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  • Outdated training, missing mandatory training, or inadequate/old-fashioned practice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  • No professional training requirements or competency assessments (just old outdated courses and practice)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