Choosing live-in care for yourself or a loved one is a big decision. You want the best possible support, but understandably, cost is a factor. It can be tempting to opt for an unregulated live-in care provider, thinking it will save you money. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and with unregulated care, that can mean significant risks, hidden costs and hassle down the line.
Many people simply don’t know the difference between regulated and unregulated care. As Lucy, our Head of Live-in Services, explains, “People really don’t understand the difference between regulated and unregulated care, and what it means for them. This can lead to people making decisions without fully understanding the potential consequences.” This lack of understanding can be dangerous, as a recent news story has highlighted the perils of choosing unregulated care.
So, what exactly is the difference, and why does it matter?
The Hassle Factor: You’re Essentially an Employer
With an unregulated carer, you’re essentially becoming an employer. Think about everything that entails:
- Payroll, taxes, pensions: You’re responsible for paying them, managing holiday pay, sick pay, National Insurance contributions and employer insurance. That’s a lot of admin and extra cost!
- Insurance: You will be responsible for making sure you have the correct insurances in place in case the carer injures themselves.
- Performance Management and Training: If your care needs change, you’re responsible for ensuring the carer has the necessary training. You’re also in charge of managing their performance.
- Care Planning and Assessments: You’ll have to write your own care plan and arrange your own care assessments.
Imagine the time and stress this could involve, especially when you’re already dealing with the challenges of needing care.
Limited Services and Potential Safety Concerns
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of unregulated care is the limited scope of services they can legally provide. They cannot assist with personal care like dressing, washing, continence, or any medical care, including monitoring nutrition and hydration. They are limited to companionship and light cleaning. This means that if your needs become more complex, your unregulated carer won’t be able to help, leaving you vulnerable.
Furthermore, unregulated carers aren’t subject to the same legal and professional standards as regulated workers. This means:
- No Safety Net: If something goes wrong, you have limited legal recourse.
- No Oversight: There are no regular inspections to ensure the quality of care or your satisfaction.
- No Safeguarding: There are no measures in place to protect you from potential abuse or neglect.
The Peace of Mind of Regulated Care
In contrast, choosing a regulated provider like Alcedo Care offers complete peace of mind. We take care of everything:
- Vetting and Training: We thoroughly vet and train our carers to ensure they meet our high standards. We employ the best – and we’ve won a Princess Royal Training award for our complex training!
- Employment Admin: We handle all the employment admin, including payroll, holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions, and National Insurance.
- Regular Training and Care Plan Reviews: We ensure our carers receive regular training and review your care plan regularly to adapt to your changing needs.
- Care that changes with your needs: If your health needs change, and maybe you develop more complex clinical needs, your carer can be trained to meet your exact requirements.
As Lucy explains, “Choosing a regulated service means you have that extra layer of security and support. You know that everything is being done correctly and that there’s someone there to help if you have any questions or concerns.”
All our services are regulated by the CQC in England and the CIW in Wales, meaning we adhere to strict quality and safety standards.
Is Saving Money Worth the Risk?
Yes, unregulated care might seem cheaper upfront. But when you consider the hidden costs – the administrative burden, the limited services, and the potential safety risks – it’s clear that regulated care offers far greater value and peace of mind.
With Alcedo Care, you not only get the perfect carer matched to you and your needs but also the reassurance that everything we do is regulated, inspected, and meets the highest standards. It’s an investment in your well-being and peace of mind for you and your family.
It could also be cheaper than you think – our standard package is around the same cost as a care home.
If you or a loved one are considering a live-in carer, contact us today on 0300 373 5871 or email care@alcedocare.co.uk
