Introductory agencies
If you don't know where to start, just answer a few questions to find information best suited to your needs.
Introductory agencies
You or your relative can instruct a private introductory agency to find and recruit a suitable careworker or personal assistant. To do this, your relative would enter into a contract for recruitment services and should check the fees the agency charges for this service. If the recruitment process is successful, the worker would be employed by your relative, as the employer.
Service brokers
If your relative wants to avoid the responsibilities of being an employer, one alternative is to use a service broker who can act as an intermediary. Brokers help to arrange the support that your relative needs, and assist with recruitment and employment issues. Your local authority or local Age UK might be able to recommend a broker in your relative’s area.
If your relative receives funding from their local authority, they shouldn’t have to pay to use a brokerage service. The local authority should provide this, although they may charge self-funders to use the service.
More information
Personal budgets and direct payments: more advice on budgeting and payments.
Self-funding care at home: learn about the various options for self-funding care at home.
Home help and other support: find out what your options are for hiring help in the home.
Page last reviewed: August 2016
Next review due: April 2018