How to Find a Caregiver for Elderly Parents: What You Need to Know

The phone call in the middle of the day. The forgotten medication. The quiet worry that grows every time you can’t be there. Finding care for your ageing parents isn’t just an item on a to-do list, but it’s an emotionally charged journey filled with love, guilt, and the overwhelming pressure to get it right.

Many families struggle with how to find a caregiver who is both skilled and compassionate enough to support their loved ones.

At True Homecare Services, we make it simple to find a caregiver who feels like part of your family. For years, we’ve helped families just like yours navigate this complex process with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Choosing the Right Caregiver Matters?

 

Bringing a caregiver into your parent’s life is not just about filling a role. A truly loving caregiver brings patience, kindness, and respect into every interaction with your parent.

The Emotional Side of Caregiving

For many adult children, the role reversal of caring for a parent is filled with worry and guilt. You may wonder if you’re doing enough or if you’re doing it right.

The wrong caregiver can make these feelings worse, adding stress and tension to your family life. But the right caregiver does the opposite.

If your loved one requires round-the-clock assistance, it’s essential to know how to find alive-in caregiver who is both qualified and reliable.

The Hidden Risks of Inadequate Care

Caregiving isn’t just about being present; it’s about being prepared. An unqualified caregiver might overlook critical needs, from nutrition and medication to safety and medical changes.

Families dealing with conditions like Parkinson’s may especially benefit from specialised Parkinson’s caregiver services to ensure expert support.

The Difference a Professional Caregiver Makes

A skilled caregiver brings more than just assistance. They create structure, companionship, and dignity in your parents’ day.

That means:

• Making sure medications are taken on time.
• Preparing balanced meals that support health.
• Helping with safe mobility and daily routines.
• Offering conversation, activities, and emotional support.
• Providing respectful personal care that preserves independence and self-esteem.

What are the Types of Caregivers for Elderly Parents?

Exploring senior care can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which one is right for your parent and for your family?

The answer depends on their health, daily needs, and the level of professional support you want in place. Here’s a clear breakdown to guide you.

Family vs. Professional Caregivers

Many families begin caregiving themselves. It’s a loving and natural first step, and it can be deeply rewarding. But it’s also demanding. Balancing care with your own job, children, and responsibilities often leads to stress, exhaustion, and burnout.

For families balancing multiple responsibilities, professional elderly home care can offer structure and consistency that’s difficult to achieve alone.

Independent Caregivers vs. Agency Caregivers

This distinction matters more than many families realise.

Independent Caregivers (hired privately) are often found through referrals or online platforms. While they may cost less per hour, the responsibility is heavy.

You must handle background checks, verify training, manage payroll and taxes, and find backup care if they’re unavailable. You’re also liable for accidents or injuries that happen on the job.

Agency Caregivers (like those from True Homecare Services) remove those risks. We handle everything: rigorous screening, background checks, training, insurance, payroll, and scheduling.

Live-In, Part-Time, or Respite Care

Care can be tailored to exactly what your parent needs:

• Part-Time Care: Great for seniors who are mostly independent but need help with meals, bathing, errands, or transportation a few days a week.
• Live-In / 24-Hour Care: Best for seniors with dementia, mobility issues, or medical conditions that require constant supervision and support. Families gain peace of mind knowing someone is always there.
• Respite Care: Short-term help designed to give family caregivers a break. Whether for a few days or a few weeks, respite care prevents burnout and ensures your loved one continues to receive professional support.

What are the steps to finding the right caregiver?

Finding a caregiver for elderly parent support can feel overwhelming when you’re balancing work, family, and emotional stress.

The process of finding a caregiver should focus on both trust and professional ability. Here’s a roadmap to guide you with confidence.

Step 1: Assess Your Parents Needs

Before searching, be honest and detailed about what kind of help your parent requires. Needs usually fall into three categories:

• Medical Needs: Medication management, insulin injections, wound care, physical therapy, or monitoring conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. These often require skilled Registered Nurses (RNs) in the UK.
• Daily Living (ADLs): Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility support, and eating.
• Companionship & Household Help: Meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, transportation, and social engagement to reduce loneliness.

Families caring for loved ones with long-term conditions may also consider an in-home caregiver for disabled individuals, ensuring professional assistance tailored to both medical and personal needs.

Step 2: Decide Where to Find Caregivers

You have three main options, each with pros and cons:

• Agencies: Reputable providers like True Homecare Services handle everything screening, background checks, payroll, insurance, and backup care. It’s the safest and most reliable route.
• Personal Referrals: Friends, doctors, or community groups may offer suggestions. But what worked for one family may not suit yours, and you’ll still need to handle vetting and paperwork.
• Online Platforms: These sites can connect you with independent caregivers at lower costs. However, you’re responsible for verifying credentials, running checks, and managing taxes and liability.

Step 3: Prioritise Safety with Background Checks

If you hire privately, this step is essential and can take time. Proper screening in the UK should include:

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to review criminal records and safeguarding concerns
• Verification of qualifications and training (for example, RQF qualifications)
• Multiple references from previous employers or clients, focusing on reliability, professionalism, and attitude
• Proof of the legal right to work in the UK
• Driving licence and record (if transport duties are part of the role)

Step 4: Ask the Right Interview Questions

An interview is about more than skills; it’s about fit. Ask questions like:

• “What’s your experience with [specific condition]?”
• “How did you handle a situation where a client resisted care?”
• “What do you enjoy most about caregiving?”
• “How would you structure a day with my parent?”

Step 5: Trust Your Gut and Get Support

Caregiving is as much about personality and trust as it is about training. If something feels “off,” listen to that instinct. And remember, you don’t have to go through the process alone.

A caregiver to the elderly provides not only physical help but also emotional reassurance and companionship.

What are the Legal Considerations Before Hiring a Caregiver?

Finding a caregiver who is skilled and compassionate is the first step. But for a truly safe and successful arrangement, the legal and practical details matter just as much.

Before you decide how to hire a caregiver for the elderly, make sure contracts, liability, and insurance are clearly addressed. Caregiving for the elderly often involves a delicate balance of medical care, personal support, and dignity.

Caregiver Contracts & Agreements

No matter how you hire privately or through an agency, putting everything in writing is a must. A clear contract prevents misunderstandings and sets the tone for a respectful, professional relationship. It should include:

• Scope of Duties: Daily responsibilities (meals, medication, light housekeeping, transportation).
• Schedule & Hours: Exact workdays, hours, holiday expectations, and sick-day policies.
• Compensation: Hourly rate, pay schedule, and method of payment.
• Termination Clause: Notice requirements and conditions for ending the agreement.

Power of Attorney, Guardianship & Liability

Before making decisions on your parents’ behalf, ensure you have the right legal authority.

• Power of Attorney (POA): A financial POA lets you manage money for care. A healthcare POA allows you to make medical decisions if your parent cannot.
• Guardianship / Conservatorship: If no POA exists and your parent can’t make decisions, you may need court approval to act on their behalf—a more complex process.
• Liability: Hiring privately carries risk. If an independent caregiver is injured in your home, you may be personally liable for medical costs or lost wages. Without insurance, this could be financially devastating.

Why Choose an Agency for Hiring Caregivers?

Managing contracts, insurance, taxes, and liability can quickly overwhelm families who are already stretched thin. This is why so many turn to agencies.

When you work with True Homecare Services, you don’t just hire a caregiver; you hire a support system. We take on all employer responsibilities, including:

• Payroll and tax compliance
• Liability and insurance coverage
• Thorough vetting, background checks, and ongoing training
• Backup caregivers when needed

Why Choose True Homecare?

Finding the right caregiver on your own can feel overwhelming. That’s why True Homecare Services takes the guesswork out of the process.

• Every caregiver is trained, vetted, and insured.
• We follow UKHCA best practice standards and align with professional guidance from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
• Our care staff hold UK-recognised qualifications.
• Our nursing staff are fully registered UK Registered Nurses (RNs).

The result? Peace of mind for you, and meaningful, reliable care for your parent.

With True Homecare, your loved one isn’t just looked after, they’re cared for, respected, and supported to live each day with dignity and joy.

FAQs

How much does a carer cost per hour?

Carer costs in the UK are £25–£35 per hour (GBP) through an agency, which manages taxes and insurance. Hiring a carer privately may be cheaper, but you become their legal employer. Specialist care or live-in arrangements have different pricing structures.

How do I find a trustworthy carer?

Use a reputable home care agency, as they handle vetting, training, and insurance. If hiring privately, you must conduct interviews, check references, and verify their right to work. Always involve your loved one in the selection process to ensure a good personal match.

What government programs help pay for in-home care?

Local authorities can carry out a care needs assessment. If your parents’ savings are below £23,250 in England, the council may contribute towards care. The NHS Continuing Healthcare scheme may also cover care if your parents’ primary needs are health-related.

What red flags should I watch for when hiring?

Be wary of carers who are vague about their experience or refuse to provide references. A lack of a clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a major concern. Most importantly, watch for poor interaction, such as being dismissive or impatient with your loved one.