How to find a private carer

The Guild has provided excellent care to people in their homes and the community since 1995. Highly experienced in looking after children and adults, our nurses and healthcare assistants ensure our clients receive the best quality care, whether they need a few hours of care or a full care package in the community. Are you looking to find a private carer? The Guild is here to support you on your journey.

What to think about when considering a private carer

As you start looking for a private carer, there are certain factors to consider first, including:

• Your needs: You might want to provide some of the care yourself, but in the long term, you may access a private carer to take the pressure off while keeping your loved one safe in their own home. Ask yourself questions such as: What support do they need? Do they need a carer at night as well as during the day? Is the care short-term to provide respite, or do they require ongoing care?
• Questions to ask a care agency: When contacting care agencies, it's important to ask key questions about services, costs, availability, and caregiver qualifications. If the person has dementia or another long-term or complex illness such as Parkinson’s, it’s also worth asking whether carers have specific experience.

When you contact the Guild to inquire about our private care services, we’ll answer any questions transparently and in great detail, giving you access to all the information you need to take the next step.

Your options when finding a private carer

Finding a private carer can be time-consuming and complicated. It involves vetting, interviewing, and even becoming their employer. There are legal and insurance requirements to consider, and finding a replacement at short notice can be challenging if things don’t work out, or they fall ill.

Using a care agency can be a simpler solution. Your options include:

• An introduction service: Some agencies find carers for you, agree on fees and tasks, and pay the carer directly with an additional agency fee.
• A fully managed service: Some agencies employ their own carers, train them, and fully manage all aspects of care. Fully managed service providers are typically regulated and inspected.

Choosing the Guild for your private carer needs

The Guild provides ‘sector leading’ nursing and care services to private clients at their homes in Scotland and Ireland.

The Care Inspectorate in Scotland and RQIA in Northern Ireland regularly review us to ensure we deliver the highest-quality service to community residents. You can view our latest inspection scores here.

If you would like to use our service, you will predominantly be supported by two teams:

• Our case managers, who are experienced nurses, will arrange a call or visit to understand your current needs and work with you to ensure the necessary documentation is in place.?
• Our community placement team, who follow a meticulous process to assemble a team of nurses and/or healthcare assistants who meet your needs as quickly as possible. They are responsible for all your shift booking requirements, ensuring that a consistent set of nurses and/or healthcare assistants work with you, providing true continuity of care.

Get in touch with us

Please do not hesitate to contact the Guild should you require any further information.

Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we’re always available when you or a loved one needs us. Contact us and chat with one of the team today.