Social care

For many people, domiciliary care is the best option for achieving their goals; you can flex care at home around your individual needs and routines to help boost your independence and control.

Receiving care in your own home allows you to remain in a familiar setting in which family, friends and pets can live with you or come visit as needed.

When choosing domiciliary care, there are two main options: you could choose a homecare agency or employ your own team of personal assistants (PAs). Each approach has its own benefits.

When you hire your own team of carers or PAs, you become an employer. As an employer, you have certain legal obligations, including paying the necessary contributions to HMRC and having employer’s liability insurance in place.

Personal Assistants vs. Homecare Agencies

Becoming an employer of your own PA team has the following benefits:

• You personal choose the individual(s) who will provide you with care and support
• You decide what you want them to do and how they should do it
• You decide when you want them to work for you
• Should you have any issues or concerns regarding your PA, you can discuss this with them directly, rather than with a stranger from the homecare agency

On the surface, choosing a homecare agency may seem like a more expensive option. However, it’s important to ensure that when comparing the costs of an agency, the recruitment process is handled for you, in the event of illness or other absence, the agency can send another care instead and the agency will handle taxes, insurance, payroll and other legal obligations. However, there may be a lack of consistency in who provides care to you, as well as less flexibility in when a carer can visit you.