Hi
I would like to set up a care agency in the UK for the elderly.
Can someone please advice me on:

1. Qualifications and Training required
2. Marketing issues
3. Trading issues
4. Legal side
5. Any further information needed
Many thanks

Ruth

I realize from your list you know it isn't as easy as it sounds, ruth. It is a very expensive start up proposition, especially when you have to have a resident doctor on board (he/she can be in practice elsewhere but dedicated to your group). Nursing homes here in Ontario have to Personal Support Workers, it is a law now and our nursing homes are pretty well government controlled, that is a good thing actually. I don't know about regulations in UK, could be they have to be Nurses' Aids. One or two RNs is essential. So when you consider the expense involved even having RNs, the expense is tremendous.

Your points re marketing/trading don't really come into the picture unless you are meaning advertising and that is a no brainer actually. Ads in the paper with invitations to visit would be suiltable.

You didn't mention equipment. You will need Hoyer Lifts, two or three, I don't know what they are called in the UK but if you Google Hoyer you will see pictures. It is lifting equipment. Proper Hospital beds. Depending on how many beds you will need, you will have to have at least one spa (bathing facilities) equipped with a lift.

I think I have covered most of it. Any questions, feel free Ruth.

ms. tickle

Hello
I had in mind something more like Home Care, where we can visit people in their own homes and provide them with assistance for getting in and out of bed plus personal care. This project is together with a practicing doctor, only he will take this on as an independent venture from the practice. I really need to know what qualifications I need and any training for me and any other people I employ.
Thank you for your quick answer. I will investigate if regulations are different in the UK.
The Hoyer lifts you mention are hoists here but, is it something I am supposed to provide or is it up to the patient to hire the equipment? Don't forget we are talking about people living in their own homes...
Regards
Ruth

Ruth, I do homecare for clients. No you won't need lifts unless they have their own because are bedridden but have to get out of bed for ADLs.

I don't see where you need any training if it is only personal care, bathing assistance, help with dressing, meal prep, etc.

Tick

Thank you.

My names are







My names are Anthony Thuo working for a small company called Jambo services and I would like to know how we can sart a care agency, I've been in the field for the last 14years as a Care worker, Support worker, Support officer and Tenancy support officer within the boroughs in london.

Good website, still a lot of work to set up care agency anywhere in UK or Canada. In Canada ours are mostly government run because of the abuse that can happen within a privately run organization. It happens and it isn't fun for anyone. Anyway this original post is from 2009 so quite old and the op may not be back.

Check dates, BennyHugh, before posting a reply.

Ms tickle