Find information about local micro-providers
If you or a loved one is thinking about finding care and are not sure where to start, the Care Connections team can talk through the options available locally and share information about independent micro-providers so that you can make your own enquiries and decisions.
How this is different from a regulated care agency
Many micro-providers are self-employed individuals who offer support directly to people and families. This can provide flexible, local and relationship-based support, but it is different from using a regulated care agency.
Care arranged directly with a self-employed micro-provider is usually a private arrangement. The provider is not employed, managed or supervised by Care Connections, and Care Connections does not regulate, inspect or guarantee the support provided.
This means you, or your lawful representative, are responsible for deciding who to contact, what checks to make, what support to agree, and whether the arrangement is right for your circumstances.
Care Connections exists because people often need help understanding the difference between regulated care services, direct private arrangements and community-based support options. Our role is to make local options clearer, not to make decisions on anyone’s behalf.
Before agreeing support, you may want to ask:
- What experience do you have?
- What support can you provide, and what is outside your role?
- Are you DBS checked and insured?
- What training have you completed?
- What are your rates, cancellation terms and availability?
- What happens if you are unwell or unavailable?
- How should concerns or changes be raised?
Micro-providers connected with the network may offer support with:
