A regulated managed service is always best from the perspective of accountability, training and insurance but it really depends on individual situations. If the client is unable to take control of their care, instruct the carer and manage their employment, then a fully managed regulated service like Eaton Home Care is often the better option. Regulated services will often be more expensive. However, they offer a better service as they are inspected regularly by the Care Quality Commission and closely monitor and provide on-going training for the care workers. Regulated providers take full responsibility for the acts and omissions of their staff. Introductory live-in care agencies are not under the remit of the Care Quality Commission, as they are not acting as a provider of care. The limit of their liability ends following the introduction. Unregulated services are ideal for those people who, apart from a physical issue, are able to manage their lives, such as young (under 65) disabled people. Introductory agencies are unregulated live-in care agencies that introduce live-in carers to the customer. The live-in carer can work on a self-employed basis or alternatively, the customer may be required to take on all the responsibilities of an employer. Introductory care services often don’t continue a relationship with the client and cannot offer advice on care or health issues. Anyone can set up as an unregulated service provider without background checks and there is also no formal mechanism for complaints unless they relate to the introduction service itself. Your care needs would not be assessed by a care professional and introduction agencies are not allowed to do this by law. Instead unregulated care relies upon the client being sole advisor and ‘persons responsible’ for giving instructions to the care worker. The lack of an impartial mediator can put the client in a vulnerable position.