Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing care is a big step — and it’s completely normal to have questions, especially if you’re exploring options like ours for the first time.
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How does live-in care work with No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

At No1 Healthcare Private Carers, live-in care means a dedicated professional carer moves into your loved one's home. This provides continuous, one-to-one support, day and night. Our live-in carers assist with daily tasks, personal care, and provide companionship, ensuring your loved one remains safe, comfortable, and independent in their familiar surroundings.

How do I find and choose a live-in carer through No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

Getting started with No1 Healthcare Private Carers is straightforward. You'll complete a brief online form on our website to help us understand your specific care needs. This "Care Request" typically takes less than 10 minutes.

After you submit your care request, one of our representatives will promptly reach out to you. They will discuss your needs in detail and then connect you with suitable private carers from our network.

You want to remove references to a "platform" and "mobile app" from the provided text, as the process involves direct interaction with a representative rather than a user-facing platform for Browse carers or collaborating.

We'll ask about:

  • The individual needing care: their name, age, and location.
  • Any medical conditions they have.
  • Their mobility levels.
  • Their hobbies and interests.
  • Any specific preferences or concerns (e.g., discrimination risk).

Using this information, our team identifies highly suitable self-employed carers. Our representative will then share these carer profiles with you, typically within 24 hours.

Each carer profile includes details about their professional experience, background, and feedback from other families. You'll also receive a short introductory video to help you get a sense of their personality and approach to care.

You can then:

  • Share the carer profiles with other family members or decision-makers.
  • Communicate directly with carers facilitated by our representative.
  • Arrange phone or video calls to get to know them better before making a decision.

We also provide helpful questions to guide you during your conversations with potential carers. Once you've found the perfect match, simply let our representative know, and we'll help you move forward.

How does No1 Healthcare Private Carers screen its live-in carers?

We understand that trust is paramount when it comes to your loved one's care. That's why every self-employed carer on the No1 Healthcare Private Carers platform undergoes a rigorous suitability screening process, including:

  • Professional Care Experience: Carers must demonstrate prior experience in professional care settings, such as private homes, care homes, or healthcare facilities. We do not accept personal or family-only care experience.
  • Strong Communication Skills: A high standard of written and spoken English is mandatory to ensure clear communication and effective care delivery.
  • Proof of Identity: Carers must provide valid photo identification and possess the legal Right to Work in the UK.
  • Background Checks: All carers must be eligible to pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (for England and Wales).
  • References: We require at least two verifiable professional references from previous care roles.
  • Screening Assessments: Each carer completes a series of situational judgment and character assessments to provide insight into their care philosophy and approach.
Can I arrange for more than one carer with No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

Yes, absolutely. You can arrange care with multiple self-employed carers through No1 Healthcare Private Carers. For instance, if you require separate carers for daytime and nighttime support, you can simply submit a distinct "Care Request" for each arrangement. Please clearly outline the specific responsibilities for each carer so we can ensure the most suitable matches for every role.

How quickly can No1 Healthcare Private Carers arrange care?

Thanks to our extensive network of self-employed carers across the nation, we are often able to arrange live-in care within 24 hours. In urgent situations, we have successfully matched families with a suitable carer on the very same day.

Can I request a male or female live-in carer?

Yes, you can. If you or your loved one has a preference for a male or female carer, please specify this when submitting your care request, and we will endeavor to accommodate your preference.

Do No1 Healthcare Private Carers offer multilingual live-in carers?

Yes, absolutely. All self-employed carers we connect you with are required to have a good standard of written and spoken English to ensure clear communication and high-quality care.

We also have carers who speak multiple languages. If you or your loved one would prefer a carer who speaks a language other than English, please let us know when you make your care request, and we'll do our very best to find a suitable match for you.

What do I need to do to prepare my home for a live-in carer from No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

To ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for your live-in carer, you will need to provide:

  • A Private Room: Ideally, a dedicated bedroom that is not used by other family members or as a thoroughfare. If a bedroom isn't available, a spare reception room or study can be adapted, provided it offers a private and quiet space.
  • Access to a Bathroom: The carer does not require a private bathroom, but clean and functional facilities are essential. If the bathroom is shared, there should be space for the carer to store their personal toiletries.
  • WiFi Access: A reliable internet connection is crucial for carers to stay in touch with No1 Healthcare Private Carers, access care resources, and communicate with family members, especially in areas with limited phone signal.
What do I need to do to prepare my home for a live-in carer from No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

To ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for your live-in carer, you will need to provide:

  • A Private Room: Ideally, a dedicated bedroom that is not used by other family members or as a thoroughfare. If a bedroom isn't available, a spare reception room or study can be adapted, provided it offers a private and quiet space.
  • Access to a Bathroom: The carer does not require a private bathroom, but clean and functional facilities are essential. If the bathroom is shared, there should be space for the carer to store their personal toiletries.
  • WiFi Access: A reliable internet connection is crucial for carers to stay in touch with No1 Healthcare Private Carers, access care resources, and communicate with family members, especially in areas with limited phone signal.
Do I need to provide food for a live-in carer?

Live-in carers typically prepare and share meals with the person they are supporting, so separate dining arrangements are usually not necessary. We recommend budgeting approximately £40 per week to cover the cost of the carer's food. If you prefer, this cost can be included in your weekly payments through No1 Healthcare Private Carers. Please note that some carers may have specific dietary requirements and might choose to purchase their own food. We suggest discussing food preferences and arrangements directly with your chosen carer to ensure a comfortable setup for everyone.

How many hours can a self-employed carer work through No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

Self-employed carers typically work between 8 to 12 hours per day.

Do live-in carers from No1 Healthcare Private Carers provide night-time support?

Yes, self-employed live-in carers can assist with occasional night-time support. This may include helping with bathroom visits or offering reassurance if your loved one wakes up feeling disoriented. Generally, carers assist with night-time disturbances up to twice per night, for an average of 15 minutes per occurrence. If your loved one requires more frequent or intensive night-time support, such as continuous care throughout the night, we may need to discuss alternative arrangements like waking night care to ensure the carer receives adequate rest for daytime care.

Does a self-employed carer from No1 Healthcare Private Carers do housework?

Self-employed live-in carers can assist with light household tasks as part of their daily duties. These may include:

  • Wiping down surfaces
  • Vacuuming and mopping floors
  • Emptying rubbish bins
  • Laundry and changing bed linens.

However, it's important to understand that self-employed carers are not professional cleaners, and deep-cleaning tasks (e.g., carpet cleaning, window washing, or specialized cleaning) are not part of their responsibilities. For more thorough or specialized cleaning needs, we recommend arranging a professional cleaning service. It's important to discuss and agree upon household cleaning expectations with your chosen carer before care begins to ensure mutual understanding.

What happens when my self-employed carer takes time off?

When your live-in carer requires time off, No1 Healthcare Private Carers makes it easy to arrange for a self-employed respite carer. Here's how it works:

  • Agree on Time Off: You and your carer will discuss and agree upon their break schedule.
  • Book Time Off: Your carer will schedule their time off through our carer platform.
  • Advertise Dates: Once booked, the time off will be automatically advertised on our platform, allowing other qualified carers to apply to cover the period.
  • Choose a Replacement: You can review applicant profiles and select a suitable respite carer using the same process you followed to choose your initial carer.
  • Smooth Handover: Your primary carer will receive the details of the respite carer to facilitate a smooth transition and discussion of your loved one's care needs.

If you prefer to make private arrangements or have a family member provide care during this time, simply inform us, and we will pause your care schedule to ensure you are not invoiced for that period.

Will the NHS pay for live-in care provided by No1 Healthcare Private Carers?

In some instances, yes — through NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). This is a funding scheme for individuals with significant or complex medical needs, and it can cover the full cost of live-in care at home. If your loved one is eligible, the NHS will fund:

  • A live-in carer to provide healthcare and personal care.
  • Assistance with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, and medication administration.
  • Any other care-related support required to enable them to live safely at home.

To qualify, your loved one's care needs must be primarily health-related, known as having a "primary health need." They will undergo an initial screening, which can be arranged by their GP, social worker, or district nurse. If the screening indicates potential eligibility, they will proceed to a full assessment. If your loved one's health is rapidly deteriorating, they may be eligible for a fast-track assessment for urgent support.

Is live-in care from No1 Healthcare Private Carers suitable for someone with dementia?

Yes, live-in care can be particularly beneficial for individuals living with dementia. Remaining in familiar surroundings helps to minimize confusion and distress. Our carers can provide dedicated, personalized support tailored to your loved one's specific needs and routines.

What if my loved one doesn’t get along with the live-in carer?

At No1 Healthcare Private Carers, your satisfaction is our priority. If a carer match isn't ideal, we will offer a replacement carer at no additional cost. Simply contact us, and we will promptly present you with new carer matches, typically within 24 hours.

Can I ask carers questions during the selection process?

Absolutely. We encourage you to ask prospective carers questions to help you make an informed decision. You can inquire about their motivation for caregiving, their training and qualifications, their past experience, their approach to handling emergencies, and how they build strong, supportive relationships with the individuals they care for.

Need care? We’re here to help.

Get matched with a carer who respects your routine, your culture, and your comfort.