Frequently questions

As an introductory agency, we interview potential carers on your behalf, according to the information you provide about your needs and requirements on the appraisal care. During the recruitment process we will carry out any relevant checks such us previous experience, references, DBS is up-to-date, as well as if they do have any training courses certificates, etc

It is important to mention that the carers we work with are self-employed and are fully responsible to handle their own taxes. Furthermore, we do not direct nor control the care, and it is the family and carer responsibility to agree to the final assignment conditions. Cuidum provides a Service Agreement where all the details will be detailed in writing and signed by both parts.

However, we do provide our clients continuous support and advice to resolve any issues that may arise during the relationship

Cuidum is an introductory agency of self-employed live-in carers. It is not eligible to register with the CQC as introducing self-employed carers is not a CQC regulated activity. However, we are confident that we conduct our business in such a way that, should the introductory model fall under CQC regulation in the future, our standards would meet and potentially exceed those determined by the CQC.

The process takes, on average, about 1 week. However, It depends on the area, difficulty to commute to the assignment location, specific families requirements, etc

We always recommend starting the process with enough time in advance (around 2 weeks) so you can take your time to meet different carers without rushing, etc.

Everything has to be discussed and agreed with the carer in advance, prior to the start of the assignment

Usually, carers may ask for travel allowance or a waking fee if disturb during their night rest, being the charges form £10-£11 for a single call to a maximum of £22 if several calls occur. However, it is not always the case, and some carers may not charge any extra.

The carer should invoice any extra charges previously agreed, either weekly or at the end of each assignment.

We are 100% transparent with families and carers, and it is important for us that you, as a family, know how much the carer gets paid, as well as how much you pay to Cuidum.

In addition to that, as we are not directly employing the carers nor manage the Family-Carer relationship, it makes more sense that families pay the carers directly.

Many carers hold a UK driving license, but the majority of carers do not own a car. However, although we will do our best to find a car driver if requested by the family, we cannot guarantee a car driver, and this requirement will probably affect the number of days needed to find a carer.

If a carer holds a driving license, they could drive the clients car if appropriate insurance arrangements are made.

It is difficult to measure exactly how many hours a carer works if he/she is living in. However, daily average does not have to exceed 10 hours of care, and will always need 2 hours break

A live-in carer would need to have their own bedroom with space to store their belongings. The carers would also need to be provided with food, often they will eat the same food as the client cooking a little extra and join them at mealtimes, unless the client prefers to eat alone.

In the event that a carer is unable to work due to illness or needs to leave the assignment due to personal circumstances, Cuidum will endeavor to find a replacement as quickly as possible.

Of course. The family will always have the final decision about which carer they engage with. You will be able to meet them by phone of videocall in first instance, and then face-to-face.