
Lately, it's becoming common for us to take over care packages from people who have had private carers or "personal assistants" before us. Some people have been lucky to find a good, reliable, competent carer... but sadly, that isn't the case most of the time. Hiring a personal assistant/ private carer comes with risks such as:
Outdated training, missing mandatory training, or inadequate/old-fashioned practice
They can withhold details of any safeguards or issues raised against them in the past
Risk of abuse or exploitation
They can cherry-pick references they want you to see, and conceal the ones they don't want you to see
Can cause your loved one to go without care, when needing a holiday or sickness, or arrange an unsuitable and unfamiliar stand-in.
Have inadequate insurance for the tasks carried out (should anything go wrong)
Could lack confidentiality
You have no manager to address if you have any concerns, concerns which may strain your "relationship" with the carer
No management to ensure they are performing adequately and up to standard
Boundaries become blurred as a friendship is formed rather than a professional friendly relationship
They are not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (something we're advocating to change so people can have private care safely)
Tax implications - if you become their employer - are you aware of your legal responsibilities regarding pension enrollment, P60's, HMRC notices, national insurance, holiday entitlement, and minimum wage laws?
No clear policies, procedures, standards
Could advise you incorrectly with opinions, as opposed to facts
Preventing a needed hospital admission so they do not have a personal financial impact with the loss of work
Insurance restrictions on what they can do - such as FULL medication management and monitoring
If your loved one's needs develop, they may not have the resources to adapt (such as hoisting, PEG feeds, catheter care)
Their decisions and actions are lead with self-intention
The Hidden Risks of Unregulated Care
Lack of Professional Oversight Unregulated personal assistants and private carers operate without the safety net of CQC (Care Quality Commission) oversight. This means:
No mandatory background checks or DBS clearance (routinely - not just a DBS from 5 years ago!)
No professional training requirements or competency assessments (just old outdated courses and practice)
No regulatory standards for care quality or safety protocols
No external monitoring or quality assurance processes
Lack of professional collaboration - many other professional bodies wont collaborate with private carers due to their risk.
Safety and Safeguarding Concerns Without proper regulation, vulnerable individuals face increased risks:
Inadequate safeguarding training and protocols
No formal reporting procedures for concerns or incidents
Limited accountability for care standards or professional conduct
Potential exploitation or abuse with no regulatory recourse
Insurance and Liability Issues Many unregulated carers lack proper coverage:
No professional indemnity insurance protecting clients
Limited public liability coverage for accidents or incidents
No employer liability insurance for workplace injuries
Clients may be personally liable for accidents or damages
(They may have a basic level of insurance, but do they hold insurance for when they give the wrong medication and serious implications arise)
Why MoralCare's CQC Registration Matters
Comprehensive Safety Standards
CQC 'Good' Rating across all five domains (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led)
Enhanced DBS checks for all staff members
Professional training including 32+ mandatory topics annually
Regular audits and quality monitoring every 2 months
Accountability and Oversight
Regulatory compliance with national care standards
Professional supervision and performance monitoring
Clear complaints procedures and resolution processes
External inspection and quality assurance
Insurance and Protection
Full professional indemnity and public liability insurance
Employer liability coverage protecting both clients and staff
Comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols
Emergency response procedures and 24/7 support
The False Economy of Cheaper, Unregulated Care
While unregulated care may appear less expensive initially, the hidden costs include:
Potential liability for accidents, injuries, or property damage
Inconsistent care quality leading to health complications
No recourse for poor service or professional misconduct
Risk of care abandonment without notice or backup support
MoralCare's Professional Advantage
Award-Winning Standards
North West Home-Care Employer Award winner (2024)
100% 5-star Google reviews demonstrating consistent quality
Never missed a visit in our operational history
Continuous professional development for all staff
Comprehensive Support
3-4 consistent carers per client for continuity
24/7 emergency support and backup protocols
Family communication and regular updates
Coordination with healthcare professionals and services