At Country Cousins, we know that every family’s care needs are unique. That’s why we offer two types of live-in care:
- Introductory Care, delivered directly by Country Cousins
- Fully Managed Care, delivered by our sister company Trinity Homecare — rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for their live-in care services, placing them in the top 4% of registered care providers in England.
Both options give you the reassurance of a carefully selected carer living in your home to provide support, companionship, and peace of mind — but the way they’re arranged and managed is different.
What is Introductory Care?
Introductory Care through Country Cousins gives you maximum flexibility and control over your care arrangements. We introduce you to trusted, self-employed carers who have been fully vetted for skills, experience, and personal qualities. Once matched, you agree the terms directly with your chosen carer and manage the day-to-day arrangements yourself.
This option can be ideal if you:
- Want to handpick a carer and agree your own routines
- Feel confident managing care directly with your carer
- Are looking for help with household tasks, cooking, cleaning, companionship, and other lower-level support needs
It’s a cost-effective and highly flexible approach that still gives you the reassurance of our expert matching process.
What is Fully Managed Care?
Fully Managed Care is provided by Trinity Homecare, our award-winning sister company. With this service, Trinity takes full responsibility for every aspect of your care — employing or contracting carers, managing schedules, providing ongoing supervision, and ensuring full compliance with care regulations.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, Trinity specialises in supporting more complex needs, such as personal care, administering medication, and using specialist equipment.
You benefit from:
- Regulated oversight and regular care reviews
- Guaranteed cover for sickness or holidays
- 24/7 support and a direct line to your care management team
- Confidence that your care meets the highest professional standards
Below is a clear comparison of how Introductory Care from Country Cousins and Fully Managed Care from Trinity Homecare differ, so you can make an informed choice.
| Aspect | Introductory Care (Country Cousins) | Fully Managed Care (Trinity Homecare) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulations | Not CQC-registered – introduces you to self-employed carers only | CQC-registered provider, inspected to meet regulated care standards |
| Agency Role | Country Cousins introduces and matches you with carefully vetted carers, leaving you in control of day to day arrangements | Trinity Homecare employs/ contracts carers, schedules work, supervises care and ensures compliance |
| Legal Responsibility | You are responsible for managing and overseeing the carer | Trinity Homecare is responsible for care quality, safety and staff conduct |
| Carer Employment Status | Self-employed, contracted directly by you | Usually employees or workers of Trinity Homecare |
| Continuity & Cover | You arrange cover directly with the carer | Trinity Homecare arranges cover for sickness, holidays or emergencies |
| Types of Care | Help with household tasks, cooking, cleaning, companionship and lower level support | Personal care, advanced care needs, administering medication and using specialist equipment |
| Best For | Clients confident in managing care arrangements themselves who also value the flexibility to choose carers and set routines | Clients wanting minimal admin, guaranteed cover and regulated oversight |
Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right care model comes down to your needs, preferences and comfort with managing arrangements.
Introductory Care offers greater flexibility and control, making it ideal for those who want to take an active role in managing their care and prefer to set their own routines.
Fully Managed Care offers peace of mind through regulated oversight and comprehensive support, perfect for those who want minimal admin and the security of guaranteed cover.
If you’re unsure which is the best fit, our friendly care team can talk you through your options.
Let’s find the right care for you.
Whether you choose Introductory or Fully Managed Care, you’ll have the support of a carer who is dedicated to making your life easier, safer and more enjoyable.
Call us on 01293 224 706 or enquire online to speak to one of our care advisors today.
