Instead of employing carers directly, we connect customers with self-employed carers, giving you the freedom to decide who you want in your home providing care. You contract directly with the carer you select, as outlined in our terms and conditions. This model puts you in charge, enabling you to lead your chosen carer—possibly with the support of family members—in managing daily care needs, including personal care, risk management, and consistency of care. You set the tone for how you would like things done.

As an Introductory Agency, Joyful Care does not direct or control the ongoing care provided. Instead, our role is to support you in finding the ideal carer match. We work alongside you and your family, suggesting candidates and taking feedback until you find the right fit. Our Care Partnership Team is always available to assist, but you retain control of your care experience.

Joyful Care’s Introductory Agency Model:

1. You are in charge of choosing and managing your self-employed carer.
2. We help coordinate payroll so you don’t have to.
3. Our Care Partnership Team provides support and guidance, while you manage your own care experience.
4. We maintain regular contact to ensure satisfaction and provide feedback.
5. If your needs change, we’re here to support any adjustments to your carer arrangement.

Fully Managed Care Agencies:

1. They manage and monitor care directly, making decisions based on their assessments.
2. Develop care plans and make changes without requiring your direct input.
3. Directly employ carers and train them, ensuring full control over their roles and duties.
4. Implement prescriptive care plans and adjust services based on ongoing assessments.

Your self-employed carer is permitted to prompt medication but not administer it. They are not trained or assessed by us for administering medications, so they cannot dispense prescribed doses on your behalf. They may only prompt medication as part of their support, ensuring the person needing care maintains independence over their own medication routines.

Guidelines for Self-Employed Carers Assisting with Medication:

According to regulations:

• Self-employed carers, who are not healthcare professionals, may assist with medication only under certain conditions:
  • The medication is prescribed and dispensed or is a safe, over-the-counter remedy.
  • The individual being cared for would ordinarily be able to manage their medication, but has chosen to have assistance.
  • In cases where the individual is unable to make their own medication decisions, the carer may administer it if deemed in the individual’s best interest and agreed upon by relevant parties.

We recommend that self-employed carers obtain training in medication assistance to ensure safety, but as an introductory agency, we cannot mandate it. Customers who engage a self-employed carer understand that Joyful Care has no management role over medication support. If you require ongoing assistance with medication, please discuss and agree upon a protocol directly with your carer.