How to find a private carer near you

1. Write down what you need

Before you contact anyone, note the practical shape of the job: which days and hours, what tasks are involved (personal care, medication prompts, cooking, companionship, driving), and anything specialist such as dementia, mobility or end-of-life experience. A clear list saves everyone time and makes it obvious when someone isn't the right fit.

2. Search your local area

Care works best when it's close by — a carer twenty minutes away is far more reliable than one an hour away. On Care Connectors you search by postcode outward code or Eircode routing key with a radius you choose, so you only see people who can realistically get to you.

3. Check the essentials

Ask to see, with your own eyes, the documents that matter:

• A police check — DBS in England and Wales, Access NI in Northern Ireland, or Garda Vetting in Ireland
• NISCC registration, if you're in Northern Ireland
• Proof of the right to work in the UK
• Public liability or care insurance
• Two contactable references from previous care work

Carers on Care Connectors self-declare these on their profile. A declaration is a useful starting point, not a substitute for seeing the paperwork yourself.

4. Meet before you commit

Arrange an introductory chat, ideally with the person receiving care present. Personality fit matters as much as experience — this is someone who will be in the home regularly. Our questions to ask a carer guide covers what's worth raising.

5. Agree terms in writing

Put the hours, rate, notice period, holiday arrangements and cover for sickness in a simple written agreement. If you employ a carer directly rather than engaging them as self-employed, you may have employer responsibilities including PAYE and pension duties — check the current guidance on GOV.UK or take advice before you start.

6. Review after a few weeks

Care needs change. Set a date a month in to talk honestly about what's working and what needs adjusting, and keep that conversation going.