A Simple Question: What Do You Really Pay For?
When someone begins looking for home care, the first instinct is often to call a care agency. It feels safe — they seem "official."
But here's the honest truth most families never hear: agencies do not provide care — carers do.
In many cases, agencies act as middlemen, charging higher prices while paying the carer less.
That doesn't mean they're all bad, but it does mean families should know exactly what they're paying for — and whether they're getting genuine value.
What Agencies Actually Do
Most agencies have two main roles:
- Finding and matching clients with available carers
- Handling administrative tasks (rotas, basic HR, invoices)
That's useful — but not magical. Agencies don't necessarily make care safer or better. The same carers working through agencies often also work independently for local families, or through small community services like Everyday Care Plus.
So when an agency charges £30 per hour, but pays the carer £12, what is the family buying? Mainly office overheads, advertising, and management fees.
Safety and DBS Checks — Everyone Must Meet the Same Standards
There's a big misunderstanding: that carers working through agencies are "safer."
But all carers in the UK must pass the same legal checks, whether they work privately or through an agency.
That includes:
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
- Right to Work verification
- Mandatory training in safeguarding, infection control, first aid, moving & handling, and data protection
- Public liability insurance
Families can easily ask to see these documents before hiring. Local councils, NHS teams, and direct payment advisors are legally required to help you verify them.
So, the truth is: safety doesn't depend on who pays the carer — it depends on proper vetting, training, and supervision.
The Real Cost of Care — Where Does the Money Go?
Let's look at an honest example (based on 2025 rates in the West Midlands):
| Hourly Rate | Who Receives It |
|---|---|
| Agency charges client | £29.00 – 100% |
| Agency keeps | ~£15.00 – 52% for management, admin, profit |
| Carer receives | £14.00 – 48% for actual work in your home |
That means more than half of your money often goes to office staff who never meet your loved one.
When you hire directly, more of your budget goes straight to the carer — the person who truly matters. This often leads to better morale, lower turnover, and more reliable long-term relationships.
"If carers feel valued and respected, they stay — and when they stay, clients feel secure."
Why Direct Hiring Is Often Safer and More Personal
Direct hiring doesn't mean "doing it all alone."
Many local councils now encourage families to hire directly through Direct Payments or Personal Budgets.
You can:
- Interview carers yourself
- Check their DBS and references
- Agree on times, routines, and hourly rate that work for both sides
- Create a care plan built around the person, not the rota
And if paperwork worries you — payroll, tax, or contracts — there are Direct Payment Support Services in every council area (including Sandwell, Dudley, Birmingham and Wolverhampton) who help families manage this for free.
What the Law Says
Under the Care Act 2014, everyone in England has the right to:
- Choose how their care is arranged
- Receive clear information about costs and responsibilities
- Access support to manage care safely, whether through an agency or independently
Families have full legal protection and guidance when hiring carers directly.
Many social workers prefer person-centred direct arrangements because they tend to produce stronger emotional connections and continuity of care.
Common Worries (and the Truth Behind Them)
What if the carer doesn't turn up?
Reliable independent carers value their clients — their reputation depends on it. You can include clauses in the care agreement about backup plans or notice periods.
What if I can't manage payroll or insurance?
Local councils fund support agencies to do this for you — like PeoplePlus or Penderels Trust.
What if something goes wrong?
Independent carers are covered by public liability insurance, just like agencies. You also have written agreements that protect both sides.
What if my carer needs time off?
Good independent carers (and community-based companies like Everyday Care Plus) plan cover in advance, often using a trusted colleague.
These are the same solutions agencies use — the only difference is, you don't pay double for them.
The Everyday Care Plus Model — Fair Pay, Fair Price
At Everyday Care Plus, we bridge the gap between large agency structure and personal independence.
We're CQC-registered, so families have official oversight and safety — but we work like a small, community-based network where relationships come first.
We:
- Pay carers fair, above-average wages
- Offer clients honest pricing without hidden admin costs
- Provide supervision, risk assessments, and ongoing training
- Focus on emotional connection, continuity, and respect
This balance keeps care safe, affordable, and deeply human.
Real Example — Two Families, Two Experiences
Family A (Through a Large Agency):
- Pays £32/hour
- Sees 5–6 different carers in a month
- Carers often rushed; appointments rescheduled
Family B (Direct Hire via Everyday Care Plus):
- Pays £25/hour
- Same carer visits 5 days a week
- Builds a friendship, trust, and stability
Both receive the same legal protection, DBS checks, and care quality. But one family gets better value and deeper relationships.
Research and Reliable Sources
For readers who like to know facts and laws:
- Care Act 2014 – UK legislation ensuring choice and personalisation in social care
- Skills for Care (2024 Report) – Found that retention improves when carers are directly employed or self-employed
- Age UK (Loneliness Report) – 1.4 million older people in England experience loneliness regularly
- CQC Guidance (2023) – Confirms that small community services can be safer than large organisations when supervision and training are strong
These sources show that direct, relationship-based care is not only kind — it's evidence-based and sustainable.
The Heart of the Matter
At the end of the day, care isn't about contracts or logos — it's about trust between two people.
When families and carers work together directly, they build understanding, communication, and compassion that no rota system can replace.
"Agencies don't create care — people do."
When you choose a fair, personal model, you're not just saving money. You're helping build a better future for carers — and for care itself.
Everyday Care Plus — Local, Transparent, Human
If you want the reassurance of a registered service but the warmth of personal connection, Everyday Care Plus is here for you.
We help families set up care that feels natural, flexible, and secure — where both client and carer feel respected.
We don't just provide care. We build relationships, strengthen communities, and bring back what the system often forgets — the human heart.
Get in Touch Today