Looking for a Job? Call 0808 208 0088

Fully Managed or an Introductory Care Agency?

Which option is right for you?

How to choose between a fully managed care agency and an introductory agency

When it comes to live-in care, selecting the right care agency is essential for ensuring your loved one receives consistent, personalised support. Two main types of services available are fully managed care agencies and introductory agencies. While both connect families with carer, the level of involvement, responsibility, and ongoing support differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is key to finding the best fit for your care needs.

What is a fully managed care agency?

A fully managed care agency like Novus Care, offers a comprehensive care solution, taking responsibility and management of the entire process. From the initial assessment to selecting a carer, managing the care plan, handling administrative tasks, and addressing any issues, the care agency fully manages the relationship between the client and the carer. The care agency serves as the employer of the carers, meaning they handle recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.

A fully managed care agency is also regulated by the Care Quality Commission, meaning they are continually regulated and inspected to ensure they are providing high quality care in a safe environment.

Key benefits of a fully managed care agency for live in care

  • Comprehensive management: The care agency handles carer recruitment, vetting, scheduling, and supervision.
  • Continuity of care: If the primary carer is unavailable or falls ill, a replacement carer is provided immediately
  • No employer burden: Payroll, taxes, insurance, and legal responsibilities are all managed by the agency.
  • 24 hour support: Regular check-ins and updates ensure your loved one’s care needs are always met.
  • Regulated by the Care Quality Commission: Families have peace of mind knowing the agency is regulated and continually inspected.

For families seeking hands-off management with the security of knowing that all aspects of care are professionally handled, a fully managed live in care agency is the perfect solution.

What is an introductory live in care agency?

An introductory live in care agency is a more limited service. Their role is to match families with a suitable carer, but once that connection is made, the ongoing employment and management responsibilities fall to the family. The carer typically works as an independent contractor.

Key benefits of an introductory agency for live in care

  • Lower upfront costs: These agencies often have lower fees than fully managed agencies.
  • Flexibility in carer choice: Clients can interview and select from a pool of carers based on their specific preferences.
  • Direct employment: The family takes on the employer role, which can offer more control but also requires more involvement in scheduling, payroll, and legal obligations.

While an introductory agency may save costs, it also requires more involvement from the family in managing the day-to-day care arrangement.

Which is best for live in care?

If you’re looking for comprehensive, hands-off management with the assurance that your loved one’s care will be consistently monitored and supported, a fully managed live in care agency is the best option. It provides peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of the carer relationship is taken care of professionally.

Alternatively, if you are comfortable taking on more responsibility and want a more cost-effective solution, an introductory live in care agency may work for you. Just be prepared to manage the carer arrangement directly, including handling payroll and any employment issues.

Both options have their benefits, and understanding these key differences can help ensure your loved one receives the best live-in care possible.

For more information download your live in care brochure here.

Discuss your live in care options today

At Novus Care, we have decades of experience helping families around the country find live in care. Arranging home care for a loved one, or for yourself couldn’t be easier than it is with Novus Care. Email us today or call: 0800 138 4030.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Arrange home care for a loved one

We understand choosing to have care delivered in your own home can be a daunting task and that’s why we are here to guide you through the process, every step of the way.

Step 1

Call our care team on 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected] to discuss your requirements

Step 2

We’ll arrange a free face-to-face home care assessment with an experienced local Care Manager

Step 3

We will create a unique support and care plan tailored to your needs

Step 4

We will help match you with a carefully selected carer that meets your personal needs

Step 1

Call 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected] to discuss your requirements

Step 2

We’ll arrange a free face-to-face home care assessment with an experienced local Care Manager

Step 3

We will create a unique support and care plan tailored to your needs

Step 4

We will help match you with a carefully selected carer that meets your personal needs

Care you can trust

We are committed to investing in systems, training and procedures to ensure that we are able to deliver a superior level of service which is timely and reliable.

In addition to first class carers we have a strong home care management team in place which is dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients and their families are happy with the service being provided.

Why choose Novus Care?

Schedule a free assessment

Get in touch to speak with our care team about your ideal care plan.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.