Hiring a carer privately — without going through a care agency — is becoming an increasingly popular option for families looking for more control over their loved one’s care. It allows you to choose who provides support, agree on the type of help needed and often save money by avoiding agency fees.
In this guide, we explore what private care really means, how the process works and what to consider before making a decision. Whether you’re thinking about full time home care or part time support, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel more confident in choosing the right path forward.
What is a private carer?
A private carer is someone you hire directly to provide care and support, without going through a traditional care agency. This type of arrangement gives you more flexibility and control — but also more responsibility.
Private carers can support with a wide range of tasks, including:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting
- Help with mobility and transfers
- Meal preparation and support at mealtimes
- Medication reminders
- Companionship and emotional support
- Light household tasks like laundry or shopping
There are three main ways to hire a private carer:
- Self-employed carers who manage their own taxes and responsibilities
- Carers you employ directly, which means taking on legal employer duties
- Introductory agencies, who match you with self-employed carers but leave you to manage the care relationship
What are the benefits of hiring privately?
Choosing to hire a carer privately can offer several advantages — particularly for those looking for a more personal, tailored approach to care. While it’s not the right option for everyone, many families find that it gives them greater flexibility and control.
More choice over who provides care
Hiring privately means you can choose someone who truly fits your loved one’s personality, needs and routine — rather than having a carer assigned through an agency.
Continuity and consistency
Private arrangements often result in the same carer providing support over time, which can build trust and improve the overall care experience.
Greater flexibility
You have more control over hours, duties and how care is delivered. This can be especially useful for families with changing needs or a preference for specific routines.
Often more cost-effective
Without agency fees or management charges, private care may offer better value. More of what you pay goes directly to the carer and rates can sometimes be negotiated.
Stronger working relationship
When you’re managing care directly, it can lead to better communication and understanding between you and your carer.
Your legal responsibilities
Hiring a carer privately comes with important legal responsibilities — especially if you become their official employer. Whether your carer is self-employed or you employ them directly, it’s essential to make sure the arrangement is safe, fair and compliant with UK employment law.
Here are some of the key responsibilities to be aware of:
Contracts and written agreements
A clear, written contract should set out the carer’s duties, working hours, pay, holiday entitlement and notice periods. This protects both you and the carer, helping avoid misunderstandings.
National Minimum Wage
If you employ the carer directly, you are legally required to pay at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Holiday pay and sick pay
Employees are entitled to paid holiday, and may also be eligible for statutory sick pay depending on earnings and contract terms.
Employers’ liability insurance
This is a legal requirement if you become someone’s employer. It protects you if your carer is injured while working in your home.
Pension contributions
If your carer earns above a certain threshold, you may need to enrol them into a workplace pension scheme.
Tax and National Insurance
As an employer, you’ll need to operate PAYE to deduct tax and National Insurance from your carer’s wages, and may have to make additional contributions. The rules can be complex, so it’s worth getting guidance from HMRC, Citizens Advice or a legal advisor before finalising any agreement.
How much does a private carer cost?
The cost of hiring a private carer can vary depending on the type of care required, the carer’s experience and whether the care is live-in or hourly. While private care can often be more affordable than using an agency, it’s important to plan for all the potential costs involved.
Hourly care
For visiting care, private carers typically charge £20–£30 per hour, though rates may be higher for specialised care such as dementia or overnight support.
Live-in care
The average cost of a live-in carer ranges from £900 to £1,400 per week, but this can rise to over £2,000 per week for complex needs or nursing-level support.
Self-employed carers
They usually set their own rates, which can sometimes be negotiated depending on the duties involved. You may still be responsible for covering agreed expenses such as fuel or petty cash for activities.
Employed carers
If you are acting as the carer’s legal employer, you’ll have more control over pay — but must also factor in costs like holiday pay, pensions, insurance and payroll services.
Other potential costs include:
- Employer’s liability insurance
- Cover for respite or breaks
- Public holiday premiums
- Payroll or accountancy support
Can I use local authority funding for private care?
Yes, it’s possible to use funding from your local council to help pay for a private carer — but you’ll need to request this support in a specific way.
Request a care needs and financial assessment
Start by contacting your local council to ask for a care needs assessment. If the person needing care qualifies for support, the council will then carry out a financial assessment to see how much help they can offer.
Ask for direct payments
If the council agrees to fund part or all of the care, you can request that the money is given to you as direct payments. This allows you to choose how the funds are used — including hiring a private carer — instead of having the council arrange care on your behalf.
Using direct payments for private care
With direct payments, you can spend the funding on any registered or self-employed carer, as long as the care provided meets the person’s assessed needs. You’ll need to keep records of how the money is spent and ensure the care arrangement is safe and legal.
How to find and recruit a carer
If you decide to hire a private carer yourself, it’s important to take time to find the right person. The recruitment process involves more than just posting a job — it’s about finding someone who’s qualified, trustworthy and a good fit for your loved one’s needs and personality.
Where to advertise
You can post carer job adverts in a variety of places, including:
- Local newspapers and community noticeboards
- Facebook community groups or Nextdoor
- Online classifieds
- Specialist care job websites (some may charge a fee)
- LinkedIn or other professional platforms
Make sure your advert includes:
- The area or postcode the role is based in
- Hours required for live-in care
- A summary of care needs (e.g. mobility support, dementia care)
- Pay rate or range
- Any preferred experience or qualifications
Avoid sharing personal details like your full address or the care recipient’s name in the advert.
Vetting and interview tips
Once you’ve received applications, shortlist and interview candidates carefully. Prepare a set list of questions so you can fairly compare each applicant.
You may want to ask:
- Can you provide recent references from similar roles?
- What relevant qualifications or training do you have?
- Do you have an enhanced DBS check (or PVG in Scotland)?
- Have you worked with people with similar care needs before?
- How do you approach personal care with respect and sensitivity?
Look for someone with both the right skills and a calm, compassionate nature. It’s also helpful to include a trial period to see how the carer and care recipient get along.
Talk to our team today
We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency and have been providing compassion care to those who need it in their own homes since 1959.
Call our experienced team today on 01293 224706 to discuss your live-in home care needs and receive a free no obligation quotation.
