Where should I start??

mboro

Hi all,:beer:

I have a question, I am looking for information on how to start up my own private night time care sitting service for people living at home.
I don't intend to employ anyone...it will just be me.

I have been in the health care sector for over 15 years and there is a big gap that needs filling within this industry. I work for an agency as a night shift Palliative carer at the moment.

I have looked on the web but nothing substantial is out there, plus half of it is for the USA.

Can someone point me in the right direction please....for a start I could do with knowing what level of qualification I would need to even begin this adventure. I realise it's going to take time and effort to get this up and running, if it's viable, but I just need a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks

Savvy_Sue

I think the fact is that you could set up such a service with absolutely no qualifications. What you'd need would be insurance, and you'd have to give some thought to what you'd need covered.

You say you're working as a palliative carer atm, so what qualifications and training have you received already? Can you administer medication safely, on your own?

One disadvantage of working on your own is what do you do if you're ill at short notice?

mboro

Hi there Savvy Sue I have seen many of your posts, all are very helpfull.

I have many qualifications in health and social care.
NVQ2.
Safe handling of Medication.
I have just started my (NVQ 3) Diploma in health and social care, and the usual basic first aid, fire safety etc.. all my qualifications are upto date for this year.
oh and a very current CRB.

I work bank shifts at my local hospice and I currently work for a well know health care agency.

Over the years I have worked in Dom care, many care homes and now as a Palliative carer. I only work night shifts.

I would need to find out what I can and can't do as a self employed carer, I am not a nurse. I am meeting with my training assessor and will put these questions to her. I believe I would need a contract of emploment drawn up for clients to sign, this could stipulate a clause on any illness I may encounter at short notice.
As for insurance, it's something I need to look into.

Ohhhh exciting times!!!!:T

paddyrg

Not a contract of employment - your individual clients are almost certainly not employers, but people paying for an ad-hoc service. This is a significant distinction legally.

You should work out your pricing to factor in your own holidays, sick pay, travel, pension, NI, and the cost of drafting in a suitable replacement if you cannot attend yourself. Reliability will be crucial - let someone down once, and they will go with whoever they find to replace you, so build up a network of colleagues who can be called in if you get double-booked, and similarly they can draft you in of they get double-booked. It is not a race to the bottom, price-wise, service is what will get you that repeat business, not being £10/night cheaper.

Insurances - talk to your tutor about what insurances you need. At an absolute minimum, public liability, professional indemnity, and possibly employers liability if you are cross-hiring for double bookings. Do not take the first insurance deal offered, different insurers prices vary wildly - I currently pay under a tenner a month for public and fire/theft whilst other companies quoted me over double, over quadruple etc. Similarly, I got a £2500 policy down to £900 for identical cover for a recent job.

Think about your other responsibilities - if you do nights, who'll do the shopping when you are sleeping in the day? Can your house get quiet enough to sleep? Dark enough? You need to really be sure you don't end up burning the candle at both ends as it'll soon zap your strength, make you ill, make you less reliable, and lose you clients. Really make sure everyone understands. Overnight shifts carry a pay premium for a reason!

mboro

Thanks for the reply Paddyrg.

I work nights as it is and can very much appreciate not burning the candle at both ends. :rotfl:

I have alot more questions for my assessor now! :eek:I have made a long list.:D