Regulated vs Unregulated Home Care: What Families Need to Know

Understanding Your Options

When choosing the right carer for yourself or a loved one, trust and familiarity are key. Often, that person may be a friend, neighbour, or family member, someone who feels like family. But when care is needed regularly, life can get in the way. That trusted individual might fall ill, go on holiday, or be unavailable for other reasons. These disruptions, while understandable, can leave families stressed and uncertain about ongoing care.

At Acacia Homecare, we provide regulated home care (also called domiciliary care) and live-in care that offers peace of mind. With our small, consistent team of trained carers, we ensure that care continues seamlessly even if one carer is unavailable.

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Acacia Homecare Carer playing game with customer

Meet Our Qualified Carers and Family App Support

All our carers are fully trained and DBS-checked, and we provide a free family app, where you can view care notes, see who’s visiting, and communicate with our team at any time.

We can also work alongside your own long-standing carer to create a personalised care plan that fits your needs.

How Regulated and Unregulated Home Care Services Differ

Feature	Regulated Care (At Acacia Homecare)	Unregulated Care (Private or Agency Carer)
Oversight	Inspected and held accountable by a national regulator, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.	No independent regulatory oversight; operates without inspections or formal accountability.
Services Offered	Our dedicated team offers respite care, dementia care, elderly care, and visiting care. We can legally provide personal and medical assistance, including washing, dressing, medication administration, and continence support	Limited to non-personal services like cleaning, shopping, and companionship. Cannot provide hands-on personal or medical care.
Vetting and Training	All our carers meet strict standards for vetting and training, including DBS checks and the national Care Certificate.	No mandatory training or vetting requirements beyond basic checks, creating potential risks from untrained carers.
Employer Responsibility	We directly employ our carers and manage payroll, insurance, and cover for sickness or absence.	The family acts as the employer, responsible for payments, taxes, insurance, and arranging cover if the carer is unavailable.
Accountability	A registered care manager ensures compliance with standards, with a clear complaints process.	Limited legal recourse if the family is dissatisfied; the agency is not accountable for the carer's performance.

What to Check When Hiring a Private Home Care Carer?

If you decide to hire a private carer independently, especially someone you’ve never met before, be sure to check the following:

References: Ask for at least one from a previous family they've worked with, and one from a professional source (like a former employer).
DBS Check: Always verify that they have a current valid DBS certificate.
Personal Identification: Ask for proof of ID, such as a passport, proof of address, and any relevant qualifications to confirm their identity and credentials.

Whether you choose a private individual or a professional home care service like Acacia Homecare, the most important thing is that you or your loved one receives safe, reliable, and compassionate care—when it's needed most.

Sky news reported on a case in 2024 which highlights the need for all care and carers to be regulated. Sky News Story

FAQ's

1What does Regulated Care mean?

At Acacia Homecare, regulated care means more than just meeting standards. It means providing genuine, person-centred care that adapts to each client’s needs. We cover services like domiciliary care, personal care, medication support, moving and handling, and live-in care, all monitored and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Regulated care gives families peace of mind, knowing that every service we provide is safe, accountable, and delivered by trained professionals. It’s about building relationships, ensuring safety, and evolving our care as our clients’ needs change because at Acacia Homecare, the well-being of those we care for comes first.

2Give me examples of regulated activity in homecare?

In homecare, Regulated Activity means any care or support service that is closely monitored to ensure safety, quality, and accountability. This includes: Providing healthcare. Providing personal care, such as washing, dressing, or helping with daily routines. Providing social work support. Assisting with general household matters, like cleaning or meal preparation. Helping a person manage their own affairs, such as finances or appointments. Moving and handling support for people who need help with mobility. Conveying or transporting a person to a place where they receive care or social support. Live-in care, where a carer stays in the home to provide round-the-clock support. At Acacia Homecare, all these activities are carried out under strict standards, giving you assurance that our services are safe, reliable, and delivered by trained, accountable professionals.

What Families Say about Us

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re exploring options or ready to get started, we’re here to help—no pressure, no jargon, just a friendly chat. Reach out today and let’s talk about how we can support you or your loved one. Your care journey begins with a simple “hello.”

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