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​1) Is this introduction agency better than a care agency?

Home Care Companions (HCC) is completely different to a care agency in nearly every way. We are a high-end match-making service. 

We only work with the top 4% of the most skilled and experienced carers. We treat you with the utmost respect and courtesy. We listen to what you want and what you like and then, we carefully introduce you to the type of client you enjoy working with. With our help, you are no longer working for an agency. You are in charge and you have your own client. If you are happy there, you can stay as long as you like. If you want a different client, we will arrange that for you. You stay in control. We are there with you, all the way, for back-up and support. 
 

2) Is it safe and legal to work as a self-employed live-in carer with a private client?

Yes – if it’s done professionally and properly. 

The pitfalls people discuss online usually involve unclear status, missing checks, lack of support or ad-hoc and sometimes illegal arrangements. HCC does things professionally and properly. We check both sides and clarify expectations up-front. You’ll be introduced to a well-matched private client, with role details, contracts and paperwork shared both ways. You choose, you stay in control, and you can choose your own long-term client. 

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3) Why should I choose Home Care Companions?

Choice, control and steady, respected work. 

Our clients are often from aristocratic, celebrity and high-net-worth families. Accommodation and cars are usually very comfortable, often luxurious. Carers are treated with respect and courtesy. 
You choose the roles you want: client, duties, location, rota and fee. We listen to you and introduce you to available clients who match what you want. If you’re happy, you can stay with the same client for as long as you choose. We won’t charge you any fees or tie you into restrictive contracts. We won’t stop you working with other agencies. Your accommodation and food will be paid for while you are at work. 

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4) What’s different about Home Care Companions versus big care agencies?

Home Care Companions is a high-end match-making service. 

Care agencies sell blocks of care, and carers are allocated into timetables. They can move you around as much as they like, and you may be on a zero-hour contract. At HCC, our clients choose you and you choose them. We help avoid illegal self-employed risks. It’s designed for professionalism, quality and respect on both sides.

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5) What’s the advantage for me as a self-employed live-in carer if I already find my own clients?

It’s easier and it’s safer. 

You spend less time chasing jobs, you have more choice of clients, and happy placements can be long-term. Terms are clear from day one, leaving less room for any misunderstandings. You are more likely to get paid correctly and on time without having to manage it all on your own.

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6) How much do live-in carers earn with private clients?

Self-employed carers generally have better rates of pay and more regular work than Care Agency Carers. 
Most of our carers work on a 2-week or 3-week on/off rota at rates of £920 - £975 per week. Some are on more. 

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7) Do live-in carers get proper time off, breaks and holidays?

Yes – Absolutely! 

All carers are entitled to 2 hours off each day, extra money for any emergency calls at night and time and a half or double pay on bank holidays. 

Rota carers work 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off OR 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off.  
Permanent live-in carers get 1-2 days off each week and 28 days paid holiday. 

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8) Who handles tax, payroll and paperwork if I’m working directly for a client?

This is professional, quick and easy. 

Whether you are self-employed or employed by the family, we have step-by-step guides to make legal and professional paperwork quick and easy.  We also have easy guidance and associate companies that can help. 

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9) What fees and care options exist for different carers and companions?

•    Rota carers: experienced, self-employed carers working 2 /3-week rotations with one other carer. Usually £925–£975 per week gross. 

•    Permanent full-time: employed by one household; 1–2 paid days off each week + 28 days paid holiday, salary typically £800–£900/week gross.
 
•    Part-time companion (home-share): live rent-free with bills and food covered, £90–£200/week for around 4 hrs/day support to fit around your main job. 

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10) What accommodation should I expect as a live-in carer?

Accommodation is usually very comfortable and often luxurious. 

Roles are rent-free and provide at least one private bedroom and a cleared space to keep your belongings, with bills and food covered. HCC Carers are often given a double bed, bathroom, sitting room and car. We work with some of the most desirable private clients across the UK. Many are delightful people to live with, and several offer beautiful homes and exceptionally comfortable surroundings. 

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11) Can I choose preferences?

Yes! 

Tell us what works for you and we will try to find you what you want, whether you prefer certain parts of the country, rural or urban locations, no pets, no driving, non-smoking, sex of client, mental capacity… 

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12) How do I know if I will like my Host Family?

We inform you. We support you. You interview the family. You choose. 

We give you as much information as we can, and we ensure all our clients understand their responsibilities, including respect for their carers. 

You get to choose which clients you go forward with for an interview with and you get to interview the family. 

You can ask them as many questions as you like during the interview and establish exactly what to expect. If you are happy, we will try to get you the position at a fee you are happy with. 

We are always here, in the office, to give you support and a friendly ear at all times. We have a good relationship with the family and are highly skilled at ironing out any misunderstandings between carers and clients to ensure long and happy matches.  

If you want to change your mind at any time, we will try to find you another client. 

13) Do I pay anything to register with Home Care Companions or to be introduced to private care clients?

No - HCC’s service is free to carers. 

We’re paid by clients via introduction fees/arrangements, set out in our T&Cs, not by you. 

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14) How quickly can I be matched and start?

It can be as quickly as the next day. It can be in several weeks.
 
Because HCC runs as a specialist introduction service, matches can be extremely quick when your skills and references align with an active family’s needs. Sometimes it can be days, sometimes weeks until we find you a suitable match. You are always free to work for other agencies while you wait, and we won’t ever lock you into a long-term contract or restrict you from working elsewhere.  

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15) What experience and references do you require to register with Home Care Companions?

We only work with highly experienced, kind and fabulous high-calibre carers. 

All our carers have to have at least three years’ experience working as a live-in carer, ideally within the UK. You will need at least three written references, which we can follow up with a phone call, a DBS certificate and your training certificates. We also ask for other supporting evidence that you are literate, competent and genuinely lovely! More information is on our Carers page. 

16) How quickly can I start?

Once your application is processed, it can be as quickly as the next day. Usually longer. 

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17) What if a placement ends?

We’ll line up new suitable roles based on your verified profile as quickly as possible. 
We aim for long, happy matches, continuity, fewer gaps between placements and a smoother work rhythm.

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18) What support is there once I start a placement?

We will stay available to support you all the way through your time with us. 
Although you work directly for your own client, we are always here to give you support in establishing a mutually respectful and happy relationship. We are great at smoothing over any teething troubles, as we also have a great relationship with our clients. If you’re not happy, you can always move on at the end of your rota. 
As we are not a care agency, we don’t give training or management on care. Nobody here will tell you how to do your job as a carer or tell you what to do. 

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If you’re an experienced live-in carer with excellent references and a genuine passion for offering the absolute best levels of care, we’d love to hear from you. Aside from providing us with all the right documents, you'll need to be a genuinely kind, compassionate, warm-hearted, responsible person, with good housekeeping abilities and an affinity with elderly people.

 

Register your interest HERE and we’ll be in touch to discuss suitable private client matches - with transparent terms, fair weekly pay and proper time off.