How to find private clients as a self-employed carer

Start with the people who already know you

Almost every self-employed carer's first clients come through word of mouth. Tell everyone you know that you're working independently: former colleagues, friends, family, neighbours, and — with their permission and no pressure — families you've supported before. People trust a carer someone they know can vouch for.

Ask happy clients and their families to recommend you. A short message they can forward to a friend is worth more than any advert. When a client moves on or no longer needs care, it's fine to say: if you know anyone looking for a carer, I'd be grateful if you passed my number on.

Local community groups and Facebook

Local Facebook groups are where families ask for carer recommendations. Join the community groups for your town and surrounding villages, plus groups for self-employed carers and PAs. Don't just post an advert — answer questions helpfully, and people will remember your name when someone asks 'does anyone know a good carer?'.

Check each group's rules before posting about your services. Many allow a weekly services post or recommendations on request. A genuine, helpful reply to 'can anyone recommend a carer for my mum?' is the single most effective advert there is.

Direct payments and personal budgets

Many people who need care receive direct payments from their local council, or a personal health budget from the NHS, and use that money to hire their own carer or PA. These clients are actively looking for self-employed carers.

Contact your local council's adult social care team and ask how self-employed carers and PAs can be made known to people with direct payments. Many areas have a PA register, a support service, or a local organisation that matches PAs with employers. Be ready with your DBS, insurance and references — councils usually ask for them.

Online directories and introductory sites

There are websites where families search for local carers and PAs. Some are free directories, some are introductory agencies that take a fee or commission. Read the terms carefully before signing up: check whether you stay self-employed, who sets the rate, and what happens to your client relationship if you leave the platform.

A simple Google Business Profile also helps local families find you when they search 'carer near me' — it's free, and you can list your services, area and contact details.

Places families already go for advice

Think about where families look before they need care urgently: GP surgeries, pharmacies, community nurses, occupational therapists, churches and faith groups, Age UK and carers' centres, and local dementia or Parkinson's support groups. Professionals can't usually recommend one carer, but many keep a list or noticeboard you can ask to be added to.

A simple one-page profile or business card you can leave with these places works well: your name, what you offer, your area, your checks and insurance, and how to contact you.

Be ready when someone says yes

Families decide quickly, and the carer who can show their paperwork first usually gets the work. Before you start looking, have these ready to show on your phone:

• An up-to-date DBS check (ideally on the Update Service)
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Your training certificates
• A written contract or service agreement you can adapt
• Your policies — safeguarding, confidentiality, medication, complaints
• References from previous clients or employers

How Carer Hub helps

Carer Hub keeps all of that in one place on your phone. When a family asks to see your documents, you can share a profile PDF with your photo, details, documents and training in a couple of taps. When they say yes, you can get the contract and consent form signed on your phone there and then, with a copy emailed to both of you.