If you are thinking about arranging home care for your loved one, did you know that there are two main types of home care providers in the UK to choose from? Learning the difference between introductory agencies and fully managed service providers ensures that you make an informed choice and opt for the most suitable home care for your loved one.
Introductory agencies typically connect clients with self-employed carers who work independently. These agencies act as intermediaries, matching clients with suitable carers based on their needs and preferences. On the other hand, fully managed service providers like Trinity Homecare are regulated by the Care Quality Commission and employ their own staff of carers who are directly managed and supervised by the provider.
Both introductory care and fully managed care services offer specialist home care for people needing extra support in their own homes. However, there are distinct differences in the way they operate and their level of involvement. Here we explore what each service provides and how this matches up with your loved one’s care needs.
For more help on how to choose a home care provider, take a look at our guide.
What is a Managed Service Provider?
A fully managed service provider is an organisation that assumes full responsibility for managing all aspects of care provision for individuals in need. A fully managed care service is also called a CQC or CIW regulated care provider. CQC stands for the “Care Quality Commission” in England and the “Care Inspectorate Wales.”
A fully managed care provider is accountable for all aspects of the care service they offer. Unlike introductory agencies, fully managed care services take it upon themselves to recruit, hire and manage their care staff. A hands-on approach to home care means they are fully responsible for the care they arrange and provide. From finding a suitable carer to being on call for any questions you may have, a fully managed care service is there for you and your loved one.
In terms of the carers they employ, a fully managed care service conducts thorough background checks on staff and provides appropriate training to ensure that your loved one’s care needs are met. A fully managed care service also provides respite care to ensure continuity of care during breaks in care, such as holidays.
Trinity Homecare is a CQC regulated care provider offering a fully managed care service. For more information, take a look at the types of care we provide.
What is an Introductory Care Agency?
An introductory care agency is like a matchmaking service, focusing on finding the most suitable home care for your elderly loved one. Once a match has been made and you and your loved one are happy with the carer, the responsibility of managing the carer and the care they provide falls to the client.
Unlike a fully managed care service provider, introductory care agencies are not CQC or CIW regulated. The way introductory agencies operate is that they do not have salaried care staff. Instead, they recruit self employed carers. However, this is not to say that they are unvetted, as all carers have to undergo the appropriate pre-employment and DBS checks. The carer is then directly employed by the person requiring care or their family.
Due to the way introductory agencies operate, they may offer lower fees than fully managed service providers. However, families are left to completely manage the care arrangement themselves. Families will have to consider the carer’s salary, tax, pension, liability insurance and other legal obligations.
Additionally, families will miss out on the oversight and regulatory compliance provided by the CQC, which offers reassurance and peace of mind regarding the quality and safety of care services.
Fully Managed vs Introductory Homecare
Drawing up a pros and cons list of the care options available for your elderly loved one can help you decide whether an introductory or fully managed care service is most appropriate.
Here are some key facts to consider about each type of care service provider:
Fully Managed Home Care | Introductory Agency |
---|---|
CQC or CIW regulated service | Unregulated by the CQC and CIW |
The care service employs the carer | The client employs the carer |
Management of care falls to the care service | Management of care falls to the client |
Care services match the client with a carer and provide ongoing support from a care manager and care team | The introductory agency will help you to find an appropriate self-employed carer |
All-inclusive cost | The client pays for the carer’s fees |
Care service will find respite care to cover any breaks in care | The client is responsible for arranging care cover |
What are the CQC and CIW?
You may have heard mention of the CQC, but what exactly is it and how does it impact your care planning decisions?
The CQC, or Care Quality Commission, is a regulatory body that governs the care service sector in England. As an independent regulator, the CQC is responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and rating care providers to ensure they meet essential standards of quality and safety.
By choosing a care provider regulated by the CQC, you can rest assured that they adhere to strict standards of care, safeguarding the well-being and dignity of those receiving care services. This regulatory framework provides an additional layer of assurance for individuals and families seeking care solutions. When searching for a fully managed care provider, take a look at their CQC rating to better understand the quality of care.
The Welsh equivalent of the CQC is the Care Inspectorate Wales or CIW. Both regulatory bodies work in the same way to ensure that clients are kept safe and satisfied with the service they receive. CQC or CIW regulated care service providers have undergone regular inspections and abide by the guidelines set by these regulatory bodies. The guidelines are there to protect the person receiving care and their families.
Which Option is Best for You?
Deciding on your loved one’s care is an entirely personal choice. Many factors can influence this important decision. From your level of availability through to other aspects surrounding the practicalities of care, the option you choose has to fit in line with you and your loved one’s unique circumstances.
Responsibility
If the idea of another set of responsibilities on your shoulders is unsettling, consider a care service that handles all aspects of home care for your loved one. In addition to the usual pressures of life, it’s understandable to want a home care service that takes the responsibility of care management out of your hands. A fully managed care service provider is the best option if you do not want to be responsible for the day-to-day management of your loved one’s care.
Availability
Ask yourself whether you can put aside time to manage your elderly loved one’s care. If you have the availability to manage and instruct the carer and process their invoices, then an introductory agency is a suitable choice. However, if the financial administration tasks sound a bit overwhelming, then it is perhaps best to consider fully managed care services.
Concerning availability, you may need to arrange respite care or step into cover breaks in care yourself if the usual carer is unavailable. With an introductory agency, arranging respite care becomes your responsibility. However, with fully managed care, the service provider will arrange cover, making this the most convenient and time-saving option.
Becoming an employer
Another point to consider is how you feel about being an employer. If you arrange care through an introductory care agency, you will have to take on the responsibility of being an employer. Through this route, you will have to deal with invoicing, insurance paperwork and paying the carer directly.
To avoid the hassle of being an employer, you may want to consider the fully managed care service option. With this approach, the fully managed care provider assumes the role of employer, handling tasks such as hiring, training, and managing the carers directly.
Arranging Care With Trinity Homecare
At Trinity Homecare, we understand there is much to consider when deciding upon the right course of action. That’s why we aim to guide you through the process, sourcing a well suited carer, managing your loved one’s care plan and offering the best quality of care and support along the way.
With over 25 years of home care experience, we can offer:
- Personalised live-in care tailored to your loved one’s needs and preferences
- Perfectly matched carers
- All-inclusive care costs
- 24 hours support from a superb team of care experts
- Specialised care services for a range of health conditions
Choosing a CQC regulated, fully managed care service such as Trinity ensures that your loved one is well looked after. You can rest assured that they are receiving ‘Outstanding’ home care as rated by the Care Quality Commission.
Arranging fully managed care with Trinity is easy.
Just follow these five simple steps:
- Call our friendly and helpful care team
- Undergo a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your care needs and arrange a care assessment
- After the assessment, a plan of care is created
- A well matched one to one carer is found and placed
- Care can be adapted at any time
Talk to us today
Get in touch today on 0207 183 4884. Our lines are open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm every day. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch very soon.