Agency vs
United Irish Healthcare
Considering live-in or overnight care?
Discover the facts below and see why families trust United Irish Healthcare.
Agencies*
Slow Placement Time
Getting a carer with agencies generally take three weeks to one month.
You're the employer
Agencies are not the employer of the carer. You handle PRSI, USC, pension and holidays by yourself or through 3rd party.
International Carers – Not Qualified
Provide international carers with varying levels of English and cultural proficiency. Not qualified by HSE standards.
No Insurance Coverage
Carers are not insured. You need to sort this out yourself.
Cover for Emergencies
No guaranteed cover on holidays, sick days or emergencies. You pay additional fees for cover excluding wages.
Fast Placement Time
We can provide carers in as quickly as just a few days. No fees for replacement ever.
We're the Employer
You don’t need to hire your carer. They are employed by us. We handle all pay, taxes and ongoing training.
Recruits Local Carers - All Qualified
We provide local carers based in Ireland with high english and cultural proficiency that are HSE qualified.
Insurance Coverage
All of our care staff are covered by our companies insurance.
Guaranteed Cover
Guaranteed cover on holidays, sick days or emergencies. No fees for cover or replacement carers.
*This page outlines general industry practices among agency providers. Users are advised to conduct their own independent research.
What is live in care?
Live-in care is when a carer lives in your home to help with daily tasks and provide companionship. This type of care ensures constant available assistance for individuals who need it. The goal is to help clients stay safely and comfortably in their own homes, rather than moving into a care home or nursing facility. Live-in care provides continuity that isn't possible with multiple carers coming in shifts.
How much does care cost?
Standard carer rates range from €20 to €25* per hour. A tax relief is available on private home care costs which will reduce your costs. At the standard tax relief rate, the cost will reduce to €16 per hour, and if the majority of the payer's income is taxed at the higher rate (40%), this will drop to just €12 per hour. This cost also includes comprehensive insurance coverage and holiday pay for your carer.
*Prices are provided as a reference and may vary depending on the needs of the persons requiring care. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Us
No. Our carers have their own homes and will return to them when they are off duty.
Yes. You will have a designated primary carer who will be consistently available, except when they are on leave for rest, on holiday, or if they are unwell. In such cases, a reliable secondary carer, familiar to both the family and the client, will step in.
Yes, you can specify which days of the week and hours the carer will work, in accordance with your package. The number of days is flexible based on the package you purchase, allowing you to select the days that suit your needs.
However, if you opt for a 24/7 package, a carer will be available every day of the week.
Yes, there is a one-time placement fee of €799.99. This fee covers the administrative services required to assign a carer and also offsets higher ongoing costs. This ensures a smooth and professional placement process, guaranteeing families receive quality care and support during their time with us.
