Choosing the right care arrangement for a loved one can feel like a lot to take in, particularly when you’re comparing different types of live-in care.
An introductory care agency works differently from a fully managed care provider. At Country Cousins, we introduce families to carefully selected self-employed carers, giving you a say in who comes into your home and how the arrangement works.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the two models differ, including the level of choice and responsibility involved, how CQC regulation applies and what happens if your carer is unavailable.
What is an introductory care agency?
An introductory care agency helps families find and choose a suitable self-employed carer. With this model the carer is contracted directly by you, which is worth knowing if finding a private carer with full control over routines and schedules appeals to you.
Country Cousins has been introducing families to live-in carers since 1959. We get to know what you’re looking for, introduce suitable carers and give you the opportunity to choose the person who feels right for your family.
What is fully managed live-in care?
With a fully managed live-in care service, the provider takes responsibility for arranging and managing the care. The provider typically employs or contracts the carer, oversees their work and arranges cover when needed.
This can suit families who want the provider to take responsibility for managing the care arrangement. An introductory service gives families more direct control over who provides their care and how the arrangement works.
Introductory vs fully managed live-in care
| Feature | Introductory Live-In Care (Country Cousins) | Fully Managed Care |
|---|---|---|
| Control and Choice | You have full control over the selection of your carer and how care is delivered. | The agency manages all aspects of care, including carer selection and supervision. |
| Flexibility | Offers a highly flexible approach – you decide the care routines and preferences. | Care schedules and routines are typically pre-defined by the service provider. |
| Continuity | Carers are self-employed, and you can retain the same carer for as long as you both agree. | Carers may be rotated or reassigned, depending on the agency’s staffing model. |
| Cost | More cost-effective, as fees only cover the agency’s matching service, with direct payments made to the carer. | Higher costs due to management, oversight and regulatory compliance provided by the agency. |
| Relationship with Carer | A direct relationship is formed with your carer, fostering a stronger personal connection. | The carer reports to the agency, creating a more professional but less personal arrangement. |
| Support | Ongoing support from a dedicated care relationship executive to assist with any queries or changes. | Full oversight and direct management of the carer’s duties, with more limited family control. |
There isn’t one model that’s right for every family. The important thing is understanding who is responsible for what before you decide.
Is introductory care regulated by the CQC?
This is an important difference between the two models.
Country Cousins is an introductory agency rather than a CQC-registered care provider. Under CQC guidance, introductory agencies do not need to register where their role is limited to introducing care workers and they have no ongoing role in directing or controlling the personal care the worker provides.
This means the responsibilities are different from those of a fully managed, CQC-registered homecare provider. With an introductory arrangement, the person receiving care or their family has direct responsibility for the care arrangement with the self-employed carer.
For families, that can mean more choice and control over who provide the care and how it fits around everyday life. It also means understanding the responsibilities that come with that choice.
What happens if my carer is unwell or unavailable?
With an introductory arrangement, your carer is self-employed and works directly with you. This means the responsibility for agreeing arrangements around holidays, sickness and cover sits with you and your carer.
Your Country Cousins Care Relationship Executive remains available if you have questions about your arrangement, but we don’t manage the carer’s day-to-day work or provide managed cover in the way a fully managed care provider does.
It’s worth thinking about this before care begins and discussing what you would do if your usual carer couldn’t be there. Some families have another carer they know and trust who can provide cover when needed.
How introductory live-in care can support independence
One of the main reasons families choose an introductory model is the control it gives them over the care arrangement.
Your loved one can have support at home while continuing to make choices about their daily routine. You can choose a carer who understands their personality, preferences and way of life, then agree how the support works between you.
Depending on what’s needed, a carer may help with things such as:
- Preparing meals
- Medication reminders
- Personal care
- Mobility support
- Household tasks
- Appointments and outings
- Companionship
- Supporting hobbies and social activities
The aim is to provide help where it’s needed while giving your loved one as much independence as possible.
Five years of companionship: Mrs M’s story
Mrs M has been with Country Cousins for five years, with carers Lindsay and Peggy becoming an important part of her life.
At 100, Mrs M taught herself to use an iPad and email, and she’s remained independent with a great sense of humour. Her carers describe the bond they’ve built with her as something that feels more like family.
It’s a good example of what continuity can mean when a family chooses an introductory arrangement and finds a carer who is the right fit.
The support you need, when you need it
Choosing an introductory service doesn’t mean you have to work everything out alone.
From your first enquiry, your Country Cousins Care Relationship Executive can talk through what you’re looking for, explain how the introduction process works and help you understand your options.
We’ll get to know your family’s needs and preferences before introducing suitable carers for you to consider. When support is needed quickly, we can often introduce a live-in carer within 24 hours, subject to availability and a suitable match.
Once you’ve chosen a carer, you and the carer agree how the arrangement will work. If you have questions about the introduction or need to discuss a change in circumstances, your Care Relationship Executive is there to help.
Why families choose Country Cousins
Country Cousins has been introducing families to live-in carers since 1959. For more than 60 years, we’ve helped families find support that fits around their homes, routines and lives.
Our approach is straightforward. We listen to what you need, introduce experienced carers who could be a good fit and give you the choice of who you welcome into your home.
That flexibility can be particularly valuable when continuity matters. You can build a direct relationship with your carer and agree how the support works around your family’s everyday life.
If you’re unsure whether an introductory or fully managed service is right for you, we’re happy to talk through the differences.
Talk to our team
If you’re considering live-in care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you understand your options.
Country Cousins is the UK’s longest established introductory live-in care agency. We’ve been introducing families to experienced carers since 1959 and we can often introduce a suitable live-in carer within 24 hours when support is needed quickly.
Call us on 01293 224 706 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm & Saturday, 10am to 4pm. You can also make an online enquiry and we’ll get back to you.
