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Our model, and why we're not registered with the CQC
We're not CQC-registered and we don't manage care, so you stay in control and don't pay extra weekly fees for managers. Here's how an introductory agency works, and what it means for you.
What is an introductory agency?
Homestay Carers is what the CQC refers to as an introductory agency, not a traditional domiciliary (home care) agency. We introduce families to experienced, self-employed live-in carers, whom you manage directly. We visit you at home first to understand what's needed, then introduce carers who suit your unique situation. You meet them and choose who you'd like to welcome into your home.
Once your carers move in, the day-to-day care is agreed between you and them: the routine, the tasks, and how things are done. We don't direct or supervise that care. It's your home and your arrangement, and that means more choice, more control, simpler communication and better value than a fully managed agency.
What about the CQC?
We're not registered with the CQC, and here's why. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates organisations that provide personal care, which means agencies that employ carers and direct the care they give. Homestay Carers doesn't employ carers and doesn't direct how care is given.
What it means for your family: because our role is to introduce carers and we do not direct or control personal care, we are not registered with the CQC as a personal care provider. We carefully vet and interview every carer before introducing them, then you agree the day-to-day care directly with your carers. CQC guidance allows introductory agencies to check satisfaction with the introduction service and to make further introductions when a family asks; it does not allow us to monitor or direct the care itself. If you’d prefer an inspected, fully managed service, a CQC-registered agency may suit you better.
How the two models compare
| Question | Fully managed 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 daily routine | The agency, through a care plan | You and your carer |
| Regulated by the CQC | Yes | No |
Why our model is built for continuity
In CQC-registered home care agencies, including fully managed live-in agencies, carers are the agency's employees, sent on the agency's rota. Nearly three in ten of those care workers leave their job each year (Skills for Care, 2025), so when someone leaves, a new face arrives at your door.
An introductory agency works differently. Your carers are self-employed and chose your placement, just as you chose them, and the relationship is directly between you. We introduce two regular carers who share the role for the long term. That two-way choice is what makes it last.
How are we different from an online carer platform?
Online platforms let you browse carers' profiles and arrange care yourself. They suit some families well. But if your loved one is waiting to come home from hospital, or you're arranging care from a distance, you shouldn't have to scroll through dozens of profiles and message strangers.
Moreover, when taking into account the fees charged to families and carers by the major UK platforms, Homestay introduced carers typically earn more while families pay less, improving the longevity and consistency of our introductions.
Background checks are where we start, not where we stop. We visit you, meet every carer personally, and introduce the few who fit.
| Question | Online carer platform | Homestay Carers | Fully managed agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A visit to your home first | Not usually: you fill in an online form | Yes, usually within two days | Occasionally an assessment visit |
| Who you deal with | Online messages and a support team | One named contact, from first call to placement | Usually a care coordinator or office team |
| Who meets the carers | The platform checks documents | We meet every carer personally, after the checks | The agency recruits, employs and rotas them |
| How you find carers | You search, message and compare profiles | We introduce a few carers matched to you, and explain why each fits | The agency allocates carers |
| Who chooses | You | You | Usually the agency |
| Time off and holidays | Usually you find cover yourself | Two carers who share the role, both chosen by you from the start | The agency arranges cover |
| If it isn't working | You search again | Tell us, and we introduce new carers to meet | The agency sends someone else |
| Price | Each carer sets their own rate | One fixed weekly price, from £1,095 | Typically from £1,675 a week |
| Regulated by the CQC | No | No | Yes |
What we do
- Check every carer before they join our register: enhanced DBS with Adults' Barred List check, right to work, identity, two professional references and one personal reference, and their insurance
- Check every carer's DBS status and insurance annually
- Interview every carer personally, get to know their interests and personality
What we don't do
- We don't employ or supervise carers
- We don't write or manage care plans
- We don't arrange rotas or cover on your behalf
What we ask of every carer
Every carer agrees to these when they join our register.
- Only accept placements that match their experience
- Hold their own public liability insurance, and car insurance if they drive. Their insurance is their responsibility, and we check it
- Stay signed up to the DBS Update Service, so their DBS check stays current
- Be clear with you about what they can and can't help with
- Help with medication only as agreed with the family, after medication training
- Keep a simple daily note, if you'd like one
- Give you a minimum of 2 weeks notice if they need to leave a placement
Your responsibilities as a family
Because your carers are self-employed and you manage them directly, a few things sit with you.
- Choose your carers, and agree the daily routine and tasks with them
- Oversee the care day to day, and tell us or your carers straight away if something isn't right
- Plan who's with your loved one during your carers' daily breaks and time off. We don't arrange cover, but we'll introduce someone new whenever you ask
- Provide a private bedroom, food or a food allowance, and time for breaks
- Tell us whenever you'd like a new introduction
Questions about how we work?
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