When you’re arranging live-in care, it’s important to understand exactly what support you are getting from the care agency you choose.
Not all care agencies work in the same way. Some provide an introductory service, helping you find and arrange a suitable carer before you manage the ongoing arrangement directly. Others provide a fully managed service, taking responsibility for the care arrangement and providing ongoing oversight and support.
Understanding the difference can help you decide which approach is right for you, your needs and how involved you would like to be in managing your care.
What is an introductory care agency?
An introductory care agency helps you find a suitable carer and facilitates the introduction.
With Patricia White’s Introductory Care service, you are introduced to a trusted, self-employed carer who has been vetted for their skills, experience and personal qualities. Once you have chosen your carer, you agree the terms directly with them and manage the day-to-day arrangements yourself.
This approach gives you greater flexibility and control over your care arrangements. You can choose your carer and agree routines directly with them, while taking an active role in managing your care.
Introductory care may suit you if you:
- Want to choose your own carer
- Prefer to agree routines directly with your carer
- Feel comfortable managing the care arrangement yourself
- Value flexibility and control
- Need support with personal care, medication reminders, household tasks, cooking, cleaning or companionship
It is important to understand what an introductory agency does and does not manage before choosing this type of care.
What is a fully managed care agency?
A fully managed care agency remains involved throughout the care arrangement rather than simply introducing you to a carer.
The level of responsibility can vary between providers, but a fully managed service may include arranging care, employing or contracting carers, managing schedules, supervising care, arranging cover and providing ongoing support.
At Patricia White’s, Fully Managed Care is provided by our sister company, Trinity Homecare. Trinity takes responsibility for managing the care arrangement, including employing or contracting carers, managing schedules, providing ongoing supervision and ensuring compliance with care regulations.
Trinity Homecare is rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for its live-in care services and provides regulated oversight, regular care reviews, cover for sickness and holidays, and 24/7 support.
Introductory vs fully managed care at a glance
| Consideration | Introductory Care – Patricia White’s | Fully Managed Care – Trinity Homecare |
|---|---|---|
| Agency role | Introduces and matches you with a carefully vetted carer | Manages the care arrangement on an ongoing basis |
| Carer Status | Self-employed and contracted directly by you | Usually employed or contracted by Trinity Homecare |
| Day-to-day management | You manage the arrangement directly with your carer | Trinity manages the ongoing care arrangement |
| Regulation | Patricia White’s is not CQC-registered as a care provider and introduces you to self-employed carers | Trinity Homecare is a CQC-registered care provider |
| Legal responsibility | You are responsible for managing and overseeing the carer | Trinity is responsible for care quality, safety and staff conduct |
| Cover | You arrange cover directly, although Patricia White’s can assist with finding cover | Trinity arranges cover for sickness, holidays and emergencies |
| Care oversight | You take an active role in overseeing the arrangement | Ongoing supervision and regular care reviews |
| Support | Flexible arrangement with greater control | Ongoing support, including 24/7 access to the care management team |
| Best suited to | People who want flexibility and are comfortable managing their own care arrangements | People who prefer minimal administration and regulated oversight |
The exact details of any care arrangement can vary, so it is worth asking questions about responsibility, cover and ongoing support before making a decision. Patricia White’s sets out the distinction between its Introductory Care and Trinity Homecare’s Fully Managed Care in more detail in its guide to introductory vs fully managed live-in care.
What are the benefits of introductory care?
One of the main benefits of introductory care is the flexibility it gives you.
You have the opportunity to choose a carer who suits your needs and preferences, then agree your routines and arrangements directly with them.
This can work well if you want to have a close say in how your care is provided and feel confident managing the relationship with your carer.
Patricia White’s carefully matches clients with self-employed carers who have been vetted for their skills, experience and personal qualities.
For many people, having that choice and control is an important part of arranging care at home.
What are the benefits of fully managed care?
A fully managed service can be particularly reassuring if you would prefer not to take responsibility for managing the care arrangement yourself.
With Trinity Homecare’s Fully Managed Care service, the agency remains responsible for areas including carer management, scheduling, supervision and regulatory compliance. There is also guaranteed cover for sickness and holidays, alongside 24/7 support from the care management team.
This can be particularly valuable if:
- Your care needs are complex
- Your needs are likely to change over time
- You do not want to manage the carer directly
- Your family cannot provide ongoing oversight
- You want regulated care and professional supervision
- You want reassurance that cover is available if your usual carer is unavailable
What should you ask a care agency before choosing?
Before arranging live-in care, it is worth looking beyond how a carer is introduced and asking what happens once care begins.
Questions to consider include:
- Who will I have a contract with?
- Is the carer employed, contracted or self-employed?
- Who is responsible for managing the carer?
- Who do I contact if I have a concern?
- Who arranges cover if my carer is ill or takes a holiday?
- Who is responsible if my care needs change?
- How is the quality of care monitored?
- What checks are carried out on carers?
- What qualifications and experience will my carer have?
- What ongoing support will I receive?
These questions can help you understand the practical differences between an introductory and fully managed service before you commit to an arrangement.
Which type of care is right for you?
There is no single right choice for everyone. The most suitable option will depend on your care needs, how much control you want over the arrangement and how comfortable you feel managing care yourself.
Introductory Care may be suitable if you want to choose your own carer, agree your routines directly and take responsibility for managing the arrangement.
Fully Managed Care may be more appropriate if you want an agency to take responsibility for the ongoing management of your care, with regulated oversight, professional supervision and support available when you need it.
If you are unsure which approach would suit you, Patricia White’s can talk you through both options.
How Patricia White’s can help
For more than 35 years, Patricia White’s has helped people remain comfortable, independent and well supported in their own homes.
Whether you want the flexibility of an introductory arrangement or the reassurance of fully managed care, our team can help you understand your options and decide what feels right for you.
Call Patricia White’s on 01293 224708 or complete our online enquiry form to speak to a member of our care team.
Frequently asked questions
Is Patricia White’s an introductory or fully managed care agency?
Patricia White’s provides Introductory Care. Its sister company, Trinity Homecare, provides Fully Managed Care.
Are Patricia White’s carers self-employed?
Yes. Patricia White’s introduces clients to trusted, self-employed carers who are vetted for their skills, experience and personal qualities. Once matched, the client contracts directly with their chosen carer.
Who arranges cover if an introductory carer is unavailable?
With Introductory Care, you arrange cover directly with your carer. Patricia White’s can assist with arranging cover for sickness, holidays and emergencies.
Can Patricia White’s help me decide which type of care I need?
Yes. Patricia White’s can discuss your circumstances and explain the differences between Introductory Care and Fully Managed Care, helping you consider which approach is most appropriate for your needs.
