When you are employing a carer in your home, understanding the different types of roles available is key — because each carries its own responsibilities. Knowing which kind of carer you require helps you prepare the right contract and employment terms from the start.
Companion carer
A companion carer can also be called a visiting carer. Their duties may include:
- Keeping company, conversation and emotional support
- Light domestic tasks (e.g., cooking, tidying)
- Prompting medication or helping with daily routines
For payroll, consider whether you require set or flexible hours.
Live-in carer
A live-in carer resides in your home and provides full-time support to someone who needs constant or high-level care. They may cover:
- Personal and intimate care throughout the day and evening
- Mobility assistance, frequent monitoring and supervision
- Full household support as part of their role
Someone who requires this level of support may look to employ more than one carer.
Night-time carer
A night-time carer supports someone who cannot consistently sleep through the night and needs care or supervision during overnight hours. There are two common models:
- Carer stays awake the entire night, ready to respond
- Carer is on-site, sleeping though but available to wake and act when needed
It can be the case that carers who stay awake overnight charge higher rates.
Personal carer
A personal carer specialises in intimate and personal aspects of support, such as:
- Assisting with dressing/undressing
- Bathing or showering
- Toileting and continence care
Remember to clarify requirements and ensure all needs are covered.
Mobility carer
A mobility carer assists with movement, physical activity and specialised support. Their role can include:
- Helping with transfers (e.g., from bed to chair)
- Supporting exercise or physiotherapy routines
- Helping with eating and drink for those with mobility-related issues
Pay rates may be dependent on skillsets.
Palliative carer
A palliative carer provides end-of-life support and may work with someone who is terminally ill. Duties often include:
- Personal care and emotional support for the person and their family
- Comfort care, monitoring, possibly liaising with other care professionals
- A palliative carer may also support the family of the client
Consider any shift or on-call requirements and ensure they are compliant with employment law.
Specialist carer
A specialist carer is trained to support someone with extra or very specific needs — for example early or late-stage dementia, complex physical disabilities, or significant behavioural challenges. Their duties can include:
- Advanced care techniques
- Complex mobility or safety support
- High-level supervision or risk management
Because of the specialist nature of this role, higher pay, additional contractual terms or training documentation may be required.
Respite carer
A respite carer gives a break to unpaid carers (such as family members). They might be employed for:
- Short-term periods (1-2 hours) to relieve the primary carer
- Longer durations (several weeks) while the family carer takes time off
You should consider how you will manage pay, holiday entitlement and more when setting up your arrangements.