How to find the best private carer?
How to Find the Right Private Carer
Finding the right private carer can feel like a big responsibility, especially when you are arranging care for someone you love. It is not only about qualifications or years of experience. The right personality, values, patience and attitude can be just as important.
AtHome Care helps make the process simpler and more budget-friendly without compromising on care.
We take the time to understand what matters to you and your family, then help you find carers and personal assistants whose experience, availability and approach may be a good match.
Start with what matters most
Before you begin your search, it can help to think about:
whether you need hourly, overnight or live-in care;
the type of support required;
when you would like the care to begin;
any experience or specialist knowledge that may be important;
the personality and interests that would suit your loved one;
whether the carer needs to drive; and
the budget you have available.
You do not need to have every detail worked out before speaking to us. We can help you think through the options and explain the different types of care available.
Choosing the right person
Some of the best carers are not always the ones with the longest CV. Compassion, reliability, patience and a genuine commitment to helping others can be just as valuable as previous experience.
We encourage families to keep an open mind and consider how well a carer’s personality, values and way of working fit with their loved one. Shared interests, communication style and simply feeling comfortable together can make a real difference.
Our matching platform helps compare your requirements with suitable carers registered with AtHome, making it easier to identify people who may be right for your family.
What checks should be considered?
Identity and right to work
It is important to confirm that the carer is who they say they are and has permission to carry out the proposed work in the UK.
AtHome checks identity and right-to-work evidence as part of the carer onboarding process. We also encourage clients to make sure they are comfortable with the information provided and that it remains current.
Criminal-record checks
The type of criminal-record check required depends on the care being provided and where in the UK the carer will be working.
England and Wales use DBS checks, Scotland uses the PVG scheme, and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. AtHome reviews the relevant documentation during onboarding and can help explain what information has been checked.
Where a DBS certificate is registered with the Update Service, its status may also be checked with the carer’s permission.
Training and experience
We recommend looking at relevant training certificates and discussing the carer’s practical experience with them.
The most helpful questions are often about how the carer would respond in real situations. For example, you may want to ask how they would support someone living with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, reduced mobility or anxiety.
AtHome can help you prepare for these conversations and provide guidance on the areas you may wish to discuss.
Our Role
Our role is to make finding care feel clearer, safer and less overwhelming.
We help you describe the type of support you are looking for, identify suitable carers, view selected profiles and arrange conversations with people who may be a good fit.
We can also support you with interview guidance, template agreements and practical information as you move through the process.
You remain in control throughout. You choose who you speak to, who you feel comfortable with and who you decide to engage.
