Self-Employed Carers: What Families Should Know
When a loved one needs extra help at home, one of the first questions families ask is: how do I find a carer I can trust? The process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re considering a self-employed carer rather than going through a traditional agency.
Self-employed carers bring flexibility, continuity, and often a more personal connection. But because they work independently, it’s important to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to make sure they are properly vetted. At Gladys, we’ve spent years introducing families to safe, skilled carers across the South West - here’s our guide to choosing with confidence.
Why Choose a Self-Employed Carer?
Unlike rotating agency staff, self-employed carers often provide consistent, one-to-one support. Families value this continuity because it helps build trust and routine. Independence doesn’t mean lower standards: the best self-employed carers hold relevant qualifications, keep their training up to date, and take pride in providing professional, person-centred care.
What to Look for in a Self-Employed Carer
Qualifications and training – Ask about their background and certificates. Training in dementia care, first aid, or moving and handling are particularly valuable. Recent training is a good sign they’re staying current.
References – Reliable carers should provide references from families or organisations they’ve supported. Always follow up, and ask about reliability, communication, and warmth - not just technical skills.
DBS check – A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate is essential. It proves they’ve been screened to work with vulnerable people. A professional carer will provide this without hesitation.
With Gladys being an introductory agency, we can simplify the process. Unlike finding a carer on your own, we take care of checks, references, and admin, while still giving you full choice over who supports your loved one. Compared with traditional agencies, our introductory model can offer more flexibility, lower rates, and the reassurance of vetted, self-employed carers whose profiles you can view in advance.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Carer
Interview conversations can reveal just as much as paperwork. Consider asking:
- How do you handle challenging or emotional situations?
- What do you enjoy most about caring for people?
- How do you set boundaries to stay professional?
Notice whether they listen carefully and show genuine interest in your loved one’s needs. The best carers balance practical skills with empathy and communication.
Red Flags to Avoid
If you’re searching alone (without an introductory agency), be cautious of:
- No or outdated DBS check
- Vague or unverifiable references
- Refusal to put agreements in writing
- Focus on pay before care
- Poor communication from the start
Any of these could signal problems down the line.
How Gladys Simplifies the Process
At Gladys, every carer is carefully vetted before joining our trusted network. That means:
- We check qualifications and training records
- We verify DBS certification and keep it updated
- We contact references directly for reassurance
- We meet carers in person to ensure warmth, reliability, and professionalism
Families using Gladys don’t have to worry about missing something important. You can focus on finding the right personal fit, knowing that the foundations of safety and professionalism are already in place.
Peace of Mind, From Day One
Finding the right carer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family. By asking the right questions, checking qualifications and references, and insisting on a current DBS certificate, you can feel confident in your choice.
With Gladys, you don’t need to do it all alone. We’ve built a community of carers we’d trust in our own homes – so your loved one can get the support they need, and you can have peace of mind from the very first hello.
Looking for a trusted self-employed carer near you? Discover how Gladys can help families in Bath, Bristol, Bournemouth, and across the South West.
