency
Once you’ve decided how your care will be managed, it’s time to find the right carer or agency. This is one of the most important steps as a good match makes all the difference to comfort, trust and consistency.
If the Council Arranges Your Care
Your social worker will contact local agencies and match you to carers with appropriate skills and availability. You should be given some say, for example, whether you prefer a male or female carer, or if you need someone experienced with dementia or mobility support.
If You’re Arranging Care Yourself
You can find independent or self-employed carers through:
- Local care directories provided by your council
- Websites such as Homecare.co.uk
- Recommendations from friends, neighbours, or community organisations
- Local Age UK or Carers Centres
When interviewing carers or agencies, consider:
- Are they registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) (for agencies)?
- Do they have an enhanced DBS check and recent references?
- What training and experience do they have in the relevant type of care?
- Do they have insurance (especially if self-employed)?
Top Tip: You should also look for warmth, reliability, and good communication. These qualities matter as much as formal qualifications.
Step 4: Setting Up the Care Arrangement
Once you’ve chosen your carer or agency, your care plan will move into action.
If the council is managing your care, they’ll confirm your start date, introduce your carers and provide a written schedule of visits.
If you’re managing care through direct payments, you’ll need to:
- Agree hours, pay rates and duties in writing (a contract is essential)
- Register for PAYE if employing someone directly (many councils offer payroll support)
- Keep simple records of payments for accountability
Top Tip: Make sure the carer has access to your care and support plan so they understand what tasks are required and any preferences or routines you want respected.
Step 5: Building a Good Relationship with Your Carer
Home care works best when there’s mutual respect, clear communication, and consistency. Here are some practical tips to help things run smoothly:
• Communicate Clearly
Explain your routines, likes, and dislikes early on. If something isn’t working, speak up kindly and directly.
• Keep Notes
Many carers complete a daily log of their visits noting what’s been done, how the person is feeling and any concerns. Check these regularly or ask for brief updates.
• Show Appreciation
A small thank-you or friendly chat helps maintain a positive relationship. Care work is demanding and recognition goes a long way.
• Respect Boundaries
While it’s natural to form a bond, remember your carer also needs rest and privacy. Keeping clear boundaries helps maintain professionalism and trust.
• Raise Issues Promptly
If something worries you such as missed visits, lateness, or concerns about care quality, contact the agency or your council care manager straight away. Problems are easier to fix early on.
Step 6: Reviewing and Adjusting Your Care
Your care needs and preferences may change over time. The local authority will usually review your care plan:
- Within the first 6–8 weeks of starting care
- Then at least once a year, or sooner if your circumstances change
You can request a review at any time if:
- Your health or mobility has changed
- You need more (or less) support
- You’re unhappy with the current arrangement
Top Tip: During a review, be honest about what’s working and what isn’t. This is your chance to fine-tune your care so it continues to meet your needs.
Step 7: Knowing Who to Contact
Once care begins, you’ll have several points of contact:
- Your social worker or care manager for changes or reviews
- Your care agency or carer for day-to-day matters
- The direct payments or finance team for questions about funding or payments
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) if you want to check an agency’s inspection rating or report serious concerns
Top Tip: Keep these contact details together somewhere handy, such as near the phone or in your care folder.
Step 8: Looking After Yourself and Your Family
Arranging care can be emotionally demanding, especially for family members trying to balance work, home life, and caring responsibilities. Remember that you’re not alone.
Local Carers Centres, Age UK, and Carers UK all offer advice lines, support groups, and practical guidance. Even after formal care begins, it’s perfectly normal to need ongoing reassurance and support.
Final Thoughts
Getting to the stage where home care is approved can feel like a big milestone but the real comfort comes when you find carers who treat you or your loved one with respect, compassion and dignity.
Take your time choosing the right person or agency, communicate openly and don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments when needed. Good home care isn’t just about meeting physical needs; it’s about creating stability, safety and trust in the place that matters most – your home.
Useful Resources
Age UK Paying for Care
Care Quality Commission What to Expect from a Good Care Service
Gov.UK Care Act Fact Sheets
At Vivacity Healthcare, our mission is simple but powerful: to provide care where dignity is at the heart of every interaction. We believe that when people feel respected, valued and empowered, true healing and wellbeing can flourish.
Dignity is not just part of our promise. It is our promise. And it will remain the centre of everything we do today and always.
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