Managed v Introductory Live-in care

What is the difference between managed and introductory Live-in care?

At Independent People Homecare, we provide fully managed live-in care across the county. As a CQC-regulated agency, we employ, train, and supervise our carers directly, taking full responsibility for the delivery and management of the care service. This means that all aspects of the service, from scheduling and care planning to staff support, are managed centrally by our experienced team. Our carers are employed directly by Independent People Homecare, which includes paying salaries, providing holiday and sick pay, and making all necessary national insurance and pension contributions. The service is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of care and safety at all times.

In addition to our managed care model, we also offer access to an introductory care service through our partner company, Ivy Palmer. As an introduction agency regulated under the Social Care Act 2008, Ivy Palmer operates differently from a managed agency. They provide a network of carefully matched carers, giving you the flexibility to choose who you wish to hire. The carers are employed directly by you and are self-employed, which encourages a highly personalised approach to care. This model allows clients to have greater control over the tasks their carer undertakes and to build a more individualised, person-centred care relationship.

By working closely with our partner company, Independent People Homecare can offer clients the choice of both care models from a single, trusted source. Whether you prefer the reassurance and structure of a fully managed service or the flexibility and direct control of an introductory service, we can support your needs and guide you through the process of selecting the right care option. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the care that best suits their circumstances, providing both quality and peace of mind.

What are the key benefits of Managed Care or Introductory Care?

Managed live-in care with Independent People Homecare
At Independent People Homecare, we provide fully managed live-in care across England. Our carers are employed directly by us, and we take full responsibility for their recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing management. This ensures that every aspect of the service, from personalised care planning to day-to-day support and staff scheduling, is professionally managed and delivered to the highest standards.

We are rated “Good” in all five areas by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which reflects our commitment to providing safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led services. Managed care is ideal if you prefer a structured, fully supported approach, where all responsibilities, including payroll, employment rights, pensions, sick pay, holiday pay, and insurance, are handled by the agency.

Key benefits of managed care with Independent People Homecare:

• Professional oversight: All carers are trained, supervised, and supported by our experienced management team, ensuring consistent quality of care.
• Comprehensive support: We handle all employment obligations and administrative tasks, meaning you do not have to manage contracts, pay, or taxes.
• Continuity of care: Our management team ensures that carers are well-matched to clients and remain in post for the long term wherever possible, providing stability and trust.
• Regulated and safe: Being CQC-regulated and rated “Good” in all five areas gives reassurance that the care provided is safe, reliable, and accountable.
• Flexible care planning: Managed care can adapt to changing needs, with adjustments to care schedules or support levels coordinated by our team, without you having to handle the logistics.

Choice and flexibility with our partner company, Ivy Palmer
Through our partner company, Ivy Palmer, we also offer an introductory live-in care service. In this model, carers are self-employed and introduced to you through a carefully matched selection from their extensive network. This gives you the flexibility to choose the carer who best fits your preferences and needs. The carer is employed directly by you, allowing you full control over the care provided and the tasks they carry out.

Key benefits of introductory care with Ivy Palmer:

• Choice of care: You and your family can select the live-in carer that best matches your requirements. A 24-hour on-call support service is available to assist you whenever needed.
• Responsibility and control: You have direct oversight of the care, allowing you to make adjustments quickly and ensure the service meets your expectations.
• Experienced carers: Many carers prefer this model as it gives them autonomy and allows them to stay longer with clients, creating continuity of care.
• Cost and practicality: Introductory care services are often more cost-effective than fully managed care. While you are legally responsible as the employer, including salary, tax, holiday and sick pay, pension contributions, and liability insurance, Ivy Palmer can manage these administrative responsibilities for you. This allows you to make a single payment while they ensure everything is compliant, leaving you free to focus on the care itself.

By offering both models, Independent People Homecare and our partner company Ivy Palmer provide the flexibility to choose the care solution that best meets your needs, whether you prefer the reassurance of a fully managed service or the personalised control of an introductory care arrangement.

Is a managed service or an introduction service better for me?

The choice between a managed live-in care service and an introductory service depends entirely on your individual circumstances, needs, and preferences.

Managed live-in care with Independent People Homecare
If the customer is vulnerable, has complex care needs, or does not have family nearby to assist, a fully managed service from Independent People Homecare may be the better option. Our managed service provides professional oversight, comprehensive support, and continuity of care.

• We provide care across England and employ our carers directly, taking responsibility for all recruitment, training, supervision, and management.

• As a CQC-regulated agency rated “Good” in all five areas, we are regularly inspected to ensure care is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.

• Managed care is ideal for those who prefer reassurance that all aspects of employment, payroll, insurance, and administrative responsibilities are handled by the agency.

• While managed services are normally more expensive than introductory services, they offer peace of mind, consistent quality, and professional management of every aspect of care.

Introductory care with our partner company, Ivy Palmer
For clients who are more independent or comfortable taking on some responsibility themselves, an introductory live-in care service through our partner company, Ivy Palmer, may be more suitable.

• Introductory agencies are not directly regulated by the CQC, as they do not provide care themselves. Instead, they introduce carefully matched self-employed carers, giving you the flexibility to choose the right person for your needs.

• This model can be more cost-effective and allows you greater control over the care and the tasks your carer performs.

• While you are legally responsible as the employer, including salary, tax, holiday and sick pay, pension contributions, and liability insurance, Ivy Palmer can manage these administrative responsibilities, simplifying the process.

Which option is right for you?

• Choose a managed service if you value professional oversight, comprehensive support, and reassurance that everything is handled for you.

• Choose an introductory service if you want flexibility, direct control over your carer, and are comfortable with some responsibilities being in your hands, with support available from our partner company.

By offering both options, Independent People Homecare and our partner company Ivy Palmer ensure that clients can access the model of care that best meets their needs, whether they prioritise full support or personalised control.

 

Below we show the differences between the service types to help guide you.

Feature	Managed Live-in Care Independent People Homecare	Introductory Live-in Care Ivy Palmer
Control over care	✅ The provider employs, trains, and manages the carer. Care is delivered within a structured framework, ensuring professional oversight.	✅ You are in full control of the carer and decide exactly how and what support is provided.
Choice of carer	✅ Carers are carefully matched and managed by the agency, providing continuity and consistent quality.	✅ You can select the carer that best matches your preferences from a large network.
Regulation and oversight	✅ CQC-regulated and rated “Good” in all five areas, ensuring safe, effective, and reliable care.	✅ Not regulated by the CQC, giving more flexibility and direct control.
Responsibility for care management	✅ The agency manages all aspects of care, including training, supervision, and administration, providing peace of mind.	✅ You manage the care, giving you personalised control.
Cost structure	✅ Costs include central management, insurance, and office support, reflecting the fully managed service.	✅ You pay for the services you use, often more cost-effective.

To learn more about our live-in care or to have an informal chat, please call us today or email: hello1764946411@ipho1764946411mecar1764946411e.co.1764946411uk1764946411.