Our live-in carers
Kind, experienced and carefully checked. We introduce carers we would trust with our own families, matched to your loved one’s needs and personality, and you always choose.
Experienced carers who choose live-in work
Our carers have years of experience supporting older people at home, in care homes and in hospital. Many have cared for people living with dementia, Parkinson’s or after a stroke.
Live-in care is a particular kind of work. A carer lives in your loved one’s home, often for several weeks at a time, and becomes part of daily life. It suits people who are calm, adaptable and good company, and who take pride in helping someone stay independent at home.
The carers we introduce are self-employed. We find them, check them and introduce them to you; your family chooses the carer and agrees the arrangement directly with them. That gives you real choice and control over who comes into your home, and it keeps costs lower than a fully managed service.
Medicare People currently provides introductory live-in care services. We have submitted our application to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and intend to introduce a fully managed live-in care service following registration.
Six checks before we introduce any carer
We would rather introduce fewer carers than introduce the wrong one. Every carer goes through the same process, recorded in Sync so nothing slips.
- 1Application and screeningWe review experience, the kinds of people they have supported, and why they want to do live-in work. Most applicants do not get past this stage.
- 2Face-to-face interviewA structured interview covering real situations: a fall in the night, a person with dementia who wants to go home, a refused meal. We are looking for judgement and warmth, not just answers.
- 3Enhanced DBS checkEvery carer has an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check before we introduce them, and we keep it under review.
- 4Two verified referencesWe contact referees directly, including recent care employers or families, and follow up on anything unclear.
- 5Right to work and IDWe confirm identity and the legal right to work in the UK before any introduction.
- 6Training recordsWe check core training such as moving and handling, safeguarding, first aid and medication awareness, and keep records up to date in Sync, our own platform.
Matched on personality, not just a rota
Before we suggest anyone, we get to know your loved one: their health and routines, but also what they enjoy, how they like to spend the day and what would put them at ease.
- Experience with the conditions and support involved, such as dementia, Parkinson’s or coming home from hospital.
- Practical fit: driving, cooking, pets, smoking, and the layout of the home.
- Personality: chatty or quiet, interests in common, and the language your loved one is most comfortable in.
You can speak to or meet carers before deciding. If it doesn’t feel right, we introduce someone else.
Looking after the carer looks after your loved one
Live-in care only works when carers are rested and supported. A tired carer can’t give their best, so we help families plan for this from the start.
- Daily breaks. Carers need a break of around two hours each day, and proper rest at night. If your loved one needs regular help at night, we will talk through what that means.
- Their own room. A private bedroom, somewhere to keep their things, and access to a bathroom and Wi-Fi.
- Cover for time off. We help arrange a replacement carer for longer breaks and holidays, so there are no gaps.
- Someone to call. Carers can reach our team for guidance and help, as can your family.
Read how live-in care works for a step-by-step guide, or our article on what a live-in carer does.
What makes a great live-in carer
Patience
Live-in care moves at your loved one’s pace, every day.
Good judgement
Knowing when to step in, when to step back and when to call for help.
Warmth and good humour
They become part of daily life, so personality matters as much as experience.
Reliability
Turning up, settling in and being consistent, day after day.
Respect for the home
It’s your loved one’s house, routines and way of doing things.
Honest communication
Keeping families informed, including when something changes.
What carers do, and don’t do
Carers help with
Washing, dressing and personal care · cooking and mealtimes · medication prompts · getting around safely · housework and laundry · appointments and trips out · company and conversation
Carers don’t
Carry out clinical or nursing tasks, such as injections, wound care or managing feeding tubes. District nurses and GPs continue to look after these, and the carer works alongside them.
Questions about our carers
Are your carers employed by Medicare People?
No. We are an introductory agency, so the carers we introduce are self-employed. Your family chooses the carer and agrees the arrangement directly with them, including routines, tasks and time off. We find, check and introduce carers, help with handovers, arrange relief cover for breaks and holidays, and stay on hand for guidance throughout, so you are never on your own if something needs sorting out.
What checks do your carers have?
Every carer is interviewed and has an enhanced DBS check, two verified references, and identity and right to work checks before we introduce them. We also check their care experience and core training, such as moving and handling, and safeguarding, and keep their checks up to date while they work with families through us. We share each carer's profile with you, so you can see their experience before you choose.
Can we meet the carer before they start?
Yes. We introduce carers matched to your loved one's needs, personality and interests, and you can speak to or meet them before deciding. You always choose. It's a good idea to ask about anything that matters to your family, such as experience with dementia, cooking, driving or pets. Where possible, the carer arrives with time for a handover, so your loved one is never left with a stranger.
Are your carers nurses?
No. Live-in carers help with personal care, meals, medication prompts, mobility, housework, getting out and about and company. They do not carry out clinical or nursing tasks, such as injections, wound care or catheter changes; those stay with the GP, district nurses and other health professionals, who carry on visiting as usual. If needs become clinical, we will help you think through the right options, such as NHS Continuing Healthcare.
How much time off does a live-in carer need?
Carers need a daily break of around two hours, usually while your loved one rests or a family member is around, and regular time off between placements, often after two to six weeks. We help you plan breaks and arrange a matched replacement carer for longer breaks and holidays, ideally the same relief carer each time, so your loved one sees familiar faces and care continues without a gap.
What if the carer isn’t the right fit?
Tell us. We will talk it through with you and the carer, and often a small change, such as a different routine, sorts things out. If needed, we will introduce another carer as quickly as we can. A good match matters more than anything, and we would much rather hear early than have your family put up with an arrangement that isn’t right. Your feedback also helps us match better next time.
Are you a live-in carer?
We are always looking for kind, experienced carers who want rewarding live-in work in Surrey, Kent and Sussex.
Find the right carer for your family
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