The short answer
- A fully managed agency employs carers, writes care plans, arranges cover and is regulated by the CQC.
- An introductory agency introduces self-employed carers. You choose them and agree the daily routine directly.
- Managed live-in agencies typically start from £1,675 a week; Homestay Carers starts from £1,095.
- The right model depends on how much control and support you want.
What is a fully managed agency?
A fully managed agency employs its carers, writes a care plan, directs the care and arranges cover for time off. Because it employs carers and directs the personal care they provide, it is registered with and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
What is an introductory agency?
An introductory agency introduces families to experienced, self-employed carers. We visit you at home to understand what is needed, then introduce carers who may suit your situation. You meet them and choose who you want to welcome into your home. You and your carers agree the routine and day-to-day tasks directly; we do not direct or supervise personal care.
How do they compare?
| Question | Fully managed agency | Introductory agency (Homestay Carers) |
|---|---|---|
| Who employs the carer | The agency | Carers are self-employed |
| Who chooses the carer | Usually the agency | You do |
| Who decides the routine | The agency, through a care plan | You and your carer |
| Who oversees day-to-day care | The agency’s office team | You, with your carers |
| Time off and holidays | The agency arranges cover | Two carers share the role, both chosen by you |
| If it is not working | The agency sends someone else | At your request, we introduce new carers to meet |
| Price | From £1,675 a week | From £1,095 a week |
| Regulated by the CQC | Yes | No |
Neither model is right for every family. The difference is how much you want to manage and who you want to choose.
Who employs the carer?
With a managed agency, the carer is the agency’s employee. With an introductory agency, carers are self-employed and hold their own insurance, which we check. You and the carer choose each other.
Who decides the daily routine?
A managed agency works to its care plan. With an introductory agency, you and the carers agree the routine together: when your parent gets up, what they eat and how the day runs. You speak directly with the carers.
What about the CQC?
CQC guidance says an introductory agency does not need to register when it has no ongoing role in directing or controlling the personal care after introducing a worker. We do not employ carers, manage care plans, arrange rotas or direct care. CQC does not inspect our introductory service as a regulated personal care service. We check carers before introducing them: enhanced DBS including the Adults’ Barred List, identity and right to work, references and insurance, and meet each carer personally.
Why does continuity differ?
Managed agencies send employees according to their rota. We introduce two regular carers to share the role over time, and you choose them. If you want a new introduction, you can ask us and we’ll help you meet other carers.
What does each cost?
Fully managed live-in agencies typically start from £1,675 a week (published prices, September 2026). Through Homestay Carers, live-in care starts from £1,095 a week. For couples who both need care, it starts from £1,445 a week; if only one person needs care and the other needs help with meals and housekeeping, it starts from £1,260. You provide the carer’s room and food. See full costs and funding.
What does the family take on with an introductory agency?
- Choosing the carers and agreeing the daily routine and tasks with them.
- Planning who is with your parent during the carers’ daily breaks and time off. We do not arrange cover; if you ask, we can introduce other carers for you to meet.
- Arranging health and nursing care through the GP and district nurses.
Which suits your family?
A managed agency may suit you if you would prefer an inspected service, want someone else to manage carers and arrange cover, or need care involving nursing. An introductory agency may suit you if you want to choose your carers, agree the routine directly, keep two regular carers for continuity and pay a lower weekly price. Tell us about your situation and we’ll be honest about whether we’re the right fit.
This guide is general information. Care needs and agency arrangements vary, so ask questions about the specific support you need and check current costs directly.
Sources: Care Quality Commission guidance on introductory agencies; Homestay Carers costs and funding.
